Las Vegas Weekly

November 10, 2009 · 4:06 PM

Resorts, restaurants sparkle with Five Diamond Awards

By Robin Leach

The award-winning Picasso in the Bellagio.

Photo: MGM Mirage

Congratulations to a slew of Las Vegas resorts and restaurants for winning the renowned AAA Five Diamond Awards for 2010. Both The Venetian and the Palazzo owned by Sheldon Adelson were recognized for excellence.

“It is very gratifying that in its first year of eligibility, the Palazzo has been recognized with AAA Five Diamonds, and we are equally proud that, for the third consecutive year, The Venetian has also achieved this distinction,” said Rob Goldstein, president of both properties. “To have two hotels, with a combined 7,100 all-suite rooms, each receive this award is a testament to our team members and their ongoing dedication to providing superior guest service.”

The AAA Five Diamond Award for hotels and restaurants is North America’s most coveted symbol of excellence in the hospitality industry. Representing the upper echelon of the hospitality industry, AAA Five Diamond Award winners make up just 0.28 percent of the 58,000 Diamond Rated lodgings and restaurants throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

The independent association defines Five Diamond properties as establishments that reflect the characteristics of the ultimate in luxury and sophistication and comprise first-class accommodations. Exceeding guest expectations, providing meticulous service and maintaining impeccable standards of excellence are the fundamental hallmarks of the AAA Five Diamond level.

Steve Wynn’s Encore and the Palazzo were new recipients of the Five Diamond Award. The selections now give Las Vegas a total of eight Five Diamond properties, with The Venetian, Bellagio, Skylofts at MGM Grand, Wynn Las Vegas, the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas and the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas all repeat winners.

“To make the list for the first time or maintain the highest level of hospitality during these difficult economic times is remarkable,” said AAA representative Michael Geeser.

Las Vegas also was home to repeat restaurant winners Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace, Bellagio’s Picasso and Le Cirque, Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand and Alex at the Wynn. Skylofts and Joel Robuchon received the award for the fourth year in a row.

“Skylofts and Joel Robuchon are unique offerings and among the finest in the world, and our goal is to offer the most inspiring accommodations, memorable cuisine and extraordinary service,” said MGM Grand President & COO Gamal Aziz.

It was the ninth consecutive year for Bellagio and Julian Serrano’s Picasso. Le Cirque received the distinction for the seventh consecutive year, making Bellagio once again the only U.S. hotel to be home to two AAA Five Diamond restaurants.

Randy Morton, president and COO of Bellagio, said: “Receiving the Five Diamond Award acknowledges our continued commitment to excellence and affirms guests of Bellagio will receive superior service each and every visit. … From the ambiance to the service to the cuisine, these two restaurants consistently provide guests with special dining memories.”

The 348-room, lakeside Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas was first awarded AAA Five Diamond status in 2003 during its first months of operation and has received the top rating several times since then, regaining it again for 2010.

Forbes Five Star Awards

Additionally, the Wynn and the Encore hold more Forbes Five Star Awards (formerly Mobil Travel Guide Star Awards) than any other casino resort in the world.

Andrew Pascal, president of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, said: “These prestigious accolades recognize our ongoing commitment to exceptional service. I couldn’t be prouder of my colleagues and co-workers and their accomplishments. We are thrilled that Forbes and AAA have chosen to celebrate Wynn for four consecutive years and Encore in its first year of operation.”

The Tower Suites at Wynn Las Vegas has earned a Forbes Five Star rating for four consecutive years, and the Tower Suites at Encore has received the Forbes Five Star Award in its first year. Wynn Las Vegas also is the only casino resort in the world to make Forbes Award history by earning Five Star ratings in every category -- Hotel, Restaurant and Spa -- for two consecutive years. The Tower Suites, Alessandro Stratta’s Alex and The Spa each earned Five Star recognition in 2009 and 2010.

The Spa at Wynn Las Vegas and The Spa at Encore are the only spas in Las Vegas to be recognized with Forbes Five Star Award. Only 18 spas in the world have attained this distinction in 2010. Previously, The Spa at Wynn Las Vegas garnered acclaim from the Mobil Travel Guide with three consecutive Four Star Award wins in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and a Five Star Award in 2009.

The Forbes Travel Guide and AAA also recognized the incomparable dining experiences at Wynn Las Vegas in 2010. Alex received the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards for the fourth consecutive year. AAA Four Diamond ratings also were awarded for the fourth consecutive year to Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare, Daniel Boulud Brasserie, Okada, SW Steakhouse and Wing Lei.

Congratulations to all the Las Vegas winners who are keeping our playground’s excellence at the top of the world.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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