Wednesday, January 19, 2011

AAA's Five Diamond Hotels for 2011

Are AAA-rated Five Diamond hotels just a dream for you, or do you stay in them regularly? Even if you've never had a chance to experience what is considered the highest level of luxury hotels by AAA—the “best of the best”--there's always this year. After careful consideration, AAA determined the newest crop of 2011 Five Diamond recipients.

For those not in-the-know, AAA Five-Diamond rated hotels are extremely rare. The Five-Diamond status is given to only .3% of the 59,000 hotels that AAA inspectors visit every year, and the distinction is only bestowed upon luxury hotels in the United States, Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico. Since we can't be the inspectors—what a perfect job that would be, right?--we will take the next best thing-- an opportunity to experience one of their favorite properties in this side of the northern hemisphere.

You could hope that with your good taste, you could choose one of the 179 hotels on AAA's list by accident, but do you want to risk it? A AAA-rated Five Diamond hotel is the perfect pick for someone with high standards, but it's not just a standard hotel stay. Out of 179 hotels, there will be some that feature Exclusive Complimentary Perks that you've never experienced—these are the hotels you need to book in 2011!

Five Diamond Hotel Highlights: The “Best of the Best” Sampler

Right in our backyard:
The Four Season Miami - first made the list in 2006 and has maintained it ever since.
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, first on the list in 2009 and has maintained it for 3 consecutive years!

Trump International Hotel and Tower New York: The Trump International Hotel on the Upper West Side strives for the highest level of luxury service and amenities, and the 167 hotel suites and guestrooms feature fully-equipped kitchens and dramatic windows for stunning New York views.

Tortuga Bay Punta Cana Resort and Club in Punta Cana: Have you ever thought about riding a horse down the beach? Now's your chance to check something off the bucket list with the Tortuga Bay Punta Cana Resort and Club. Nine internationally-recognized restaurants are minutes away from your hotel, and you can't forget to snap pictures of the lush Dominican forests on your drives and excursions--including that horseback ride.

Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen: White sand beaches are just part of the appeal of Grand Velas, which provides elegant accommodations, a supreme spa, concierge services, and a convention center. With family-friendly options at Grand Velas, it sounds like everyone's invited to enjoy Playa del Carmen the right way.

Jade Mountain Resort in Soufriere: Will you be able to pull yourself away from the sweeping views? Jade Mountain rises above a 600-acre beachfront and the sparkling Caribbean, and has consistently been noted as one of the most dazzling sanctuaries in its category. It's no surprise that the resort has received Five Diamond attention as well.

Ritz-Carlton (Denver): This unforgettable luxury hotel flaunts a signature restaurant, Elway's, and is located in the center of downtown Denver. Explore Larimer Square and the 16th Street Pedestrian Promenade by day, and then get your spa treatment before you go out on the town. Natural stone and wood create a relaxing haven for guests.

Out of the hotels that have been chosen as 2011 Five Diamond Winners, many have placed on the list for consecutive years running. 124 hotels on the list have received Five Diamond status for multiple years in a row in 2010, and 15 hotels added to last year's list were new to the Five Diamond distinction. Even more impressive than the three-years-running recipients are the few hotels on the AAA Five Diamond Hotel list that have maintained Five Diamond Status for more than thirty years—35, to be exact. The lucky locations? The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs; Camelback Inn, the JW Marriott Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz.; and The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

Will more hotels start setting Five Diamond records? We'd like to hope so, but now's your chance to explore 2011 picks. Don't wait!

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