Alabama Hotel Earns Historic AAA Five Diamond: The Laurel Hotel & Spa in Auburn achieves a milestone as Alabama’s first AAA Five Diamond Designation recipient. Joining an exclusive list of only 89 hotels nationwide, this prestigious honor speaks to the hotel’s exceptional luxury and service. Explore the reasons behind The Laurel’s outstanding recognition.
About The Laurel Hotel and Spa
Nestled next to the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, The Laurel Hotel & Spa stands as a distinctive teaching hotel. Linked to Auburn Universitys Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, it opened in August 2022. The hotel boasts a prime location atop culinary labs and classrooms, housing the renowned 1856 Culinary Residence. This unique establishment holds the distinction of being the world’s first teaching restaurant offering a tasting menu, overseen by Chef in Residence Ford Fry and Master Sommelier Thomas Price.
The exterior of The Laurel Hotel & Spa features a rooftop lounge and infinity pool adorned with cabanas, offering visitors a serene and luxurious experience. Additionally, a rooftop garden, established through collaboration with Auburn Universitys Horticulture Department, supplies fresh produce utilized at the 1856 Culinary Residence and in the culinary laboratories where students hone their skills.
The prestigious AAA Five Diamond Designation
The AAA Five Diamond Designation is a highly prestigious honor, with only 89 hotels nationwide receiving this recognition. The designation is based on the “4 Cs” of AAA Diamond ratings: cleanliness, comfort, cuisine, and consistency. Properties that achieve the Five Diamond Designation are acknowledged for providing ultimate luxury and cutting-edge cuisine, making The Laurel Hotel & Spa a standout destination in Alabama.
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I am ecstatic that The Laurel Hotel & Spa has received this fantastic recognition in its very first year of operation
We are immensely proud to be the first hotel in the state of Alabama to receive a Five Diamond designation and are excited to share this accolade as part of our larger goal to establish Auburn as a world-class destination for both hospitality and education.
Hans van der Reijden, Founder + CEO, Ithaka Hospitality Partners
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is AAA 5 Diamond Award?
AAA introduces the 5-Diamond and 4-Diamond properties for 2022. These hotels and restaurants showcase the top-tier in accommodation and dining. 5-Diamond properties provide unparalleled luxury and cutting-edge cuisine. Meanwhile, 4-Diamond properties offer high-end amenities and unique gourmet dining experiences.
How many 5 star 5 diamond hotels are there in the US?
Only the most opulent properties with impeccable design, amenities, and hospitality services are honored with this award. After undergoing surprise in-person evaluations of their excellence, cleanliness, and upkeep, a select few are rewarded with the prestigious Five Diamond distinction. By 2023, a mere 131 hotels have achieved this elite status.
What is a AAA Diamond Resort?
AAA Diamond hotels are now subject to ATP surface testing to ensure cleanliness. If a hotel passes the inspection, it will receive the “Inspected Clean” digital badge next to its Diamond designation in the listing. This badge gives you peace of mind that your room is as clean as possible.
How many total inclusive collection resorts have the distinguished AAA five diamond designation?
We are excited to announce that 38 of our resorts, part of the Unlimited Vacation Club in the Inclusive Collection under World of Hyatt, have been awarded the prestigious AAA Diamond designation. Among them, five resorts have achieved the highest possible rating of AAA Five Diamond recognition in 2023.