The AAA Diamond Program released its highly anticipated 2026 Top 10 hotel and restaurant, which are broken down into four categories: Top 10 Hotels Overall, Top U.S. Hotels (including one in Canada), Top 10 Restaurants Overall and Top Mexico Restaurants.
“These outstanding properties received the highest scores during objective AAA inspections,” AAA said.
“Throughout the year, AAA Inspectors visit hotels and restaurants across North America, the Caribbean and Costa Rica unannounced, and in some cases anonymously, to verify the 4 Cs of AAA Diamonds: Cleanliness, Comfort, Cuisine, and Consistency,” the company added. “As part of the Five Diamond hotel inspection process, AAA Inspectors spend the night at the properties to better evaluate the surroundings and service.”
Top Hotels Overall
The 10 Hotels receiving the Five Diamond designations – including seven properties from Mexico – were Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Lanai City, Hawaii; Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; Four Seasons Resort & Residences Los Cabos at Costa at Costa Palmas; Four Seasons Hotel Montreal; Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, Isla Mujeres, Mexico; The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, S.C.; Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, The St. Regis Mexico City; and Grand Velas Riviera Maya and La Casa de La Playa by Xcaret, both of which are set in Playa del Carmen.
Top U.S., Canada Hotels
Recipients of the Five Diamond designation for U.S., including three from New York City – Aman New York, Baccarat and The Peninsula New York – along with the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Lanai City, Hawaii; The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort; The Peninsula Chicago; The Umstead Hotel & Spa, Cary, N.C.; The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Mandarin Oriental, Boston and Ocean House, Watch Hill, R.I.
Top Restaurants Overall
The Five-Diamond designation for the 10 top restaurants featured five New York City restaurants, including Per Se, Jean-Georges Restaurant, Eleven Madison Park and Le Bernadin, and Daniel, as well as Victoria & Albert’s, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Restaurant Taniere3 and Restaurant Laurie Raphael in Quebec City, Canada; Herons, Cary, N.C.; Restaurant Laurie Raphael, Quebec City, Canada; and Le Mer, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Top Mexico Restaurants
Nine of the nine of the 10 Five-Diamond designations went to restaurants in the state of Quintana Roo, win also award to Los Cabos’ Cocina de Autor in San Jose del Cabo Quintana Roo are designated rewards awarded with Five Diamonds include Le Chique, Puerto Morelos; Cocina de Autor, Teodoro, Ha’ and Xaak in Playa del Carmen; Le Basilic, The Club and Fantino in Cancun; and Autur in Tulum.
“AAA Travel delivers exceptional experiences, and we’re thrilled to reveal AAA Diamonds Top 10 Lists of the very best hotels and restaurants,” said Chris Andersen, director of the AAA Diamond Program.
“These properties aren’t just beautiful places to stay or delicious dining options; they are dream destinations and culinary gems that provide unforgettable experiences. AAA Five Diamond hotels and restaurants are already the best of the best; the following properties are in a league of their own,” she added.
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