CAA/AAA's professionally trained inspectors use published guidelines to evaluate and rate lodgings and restaurants as a service to Members. The Diamond Rating Guidelines for Lodgings and Restaurants can be viewed at AAA.biz/Diamonds.

To be eligible for evaluation, establishments must first meet basic requirements for cleanliness, comfort and security (lodgings) or cleanliness, food preparation and service (restaurants). Establishments that demonstrate these requirements during an unannounced inspection are designated as CAA/AAA Approved.

After establishments are designated as CAA/AAA Approved, inspectors assign a rating of One to Five Diamonds based on the extensiveness of services, facilities and amenities typical of each rating level.