How to Read AAA Hotel Ratings

Long considered a straight-forward way to determine the quality of a lodging property, the AAA Diamond Rating System is an easy way to see if a hotel meets your requirements. Hotels are rated from 1 Diamond (budget travel) to 5 Diamonds (luxury travel) but all rated hotels must meet basic requirements for cleanliness, safety and comfort. AAA rates hotels in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. AAA sends undercover inspectors to rated properties to ensure the properties continue to meet AAA's standards.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

AAA Guidebook Access to the web
AAA Guidebook
Access to the web

Step 1

Refer to an AAA Guidebook or visit the AAA website (see link in References). A breakdown of the ratings system is available in either place.

Step 2

Determine what level of lodging property you prefer. Ratings are broken down into five categories: 1 Diamond (budget); 2 Diamonds (value); 3 Diamonds (moderate); 4 Diamonds (upscale); and 5 Diamonds (luxury).

Step 3

Select the general area or particular property that you wish to visit. In your guidebook or online, locate the area and each rated property will have diamonds or an "FYI" symbol next to it. The FYI symbol denotes a property that has not yet been reviewed.

Step 4

Compare properties by reading through the provided information. Refer back to the Diamond Guide to see exactly what requirements and amenities the properties must provide to meet a certain level of diamond.

Step 5

Rated properties may have either red or black diamonds. Red diamonds indicate a property that pays an annual licensing fee to AAA to use its logo in advertising. Black diamonds indicate the same level of quality, but the property does not pay a licensing fee.

Tips & Warnings

AAA guarantees that it has eliminated sub-standard properties from its listings, so you will be able to book with confidence. If you are an AAA member, ask for a member discount when booking.

AAA guarantees that it has eliminated sub-standard properties from its listings, so you will be able to book with confidence.

If you are an AAA member, ask for a member discount when booking.

Article Written By J.D. Chi

J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.

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