Grand Rapids Restaurant Earns Second Consecutive AAA Five Diamond Award

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 18, 2003 -- For the second year in a row, a Grand Rapids restaurant has earned the AAA Five Diamond Award -- the highest rating granted by the Auto Club for excellence in dining and lodging. The 1913 Room at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel is one of only 55 restaurants nationwide -- and the only restaurant in Michigan -- to earn the distinction.

The AAA Five Diamond Award was presented to The 1913 Room Monday (November 17) at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida.

Nearly 50,000 properties (lodging and dining) are evaluated by AAA each year and less than one-half of 1 percent attain Five Diamond status. Each property undergoes an unannounced evaluation and properties receiving Five Diamond for the first time are generally reviewed at least twice. AAA's more than 46 million members rely on diamond ratings in the AAA TourBook(R) guide to assist them in choosing an establishment.

"The 1913 Room is the best of the best," said Douglas E. Bower, president and COO of AAA Michigan. "Their staff has worked hard to create, and maintain, a truly memorable dining experience and they deserve special recognition for continuing to meet such high standards."

According to AAA guidelines, guests dining at a Five Diamond restaurant will find haute cuisine at its best:

"Menus are often cutting edge, with an obvious dedication to use of only the finest ingredients available. Even the classic dishes become extraordinary under the masterful direction of highly acclaimed chefs. Presentations are spectacular, reflecting impeccable artistry and awareness. An expert, formalized staff continuously anticipates and exceeds guest expectations. Staff members' unfailing attention to detail appears effortless, well-rehearsed, and unobtrusive. Undoubtedly, these restaurants appeal to those in search of the ultimate dining experience."

The new Diamond Rating for The 1913 Room will be included in the 2004 AAA Michigan/Wisconsin TourBook(R) -- one of a series of popular travel guides published for AAA members in the U.S. and Canada. AAA Michigan members can access the Auto Club's online TourBook(R) at www.aaa.com .

AAA has included lodging information in its travel publications since the early 1900s. The association began rating lodging properties in 1963 and adopted the Diamond Ratings in 1976. Restaurants have been using the Diamond Ratings since 1989.