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    INSPECTIONS HISTORY

    Diamond Articles & VideosHotelRestaurantFeatured AAA Diamond Hotels

    In 1937, AAA began field inspections of lodgings and restaurants. With the launch of inspections, AAA began publishing detailed property descriptions to provide members with valuable information about services and facilities.

    In 1963, AAA adopted a formal rating system for TourBook guide accommodation listings. The 1963-1964 edition Florida and Southeastern TourBook guides were the first to carry these ratings, which included four specific categories: Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding.

    In 1976 (for publication in the 1977 TourBook edition), the early lodging rating system evolved into the Diamond Rating System for lodgings. A diamond was chosen as AAA’s rating symbol in honor of the association's 75th anniversary.

    In 1985, AAA began assigning Diamond Ratings for restaurants. The ratings were rolled out to designated regions over several years, concluding in 1991 with publication in all TourBook titles.

    Today, more than 80 years later, AAA continues to employ a team of professional, highly training inspectors to travel America's roads, testing out places to stay, dine and play on behalf of members.

    Hotels

    Diamond Designations for Hotels:
    Quality of Experience, Range of Amenities and Level of Hospitality

    AAA's 62 million members book more than 31% of all paid room nights in North America, and they rely on our assurance that every Diamond-designated property has met our standards for guest quality, cleanliness and condition.

    For more than 80 years, our team of professional inspectors have conducted unannounced, independent, in-person property inspections across 26,000 hotel properties in North America.

    Noteworthy by meeting the industry-leading standards of AAA inspections. Great for: Budget-friendly short stays

    Comprehensive amenities style and comfort level. Great for: Family travel

    Upscale style and amenities with the right touch of service. Great for: A romantic getaway

    World-class luxury, amenities and indulgence for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Great for: The ultimate in relaxation


    Watch video to learn more about the AAA Hotel Diamond Designations.
    Search Diamond Hotels

    Restaurants

    Diamond Designations for Restaurants:
    Quality of Experience, Range of Amenities, and Level of Hospitality

    Restaurants must pass an on-site evaluation with 13 minimum requirements to be approved as a Diamond property. There are 57 elements included in the score that determines a property’s Diamond level.

    Noteworthy by meeting the industry-leading standards of AAA inspections.

    Trendy food skillfully presented in a remarkable setting.

    Distinctive fine dining, well-serviced amid upscale ambience.

    Leading-edge cuisine, ingredients and preparation with extraordinary service and surroundings.


    Watch video to learn more about the AAA Restaurant Diamond Designations.
    SEARCH DIAMOND RESTAURANTS

    Featured Diamonds Hotels

    Discover the rich insight AAA’s professional inspectors offer travelers – from details on room, bath and public areas to special badges for exceptional offerings. Check out the Inspector Notes and traveler reviews for insider views on factors that define the way you travel.

    Diamond Articles & Videos

    Enjoy a peek behind the curtain to see what it’s like to be a AAA inspector. Read their fascinating bios and tweets … find out which properties impress even these picky travelers … follow along on actual inspections … and hear why hotel and restaurant managers value the Diamonds and AAA/CAA members.

    Featured ArticleHow to Pick the Best Hotel for Your Trip

    Every Diamond hotel and restaurant is a good choice for members.
    View Article

    Testimonial Videos

    Hear about the value of AAA Diamonds from hotels and restaurants.
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    Meet the Experts

    Get to know the professionals working behind the scenes to provide information and insight you...
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    Inspector Shadows

    Hear what reporters have to say as they follow along on real hotel and restaurant inspections.
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    Inspections History

    Step back more than 80 years to 1937, when AAA hired its first team of professional field inspectors.
    View Article
    AAA’s B2B Website
    Explore the benefits of becoming a AAA Diamond hotel or restaurant. Learn about exclusive marketing programs that increase your visibility to 62 million members.
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    AAA NewsRoom
    Discover a wealth of media materials including news releases, fact sheets, photos and graphics for creating news stories about the AAA Diamond Program.
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