i try to keep this updated >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11345980-post13.html
this thread is linked in sticky, and in "what do i get from lux hotel" thread/compilation (also in sticky)
bumped to add this >
travel.aol.com/travel-ideas/articles/five-stars-five-diamonds?ncid=AOLCOMMtravdynlprim0674 >
Bjorn Hanson, a former PricewaterhouseCoopers hotel analyst told USA Today that more hotels won this year than usual because both AAA and Forbes are letting their inspectors be more flexible. However, Hanson also told the publication that AAA and Forbes offer "a more consistent basis for comparison" when compared to travel website such as TripAdvisor.com.
Originally Posted by
Non-NonRev
As a point of reference, here are the Forbes (nee Mobil) Travel Guide's rating criteria:
static.howstuffworks.com/pdf/lodging-criteria-12-2008.pdf
autoclubsouth.aaa.com/travel/diamond_ratings.aspx
aaa.biz/Approved/files/evaluation/DiamondRatingGuidelines.pdf