In the past year, eight new hotels were granted the prestigious title of an AAA Five Diamond ranking. This title put the hotels on a pedestal among others who have too entered the class of exclusively inspected hotels.

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Receiving the Five Diamond Rating means the hotels passed undergoing "a number of checks and balances including in-person inspections, anonymous overnight stays and, finally, review by a panel of experts to ensure credibility." Over 27,000 hotels have been inspected, with only 121 making the final list. Honorees of the award range from historic inns with personal charm to state of the art city properties to mesmerizing coastal resorts.

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Michael Petrone, the director of AAA Inspections & Diamond Ratings, explained what it takes to receive such an award:

"Attaining a Five Diamond Rating is an exceptional accomplishment that signifies meticulous attention to detail, creativity in enhancing comfort, outstanding service, and memorable guest experiences. And as more mid-scale and even budget properties are adding amenities for comfort and convenience, hotels that aim for a Five Diamond Rating must stay far ahead of the curve to differentiate themselves through advanced design concepts, highest quality furnishings and scrupulous attention to guests’ expectations.”

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The eight winning hotels are the following:

Esperanza An Auberge Resort – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
What sets it from the rest: "Guests can enjoy the water many ways at this intimate seaside resort: They can soak in hot tubs in terraces overlooking the ocean, swim in one of several pools or lounge on a private beach."

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Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown – New York, N.Y.
What sets it from the rest: "High-tech meets classic comforts with features including an indoor 75-foot lap pool bathed in natural light and surrounded by comfortable chaise lounges."

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Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa – Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands.
What sets it from the rest: "This stylish oceanfront resort, named after the jaw-dropping bursts of color guests can view at sunset, includes fully furnished balconies with sofa seating and an 8,500-square-foot spa with a Turkish hammam."

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Grand Luxxe Riviera Maya – Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
What sets it from the rest: "A multi-tiered pool and a theater built for world-class Cirque du Soleil shows are among the unique offerings at this resort."

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The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue – New York, N.Y.
What sets it from the rest: "Close-up views of the Empire State Building are among the stunning hallmarks of this property, where rooms have fine wood finishes, high-tech accessories, and marble bathrooms."

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Williamsburg Inn – Williamsburg, Virginia.
What sets it from the rest: "Just a few minutes’ walk from the historic area, this opulent inn takes guests back in time, with richly canopied beds, silk drapes and bedding, antiques and fine artwork."

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Grand Velas Los Cabos – San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico.
What sets it from the rest: "This new resort offers oversize, elegant suites with dramatic ocean views. All guest units include terraces, some of which have plunge pools."

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The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas – Dallas, Texas.
What sets it from the rest: "Museum-quality artwork, a luxurious club-level lounge, and a nationally acclaimed restaurant set this hotel apart."

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