December 26, 2008, Newsletter Issue #75: U.S. Luxury Hotel Ratings Defined

Tip of the Week

Two major and respected U.S. organizations are the American Automobile Association and the Mobil Travel Guide.

The American Automobile Association, or AAA, uses diamonds to rate properties. First a hotel must apply to be rated, then inspectors secretly come to evaluate the property. Diamond ratings, from one to five, are given depending on the service and amenities. A 1-diamond hotel would be a basic, clean accommodation, but a 5-star is described like this: Properties reflect the characteristics of the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. Accommodations are first class. The physical attributes are extraordinary in every manner. The fundamental hallmarks at this level are providing meticulous service, exceeding guest expectations, and maintaining impeccable standards of excellence. Many personalized services and amenities provide an unmatched level of comfort.

The Mobil Travel Guide, which has rated properties since 1958, uses a star system, from one to five. Mobil inspectors come incognito to rate each hotel or property they plan to review and have a stringent list of requirements properties must meet to rate a star. Very few make the five-star rating.

Of course, there are many websites and mangazines that also rank luxury hotels. Choose a source you trust and do your research. Here are a few suggestions spanning the country.

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