Four Diamonds for Waterford Hotel Group

What do the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, Marriott Hartford Downtown and Octagon Steakhouse have in common? They are all managed by Waterford Hotel Group and they have all recently won AAA's prestigious Four Diamond award! 

According to a prepared statement on the company's website, "This is the twelfth consecutive Four Diamond for the Mystic Marriott, eighth for the Marriott Hartford Downtown and tenth for the Octagon."

According to the AAA website, only 4.8 percent of the 30,000 lodgings approved by AAA make the Four Diamond list and only 2.6 percent of the 29,000 restaurants approved by AAA make the list.

AAA gives four diamond to lodgings that are "Upscale in all areas. Progressively more refined and stylish. Physical attributes reflect enhanced quality throughout. Fundamental hallmarks include extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail."

And a four-diamond restaurant is "a distinctive fine-dining experience. Often an executive chef and accomplished staff. Menus reflect high degree of creativity and complexity using imaginative presentations to enhance market-fresh ingredients. Proficient service staff meets or exceeds guest expectations. Wine steward typically available. Ambiance is highly refined, comfortable and well-coordinated, incorporating quality materials and upscale design enhancements for a first-class impression. Typically expensive."