Coastal Resorts & Spas

Wilmington Inns Earn Four Diamonds

Diamonds – AAA diamonds, of course – are a guest's best friend when it comes to identifying quality accommodations. Two of Historic Wilmington's premier bed and breakfast inns have been awarded AAA's prestigious 2010 Four Diamond rating for superior customer service and facilities. The Graystone Inn, at 100 South Third Street, earned its eleventh consecutive AAA Four Diamond rating and The Verandas Bed & Breakfast Inn, at 202 Nun Street, earned its eighth.


Approximately 1,800 properties nationally earn the AAA Four Diamond ratings. Recipients this year include 26 accommodations and 15 restaurants in North Carolina.
 


"AAA's requirements for a Four Diamond rating are rigorous, and those that win it are among the best hotels and restaurants in the world," said Dave Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. "Only 3.5 percent of the more than 58,000 annual inspections conducted nationally result in a Four Diamond rating."
 


AAA-rated lodgings are evaluated annually during unannounced visits by full-time specially trained inspectors. Properties must satisfy a set of strict requirements. With a Four Diamond rating, guests can expect a high level of customer service and upscale amenities with an exceptional degree of hospitality and attention to detail. An affiliate of the American Automobile Association, AAA Carolinas is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 1.8 million members with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
 


"We are proud of the Graystone Inn and The Verandas for consistently earning their AAA Four-Diamond ratings," states Kim Hufham, President/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority. "This recognition demonstrates the innkeepers' ongoing commitment to excellence and helps to raise our destination's profile."
 


A historic landmark, the Graystone Inn was originally the Bridgers Mansion, built by Elizabeth Haywood Bridgers in 1905-06 has been completely remodeled and restored to its original grandeur. Innkeepers Richard and Marcia Moore purchased the 14,300 square-foot mansion in 2004. Located in the heart of Wilmington's Historic District, the Graystone Inn has appeared in movies and guests include notable personalities. It is a popular choice for weddings, receptions, and events. The inn's recent accolades include Select Registry; "Top 10 Most Romantic Inns" (American Historic Inns, Inc.) and "Top 15 Most Romantic Hideaways" (Arrington's Bed & Breakfast Journal). 
 


Also located in Wilmington's Historic District, The Verandas is a Victorian Italianate Mansion originally built in 1853 by Benjamin Beery. The boarded-up mansion was purchased in May 1995 by present owners, Chuck Pennington and Dennis Madsen, who proceeded with extensive restoration for which they have received numerous awards. Decorated with American, French and English antiques and original artwork, each room has an inviting and distinctive look and feel. Since the Verandas opened its doors to guests on Valentine's Day in 1997, it has been recommended by Southern Living and featured in North American Inns, as well as Conde Nast Johansen's Recommended guide and Select Registry, among other publications. The Verandas has been listed among the "Best in the South" in Arrington's Inn Traveler. The Verandas has appeared on the silver screen and its guests include celebrities and dignitaries. 


added: May 19, 2010

updated: May 20, 2010