Luxury Redefined: Pennsylvania and Florida Hotels Achieve Five Diamonds!

Groveland, California, USA - In a significant achievement for the hospitality industry, three hotels have earned the esteemed AAA Five Diamond designation, marking a milestone that not many manage to reach. This prestigious title has been awarded to two hotels in Pennsylvania, The Chateau at Nemacolin and The Grand Lodge at Nemacolin, both situated in Farmington, and the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort in Longboat Key, Florida. This trio of establishments has joined an exclusive club where less than 1% of nearly 23,000 AAA Diamond lodgings can say they have achieved the coveted Five Diamonds.

The announcement was made in June 2025, when AAA also highlighted the 9 hotels and 8 restaurants that received the AAA Four Diamond designation for their remarkable service and quality. Among these, travelers can explore notable Four Diamond hotels like the Concorde Hotel in New York City and the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, to name just a couple. But one can’t overlook the Four Diamond restaurants, which include culinary gems like Angler in San Francisco and Khâluna in Minneapolis.

A Closer Look at the Ratings

The AAA Diamond rating system is quite the guiding star for discerning travelers. The diamonds reflect the level of service and amenities each establishment offers. According to AAA’s criteria, the spectrum ranges from One Diamond, representing basic accommodations, to the coveted Five Diamonds, which signifies the pinnacle of luxury. Less than 100 hotels reach the Five Diamond threshold, demonstrating just how difficult it is to earn this honor AAA explains.

Each Diamond level illustrates a unique type of hotel experience. For instance, while a Three Diamond establishment might offer the comforts of home, a Five Diamond hotel like those recently recognized are known for their exceptional service, stunning facilities, and extensive attention to detail. If you’re after a truly remarkable getaway, opting for a Five Diamond hotel does a good deal to ensure that you are pampered and well taken care of.

More than Just a Title

Achieving the Five Diamond rating is no small feat. Each hotel undergoes anonymous inspections to ensure they meet stringent standards of cleanliness, comfort, cuisine, and consistency, known affectionately as the 4 Cs. Indeed, AAA inspectors make unannounced visits, which adds an exciting layer of authenticity to the evaluation process the AAA newsroom notes.

Currently, there are approximately 145 Five Diamond hotels and around 1,750 Four Diamond hotels across North America. While AAA provides an excellent resource for travelers seeking quality experiences, it’s worth mentioning that establishments play no fee to be included in the ratings; they can voluntarily apply for this recognition, which adds another dimension to their credibility. Ratings can vary widely based on services provided, and it’s interesting to note that a lower-rated hotel doesn’t necessarily equate to lower prices. The nuances of hospitality mean that one must explore these ratings thoughtfully as elaborated by Go Travel Daily.