Ultra-luxury accommodations use creativity and technological conveniences to deliver one-of-a-kind services and amenities
Jan 15, 2016 | Travel
ORLANDO, Fla. (January 15, 2016) – AAA has unveiled 118 hotels that have earned the AAA/CAA Five Diamond Rating in the past 12 months, qualifying them for the 2016 Five Diamond Award® list. This exclusive group represents just 0.4 percent of the nearly 28,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels.
The only hotel to achieve Five Diamond status in the Delaware Valley is the Rittenhouse, located in Philadelphia, which first achieved Five Diamond status in 1991.
A number of hotels in the Delaware Valley were rewarded with Four Diamond status. Those hotels include: the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City; Caesars Atlantic City; Golden Nugget Atlantic City; The Water Club by Borgata, Atlantic City; The Southern Mansion, Cape May, NJ; the Hotel du Pont, Wilmington, Del.; and 11 hotels in Philadelphia – the Hotel Monaco, Hotel Palomar, Hyatt at The Bellevue, Le Meridien, Loews Philadelphia, Radisson Blu Warwick, Sofitel, The Franklin Hotel at Independence Park, The Hilton Inn at Penn, the Ritz-Carlton and the Westin Philadelphia.
AAA inspectors have an unmatched first-person, on-site view of emerging hospitality trends. “At the Five Diamond level, we’re seeing hotels using new technology to expand the scope and depth of the traditional hallmarks of ultra-luxury accommodations: indulgent pampering and highly personalized service,” said Michael Petrone, director, AAA Inspections & Diamond Ratings. “For example, using virtual touchpoints such as text messaging, social media and apps, hotels reach out to guests before, during and after their stay. These tools allow guests to interact at their own convenience to further personalize their stay. They can reserve special services like in-room spa treatments, check in and out, maintain their guest folios and share experiences and photos with other travelers.”
Of note among the new additions to the list are three properties that are the only Five Diamond hotels in exclusive destination areas: Marana, Ariz.; Sea Island, Ga. and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. New York City and Toronto continue to add ultra-luxury accommodations, gaining their ninth and fourth Five Diamond hotels, respectively. Additionally, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., remains the only hotel that has maintained the Five Diamond Rating for 40 consecutive years – since 1976 when AAA first introduced the Diamond Ratings for accommodations.
“Attaining the Five Diamond Rating is an impressive accomplishment and a point of great pride for these top hotels,” said Petrone. “Five Diamond establishments stand apart by redefining personalized service, using creativity to enhance guest comfort and providing memorable experiences.” Candidates for the rating undergo multiple unannounced evaluations and a final decision by a panel of experts. Using guidelines weighted by member priorities, inspectors meticulously evaluate guest services and physical attributes to assess the level of competence, refinement and hospitality and assign a corresponding rating of One to Five Diamonds.
Following rigorous evaluations from AAA’s professional inspectors, the following six hotels were added as first-time Five Diamond honorees.
Hotel Mousai – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
AAA Inspector Notes: This chic hotel, exclusively for adults, offers the ultimate in contemporary design in its rooms and public areas. Distinctive personal attention includes a mid-day "siesta" hammock service. Using an iPad to control the electric curtains, guests enjoy stunning hilltop views that offer both jungle and seaside vistas. Exclusive amenities include a rooftop pool, world-class spa and a gym with yoga room and resident DJ.
Park Hyatt New York – New York, N.Y.
AAA Inspector Notes: An ultra-refined, modernist style greets guests at this gleaming glass jewel in the center of Midtown. The spacious rooms feature a custom designed beverage center and a media hub integrated with curated art and designer furnishings, complemented by fine linens, aromatic scents and an oversized soaking tub. Facilities include an indoor pool and state-of-the-art 1,845-square-foot fitness center. This pet-friendly property donates all pet fees to animal charities.
St. Regis Deer Valley – Park City, Utah
AAA Inspector Notes: Located on a ski run with true slope-side ski-in/ski-out access, the guest experience begins with a peaceful funicular tram ride up the mountain, offering stunning picture-postcard views. The luxurious lobby, split-level infinity pool and convenient ski beach for downhill rest breaks invite total relaxation. The rooms, baths and one- to four-bedroom condominiums are luxuriously appointed. Refreshments include a daily afternoon iced tea social, nightly s'mores for the kids and a dramatic evening Champagne sabering for adults by the fire pits.
The Cloister – Sea Island, Ga.
AAA Inspector Notes: This exclusive luxury resort features five miles of private beach, championship sports and recreation, lush gardens and a seaside spa. Rooms are large, luxurious and uniquely designed. Relax in an overstuffed chair and treat your feet to the caress of handmade Turkish rugs after a full day of boating, tennis, squash or your favorite beach activity.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain – Marana, Ariz.
AAA Inspector Notes: Nestled into the Tortolita Mountains, this elegant resort features rooms with expansive views and luxurious baths as well as world-class golf facilities. Influenced by the traditions of the Sonoran desert, the spa features ancient curative rituals and eco-holistic therapies, a treat for guests who wish to be pampered. Enjoy an indoor-outdoor fitness center, complete with a private fireplace and courtyard, and mountain-view serenity pool terrace surrounded by ancient Native American carvings in nearby rocks.
Trump International Hotel and Tower Toronto – Toronto, Ontario
AAA Inspector Notes: Set in the heart of the city's financial district, this stunning showpiece soars high in the sky. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer guests remarkable city views. Luxury is standard as each room features Bellino fine linens with an extensive pillow menu, a European-style wet bar with a Nespresso machine and a stone-finished bathroom with a deep soaking tub, rain shower and in-mirror TV. Business features include personalized stationery, business cards, and an in-room fax machine and computer, on request.
For more information about Diamond Ratings and the complete lists of Four and Five Diamond hotels, visit AAA.com/Diamonds.
About AAA Inspections
For 80 years, AAA has used professional inspectors to conduct in-person property evaluations. AAA offers the only rating system using comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant evaluations guided by member priorities. With a far greater inventory than any other rating entity, AAA’s rating system covers the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Travelers can find Diamond Rated establishments and inspector insight in AAA’s trip planning products: the AAA Mobile® app, the online TripTik® Travel Planner mapping and routing tool, searchable online Travel Guides and AAA TourBook® guides available to members at AAA/CAA offices.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 55 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.