A : Experience in the hospitality industry, the freedom to be away from home for up to 250 days a ye

The following is an extract from Detroit-based WJR news/talk radio s AAA Travel News and Views program on Oct. 28, 2012. Program host Ann Thomas and co-host Mary Bergsman interview unnamed AAA Inspector TCH, referred to as Mr. AAA Inspector. Listen to the full program branson mo resorts hotels online .
A : Experience in the hospitality industry, the freedom to be away from home for up to 250 days a year and a willingness to be alone. It s also important to have a certain aptitude with digital devices and related media since inspectors work remotely and need to rely largely on their own resources.
They should also have an innate sense of customer service for conveying feedback to property owners in a way that s understandable and helpful. branson mo resorts hotels Inspectors also need a car, driver s license, passport, and the ability to travel throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean as needed by road, air and rail.
A : The local inspector may see new establishments or properties we haven t listed and investigate their history. Other sources include our clubs, members and industry. And we also receive applications from properties that request an evaluation. Not all properties meet our requirements or want to be listed by AAA, particularly if they cannot get the rating they want.
A : Usually. The majority of our visits are to existing Approved and Diamond Rated properties. We don t schedule ahead, but when we arrive we introduce ourselves and ask to see the rooms. We like the manager to accompany us, but we ll meet with whoever is available or just use a passkey. Afterward we sit down and tell the representative what we ve found and recommend for the rating and give them an opportunity to ask questions. That s followed up with a written report emailed to the property manager.
A : In 1917 AAA began publishing a stand-alone directory geared toward recommending hotels to travelers who might be out in their cars. In 1926 we released our first TourBook series. In 1937 we began a full-time inspections program for hotels and restaurants. In 1963 AAA adopted a formal rating system for accommodations listed in our TourBook guides, rated as: good, very good, excellent and outstanding. In 1976, in preparation for the 1977 TourBook edition when AAA celebrated its 75 year anniversary we adopted the diamond rating symbol in place of the previous rating categories.
A : First we determine whether a property qualifies to be Approved. They have to meet 35 AAA Approval Requirements, which are attributes and services members have told us over the years they need when traveling for example, smoke detectors, deadbolt locks and, most importantly, a good level of housekeeping and maintenance. Whether a property wants to be a One Diamond or a Five Diamond, they need to meet these requirements. Once those are met, we can determine where it it stands on the Diamond branson mo resorts hotels Rating scale.
branson mo resorts hotels A : It s important to remember that Diamond Ratings aren t scores. Each rating reflects a niche appropriate for a particular need. If a traveler is on a long road trip and needs places just to sleep and shower, they don t need to spend the money for additional services, branson mo resorts hotels so a One Diamond hotel might be appropriate. Travelers who plan to spend a fair amount of time in their room or want business facilities, family friendly branson mo resorts hotels amenities or luxurious appointments might seek a higher rating level. Travelers should choose branson mo resorts hotels the establishment based on their needs. No matter what the rating branson mo resorts hotels level, every AAA Approved branson mo resorts hotels and Diamond Rated hotel and restaurant should be clean and well maintained.
A : As with hotels, we have Approval requirements branson mo resorts hotels as well as Diamond Rating elements. The rating is based on a combination branson mo resorts hotels of the food, service and d cor, ranging from fast food you carry to your table to full-service sit-down dining in cutting-edge facilities. We focus on offerings that provide a member benefit and strive for a variety of service levels and food types within an area.
A : We believe establishments have one opportunity to make the customer happy, so we generally base the rating on one dining experience per cycle unless there are significant differences based on diverse meal times, such as dinner and breakfast. branson mo resorts hotels Over time we re able to build a history of experiences.
branson mo resorts hotels A : The rating is based on an assessment of 89 elements outlined in Diamond Rating Guidelines. The rating elements are not requirements. A TV in each room isn t required, branson mo resorts hotels but if the hotel offers the old fashioned cathode ray tube type, they ll get a rating of one on that particular element. Those with the latest and greatest branson mo resorts hotels technology such as a console that rises out of the dresser at the touch of a remote button would get a five. Other options fall somewhere in between. We assign a rating to each of the elements. We enter each attribute into a PDF form. Each attribute is part of a member-weighted formula, and the calculated results are averaged to determine the rating. To receive a Three Diamond Rating, a property must have a lot of three ratings, or compensate branson mo resorts hotels for lower numbers in some areas with higher numbers in other areas, such as a highly luxurious bathroom.
A : Yes, that s correct. It assures the property that their rating is not subject to the whims or personal likes and dislikes of the inspector. This helps to ensure consistent Diamond Ratings for AAA members. However, there are elements of each inspection devoted to the inspector s professional judgment.
A : Any time the guidelines are updated based on changing member expectations and industry trends, the adjustments are gradual. branson mo resorts hotels Properties are provided notice well in advance and have time to make adjustments as needed if they wish to maintain their current rating level.
A : Yes. Less than half a percent of all hotels and restaurants get this rating. It takes a lot of effort on the part of a hotel operation and its staff. No hotel can have a Five Diamond Rating without the buy-in of its staff; an innate culture to serve at the highest level. That makes the real difference and it s why hotels that receive it are very proud of this distinction because they worked so hard to get it.
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