Press Releases

Virginia Crossings Resort Presented AAA Four Diamond Award

Richmond, Va. (May 2007) -- Virginia Crossings Resort has been honored with the prestigious Four Diamond Award by the American Automobile Association (AAA). Tom Cupo, General Manager, made the announcement on behalf of the resort, which is managed by Benchmark Hospitality International.

The presentation took place on May 16, 2007 at the Berkeley Hotel in Richmond, Virginia.  "We are delighted to have received this award," stated Cupo. "It is an honor to be recognized nationally as a Four Diamond resort. The entire enthusiastic and hard-working team at Virginia Crossings Resort earned this recognition and I accept it on everyone's behalf.”

AAA evaluates more than 44,000 properties each year. Approved properties are included in the popular AAA TourBook travel guides, and have the opportunity to be included in many of the 200 retail travel guidebooks published by AAA each year.

The achievement of the Four AAA Diamond rating means that an establishment is one of an exclusive group that has successfully completed a thorough evaluation process.  Lodging facilities and restaurants undergo a comprehensive inspection by one of the 65 full-time, professional AAA evaluators.

The inspection process reviews six key areas: management and staff; housekeeping and maintenance; exterior, grounds and public areas; room décor, ambiance and amenities; bathrooms; and guest services.  

In order to achieve the Four Diamond status, an establishment must be exceptional in all areas.  Accommodations are progressively refined and stylish. The physical attributes reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout. The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.

AAA first started listing accommodation information in its travel publications in the early 1900s. In 1937, the first field inspectors were hired.  In 1963, AAA began rating accommodations as good, very good, excellent, and outstanding. The current “Diamond Rating System” was introduced in 1977.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 47 million members and 1,100 branch offices with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.                        
                                               
Virginia Crossings Resort (www.virginiacrossingsresort.com) is central Virginia’s premier, full-service resort.  Managed by Benchmark Hospitality International, the resort is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Richmond, VA on 20 + acres of flourishing landscaped campus grounds.  With design inspiration courtesy of Virginia’s rich colonial
history, Virginia Crossings Resort features 183 spacious master guestrooms and suites,
25,000 square feet of well-appointed function space, 18 holes of championship golf, activity Glen and multiple dining outlets.  Our newly renovated fitness center opened in March 2007.

Benchmark Hospitality International, an independent hospitality management company based in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, operates resorts, conference centers, hotels and condominium resorts both domestically and internationally.  For locations of Benchmark Hospitality properties and for additional information, visit Benchmark’s Website at www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

CONTACT:  Jean Mackay Vinson
Public Relations Coordinator
The Founders Inn and Spa  www.foundersinn.com
Virginia Crossings Resort  www.virginiacrossingsresort.com
757.366.5711 direct
757.366.5785 fax
jvinson@benchmarkmanagement.com