Chicago Remains Top Destination for AAA Five Diamond Dining

AAA Chicago Announces 2008 Five Diamond Establishments

AURORA, Ill., Nov. 9 -- Chicago has more AAA Five Diamond-rated restaurants than any other city in the country. With seven Five Diamond restaurants, Chicago tops the list in the ultimate dining experience.

"All Five Diamond establishments offer exemplary surroundings and service," said Brad Roeber, regional president, AAA Chicago. "Chicago's 10 Five Diamond establishments reflect the characteristics of ultimate luxury and sophistication."

For 2008, AAA has awarded 100 hotels and 60 restaurants with the coveted Five Diamond designation, the travel authority's highest rating for hotels and restaurants.

Chicago's 2008 Five Diamond rated restaurants: Alinea (2 years), Arun's (6 years), Avenues (in The Peninsula) (2 year), Charlie Trotters (14 years), Everest (12 years), Seasons Restaurant (in the Four Seasons Hotel) (8 years), Tru (8 years).

Chicago's 2008 Five Diamond rated hotels: The Four Seasons (18 years), The Peninsula (6 years), and The Ritz-Carlton (A Four Seasons Hotel) (3 years).

These establishments will be honored at a luncheon in the spring to celebrate their 2008 Five Diamond rating.

The prestigious AAA Five Diamond rating helps establish Chicago as a premier tourist destination, as just 0.27 percent of establishments evaluated this year by AAA attained the Five Diamond designation. To become AAA Diamond rated, hotels and restaurants undergo a thorough inspection by one of AAA's 65 full-time, highly trained professional evaluators. Five Diamond establishments complete a more extensive review that includes a series of inspections and final committee review.

AAA first started listing accommodation information in its travel publications in the early 1900s. In 1937, the first field inspectors were hired to inspect hotels, motels and restaurants. In 1963, AAA began to rate all accommodations as good, very good, excellent or outstanding. The Diamond rating process, introduced in 1977 for hotels and 1989 for restaurants, continues to be recognized as one of the most trusted rating processes for North American travelers.

AAA Chicago has represented roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians, and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues for more than a century.

For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago's breadth of service including AAA's home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA's Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-866-YOUR-AAA (968-7222).