Indianapolis, IN (Dec. 23, 2008) – Nine lodgings and one restaurant in AAA Hoosier Motor Club territory have been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Rating for the year 2009.

Lodgings at this level offer an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail. Restaurants at this level offer a distinctive fine-dining experience marked by high-quality ingredients, creative presentation, and attentive service.

Lodging award winners and the consecutive number of years each has received the AAA Four Diamond Award, shown in parenthesis, include:
French Lick Resort (2)
West Baden Springs Hotel (2)
Canterbury Hotel (24)
Conrad Indianapolis (2)
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown (8)
Omni Severin Hotel (19)
The Villa Inn, Restaurant and Spa (1)
The Westin Indianapolis (5)
University Place Conference Center & Hotel (3)

AAA Hoosier Motor Club’s sole Four Diamond restaurant recipient for 2009 is Restaurant Tallent (2) in Bloomington.

These facilities are all part of a select group. Just 3.9 percent of the more than 31,000 AAA Rated® lodgings and 2.8 percent of the 27,000 AAA Rated restaurants were awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond designation for 2009. 

“AAA Four Diamond Award winners represent an important tier of the hospitality industry, offering guests superior experiences with a high level of hospitality in luxurious surroundings,” said Michael Petrone, AAA director of Tourism Information Development. “To achieve and maintain this level of service is an amazing accomplishment.”

The assignment of a AAA rating of One to Five Diamonds marks the completion of a successful annual evaluation. All properties must first meet AAA’s rigorous requirements to become AAA Approved® establishments.

AAA’s Diamond Rating System is the only ratings system that covers all of North America and one of only two that conducts physical, on-site evaluations. It is the only system that uses full-time, professionally trained evaluators to inspect each property on an annual basis using a set of guidelines that are made available to all establishments.

AAA evaluates more properties than any other rating entity. Additionally, AAA provides travelers the opportunity to post comments on AAA.com about their experiences at AAA Approved and Diamond Rated establishments. Information about AAA Diamond Ratings and the complete 2009 Four Diamond Award winners list are accessible at AAA.com/Diamonds.

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