Two local destinations have proven once again that they are Shepherdstown’s hospitality “gems,” according to AAA East Central. They have earned the AAA Four Diamond Award for excellent service, opulent decor and outstanding cuisine.

Hotels at this level employ experienced, highly qualified staff to provide the custom service luxury hotel guests expect, according to AAA.

These establishments deliver unmatched guest comfort with luxurious accommodations, extraordinary facilities and many personalized amenities. The local hotel earning this distinction is The Bavarian Inn, 164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, a Four Diamond hotel that has maintained this celebrated designation consecutively since 1983.

Restaurants at this level provide a highly personalized and often unique culinary experience, according to AAA. Acclaimed chefs use the freshest ingredients available, meticulous techniques and impeccable artistry in presenting their leading-edge creations.

The local restaurant earning this distinction is The Bavarian Inn Dining Room, a Four Diamond Restaurant that has maintained this celebrated designation consecutively since 2001.

“Four and Five Diamond hotels and restaurants are committed to providing every guest with a personalized experience and attentive service in comfortable, high quality surroundings,” said Jim Lehman, president of AAA East Central. “These establishments consistently exceed the expectations of the most discriminating traveler – the AAA inspector,” he added.

These establishments are part of a select group of hotels and restaurants in North America. Just 1,615 hotels and 665 restaurants made the AAA Four Diamond lists for 2017.

For more than 80 years, AAA has used professional inspectors to conduct anonymous, in-person property evaluations. AAA offers the only rating system using comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant evaluations using published guidelines weighted by member priorities. With a far greater inventory than any other rating entity, AAA’s rating system covers the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Travelers can find Diamond Rated establishments and inspector insight in AAA’s trip planning products: the AAA Mobile app, the online TripTik Travel Planner mapping and routing tool, searchable online AAA Travel Guides and AAA TourBook guides available to members at AAA offices.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 82 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.