Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, NC has been awarded the AAA Four-Diamond Award for 2010. This means it is still designated a Four-Star, Four Diamond resort. The AAA award was bestowed on the Resort as well as Madison’s Restaurant.

Old Edwards Inn and Spa president Richard Delany, says, “We’re thrilled to receive this confirmation that we are meeting our objective of providing a unique, memorable and luxury experience for visitors to the Western North Carolina Mountains. We strive to foster a culture of service and excellence in hospitality and to provide superior amenities in relaxed environment. These are all things that travelers expect when they entrust their vacations and leisure hours to us.”

AAA uses diamonds to represent levels of quality. Tourism editors make unannounced visits, and once an inspection is complete the tourism editor may meet with property management to discuss the results. The editors undergo at least six weeks of training before they begin inspection properties. AAA has 65 full-time, trained, professional evaluators. Approximately 41,000 lodgings and restaurants are inspected per year at least once a year. AAA periodically reviews inspection standards and updates them if necessary to meet evolving customer expectation and industry trends.

“AAA’s requirements for a Four Diamond rating are rigorous, and those that win it are among the best hotels and restaurants in the world,” said Dave Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “Only 3.5 percent of the more than 58,000 annual inspections conducted nationally result in a Four Diamond rating.”

The Diamond Rating system in the AAA TourBook® guides was first published in 1977. Before making hotel reservations 84 percent of the 53 million AAA members nationwide consult a TourBook®.

To learn more about Old Edwards Inn and Spa, please visit www.oldedwardsinn.com or call 828-526-8008.

About Old Edwards Hospitality Group: (www.oldedwardsinn.com) The Old Edwards Hospitality Group encompasses The Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, NC, as well as The Old Edwards Club—a private club that features a professionally designed golf course, outdoor heated mineral pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, clubhouse and pro shop. Also introduced in 2009 was Satulah, Old Edwards Private Residences, which includes 14 luxury mountain homes just two blocks of Main Street, Highlands. The Mobil Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond resort is located at 445 Main Street in Highlands, NC. Also included in the Old Edwards Experience are a Mobil Four-Star wellness spa, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, The Farm at Old Edwards special events and wedding facility, Acorn’s and Acorn’s Annex upscale retail shops, and The Rib Shack & Sports Corner. Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden has won the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” every year since 2005 and the “Best Of” award in 2008 and 2009.