David Asam, left, and his mother and father Carol and Erwin, at right, receive AAA Four Diamond awards for their inn and restaurant from AAA’s Bevi Powell. The Asam family has operated the Bavarian for more than 30 years.

A Shepherd-stown area inn and restaurant have expanded their award collection. According to officials at AAA East Central, The Bavarian Inn, located at 164 Shepherd Grade Road, has earned its 26th AAA Four Diamond award this year.

“AAA Four Diamond Award winners, such as the Bavarian Inn, consistently deliver a high level of hospitality in luxurious surroundings,” said Jim Lehman, Senior Vice President for AAA East Central. “To achieve and maintain this level of service for 26 consecutive years is an amazing accomplishment, and AAA is pleased to honor the Bavarian Inn.”

The Bavarian Inn joins a select group of AAA Four Diamond winners. Just 3.9 percent of the more than 31,000 AAA Rated lodgings and 2.8 percent of the 27,000 AAA rated restaurants were awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award designation for 2009. Only two lodging establishments in West Virginia received the award this year. The Bavarian Inn Dining Room is the only restaurant in the state that received this recognition.

The Asam Family is very grateful for such a prestigious honor. Erwin Asam says, “We could not have accomplished this without the help and support of our wonderful staff. Each member of the Bavarian Inn team have provided important contributions to our success; including the restaurant staff, kitchen brigade, front desk, housekeepers, groundskeepers, sales and accounting departments. We are truly thankful for all of their hard work and dedication.”