Key Differences Between AAA and Forbes Travel Guide

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 19 views

Understanding Hotel Classifications in the USA: A Guide to Stars and Diamonds

As a traveler, choosing the right hotel can make all the difference in your vacation experience. With numerous options available, it's essential to know how hotels are classified to ensure you get the best value for your money. In the USA, two prominent organizations play a crucial role in categorizing hotels: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the Forbes Travel Guide. In this article, we'll delve into the world of hotel classifications and explore which organization bestows the coveted Stars and Diamonds.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) - Bestowing Stars

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is a well-established organization that has been rating hotels for over 100 years. Their rating system, known as the AAA Diamond Rating System, is designed to provide travelers with a comprehensive guide to hotels across the USA. The AAA Diamond Rating System awards hotels with a rating of One to Five Diamonds, with Five Diamonds being the highest rating.

Here's a breakdown of the AAA Diamond Rating System:

One Diamond: A basic hotel that meets the minimum requirements for cleanliness, comfort, and amenities.
Two Diamonds: A hotel that offers a higher level of quality and amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and other services.
Three Diamonds: A hotel that provides a high level of quality and amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and other services, as well as a more personalized experience.
Four Diamonds: A hotel that offers an exceptional level of quality and amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and other services, as well as a highly personalized experience.
Five Diamonds: The highest rating awarded by AAA, indicating a hotel that provides an exceptional level of quality, amenities, and service.

The Forbes Travel Guide - Bestowing Diamonds

The Forbes Travel Guide, formerly known as the Mobil Travel Guide, is another prominent organization that rates hotels in the USA. Their rating system, known as the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System, awards hotels with a rating of One to Five Stars, with Five Stars being the highest rating.

Here's a breakdown of the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System:

One Star: A hotel that meets the minimum requirements for cleanliness, comfort, and amenities.
Two Stars: A hotel that offers a higher level of quality and amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and other services.
Three Stars: A hotel that provides a high level of quality and amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and other services, as well as a more personalized experience.
Four Stars: A hotel that offers an exceptional level of quality and amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and other services, as well as a highly personalized experience.
Five Stars: The highest rating awarded by Forbes, indicating a hotel that provides an exceptional level of quality, amenities, and service.

Key Differences Between AAA and Forbes Travel Guide

While both organizations award hotels with a rating system, there are some key differences between the AAA Diamond Rating System and the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System. Here are a few key differences:

Rating System: The AAA Diamond Rating System awards hotels with a rating of One to Five Diamonds, while the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System awards hotels with a rating of One to Five Stars.
Criteria: The AAA Diamond Rating System focuses on the hotel's cleanliness, comfort, and amenities, while the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System focuses on the hotel's service, amenities, and overall experience.
Geographic Scope: The AAA Diamond Rating System is available in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, while the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System is available in the USA, Canada, and Europe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the American Automobile Association (AAA) bestows the coveted Stars, while the Forbes Travel Guide bestows the coveted Diamonds. Both organizations provide travelers with a comprehensive guide to hotels across the USA, helping them make informed decisions about their accommodations. Whether you're looking for a basic hotel or a luxurious resort, understanding the hotel classification systems can help you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a AAA Diamond and a Forbes Travel Guide Star? A: A AAA Diamond and a Forbes Travel Guide Star are both ratings systems that award hotels based on their quality and amenities. However, the AAA Diamond Rating System focuses on the hotel's cleanliness, comfort, and amenities, while the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System focuses on the hotel's service, amenities, and overall experience.
Q: How do I know which hotel rating system to use? A: Both the AAA Diamond Rating System and the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System are reputable and trustworthy sources. However, if you're looking for a more comprehensive guide to hotels, the AAA Diamond Rating System may be a better choice. If you're looking for a more personalized experience, the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System may be a better choice.
Q: Can I use both the AAA Diamond Rating System and the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System? A: Yes, you can use both the AAA Diamond Rating System and the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System to get a more comprehensive understanding of a hotel's quality and amenities.
Hotel Classifications Q&A: Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

As a traveler, choosing the right hotel can be a daunting task. With numerous options available, it's essential to have a clear understanding of hotel classifications to ensure you get the best value for your money. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about hotel classifications, including the AAA Diamond Rating System and the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System.

Q: What is the difference between a AAA Diamond and a Forbes Travel Guide Star?

A: A AAA Diamond and a Forbes Travel Guide Star are both ratings systems that award hotels based on their quality and amenities. However, the AAA Diamond Rating System focuses on the hotel's cleanliness, comfort, and amenities, while the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System focuses on the hotel's service, amenities, and overall experience.

Q: How do I know which hotel rating system to use?

A: Both the AAA Diamond Rating System and the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System are reputable and trustworthy sources. However, if you're looking for a more comprehensive guide to hotels, the AAA Diamond Rating System may be a better choice. If you're looking for a more personalized experience, the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System may be a better choice.

Q: Can I use both the AAA Diamond Rating System and the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System?

A: Yes, you can use both the AAA Diamond Rating System and the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating System to get a more comprehensive understanding of a hotel's quality and amenities.

Q: What is the criteria for a hotel to receive a AAA Diamond rating?

A: The criteria for a hotel to receive a AAA Diamond rating includes:

Cleanliness and maintenance of the hotel
Comfort and amenities of the hotel
Quality of the hotel's services
Overall value for the price

Q: What is the criteria for a hotel to receive a Forbes Travel Guide Star rating?

A: The criteria for a hotel to receive a Forbes Travel Guide Star rating includes:

Quality of the hotel's service
Amenities and facilities of the hotel
Overall value for the price
Personalized experience of the hotel

Q: How often are hotels inspected by the AAA and Forbes Travel Guide?

A: Hotels are inspected by the AAA and Forbes Travel Guide on a regular basis, typically every 12-18 months. However, the frequency of inspections may vary depending on the hotel's location and type.

Q: Can a hotel be rated by both the AAA and Forbes Travel Guide?

A: Yes, a hotel can be rated by both the AAA and Forbes Travel Guide. However, the ratings may not be identical, as each organization has its own criteria and standards.

Q: How do I find out if a hotel has been rated by the AAA or Forbes Travel Guide?

A: You can find out if a hotel has been rated by the AAA or Forbes Travel Guide by visiting their websites or contacting them directly. You can also check online travel agencies such as Expedia or Booking.com, which often display hotel ratings from reputable sources.

Q: What is the difference between a AAA Diamond and a Forbes Travel Guide Star in terms of price?

A: The price of a hotel can vary depending on its rating, location, and amenities. However, in general, hotels with higher ratings tend to be more expensive. According to the AAA, the average price of a hotel with a Five Diamond rating is around $250 per night, while the average price of a hotel with a Five Star rating is around $300 per night.

Q: Can I trust hotel ratings from online travel agencies?

A: While online travel agencies such as Expedia or Booking.com can provide valuable information about hotels, their ratings may not be as comprehensive or trustworthy as those from reputable sources such as the AAA or Forbes Travel Guide.

Q: How can I provide feedback to the AAA or Forbes Travel Guide?

A: You can provide feedback to the AAA or Forbes Travel Guide by visiting their websites or contacting them directly. You can also provide feedback through online travel agencies or hotel review websites.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding hotel classifications can help you make informed decisions about your accommodations. By knowing the difference between a AAA Diamond and a Forbes Travel Guide Star, you can choose the right hotel for your needs and budget. Remember to always research and read reviews from reputable sources to get a comprehensive understanding of a hotel's quality and amenities.