by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:23 PM ET, Wed January 31, 2018
AAA revealed Wednesday that 121 hotels earned the AAA Five Diamond Rating over the past 12 months and eight hotels have been added as Five Diamond honorees.
To earn the coveted Five Diamond Rating, hotels undergo in-person inspections, anonymous overnight stays and a review by a panel of experts to ensure credibility. In total, less than .5 percent of the 27,000-plus AAA inspected and approved hotels receive the Five Diamond Rating.
For travelers looking for hotels at the Four Diamond level, there are currently 1,676 Four Diamond hotels, all of which are defined by upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.
"Attaining a Five Diamond Rating is an exceptional accomplishment that signifies meticulous attention to detail, creativity in enhancing comfort, outstanding service and memorable guest experiences," AAA Inspections & Diamond Ratings director Michael Petrone said in a statement. "And as more mid-scale and even budget properties are adding amenities for comfort and convenience, hotels that aim for a Five Diamond Rating must stay far ahead of the curve to differentiate themselves through advanced design concepts, highest quality furnishings and scrupulous attention to guests' expectations."
AAA provided a list of the eight hotels honored with Five Diamond status and insight on what makes the facilities so special.
-Esperanza An Auberge Resort - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Guests can enjoy the water many ways at this intimate seaside resort: They can soak in hot tubs in terraces overlooking the ocean, swim in one of several pools or lounge on a private beach.
-Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown - New York City: High-tech meets classic comforts with features including an indoor 75-foot lap pool bathed in natural light and surrounded by comfortable chaise lounges.
-Grand Luxxe Riviera Maya - Playa del Carmen, Mexico: A multi-tiered pool and theater built for world-class Cirque du Soleil shows are among the unique offerings at this resort.
-Grand Velas Los Cabos - San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico: This new resort offers oversized, elegant suites with dramatic ocean views. All guest units include terraces, some of which have plunge pools.
-Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa - Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands: This stylish oceanfront resort, named after the jaw-dropping bursts of color guests can view at sunset, includes fully furnished balconies with sofa seating and an 8,500-square-foot spa with a Turkish hammam.
-The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue - New York City: Close-up views of the Empire State Building are among the stunning hallmarks of this property. Rooms have fine wood finishes, high-tech accessories, and marble bathrooms.
-The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas - Dallas, Texas: Museum-quality artwork, a luxurious club-level lounge and a nationally acclaimed restaurant set this hotel apart.
-Williamsburg Inn - Williamsburg, Virginia: Just a few minutes' walk from the historic area, this opulent inn takes guests back in time, with richly canopied beds, silk drapes and bedding, antiques and fine artwork.
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