AAA

AAA Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide are both professional, inspector‑based hotel rating systems, but they differ significantly in scope, market focus, and evaluation methodology. AAA’s Diamond Program assesses hotels across the full spectrum of hospitality—from budget‑friendly Approved properties to ultra‑luxury Five Diamond hotels. With more than 23,000 rated properties across North America and the Caribbean, AAA provides travelers with guidance that spans every price point and experience level. Its criteria evaluate cleanliness, condition, service, and overall guest experience through a broad, consumer‑oriented lens designed for mass‑market relevance. Forbes Travel Guide, by contrast, focuses almost exclusively on the luxury segment. Its One‑ to Five‑Star ratings are designed to differentiate performance levels within the top tier of hospitality. Forbes inspections place heavy emphasis on service execution, refinement, and luxury‑class guest interaction, making the system particularly influential among high‑end travelers and brands operating at the uppermost end of the market. Both organizations rely on trained, anonymous professional inspectors and evaluate service, physical condition, and amenities. However, one of the key differentiators—and an increasingly relevant one—lies in AAA’s integration of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) surface testing as part of its inspection protocol. AAA uniquely incorporates ATP surface cleanliness testing into its on‑site evaluations, using scientific measurement tools to verify the cleanliness of high‑touch surfaces. This provides: Objective, quantifiable cleanliness data Real‑time results beyond what visual inspection can reveal An added layer of accountability for housekeeping quality and operational consistency This makes AAA’s approach particularly distinctive in today’s hospitality landscape, where cleanliness verification has become a major operational and guest‑confidence priority.