innkeeping: AAA ratings

[ernij@k12.oit.umass.edu (Erni Johnson (Bement))]

Is anyone out there as annoyed as I am with AAA, or is it just the
inspectors in our area?  it seems like they have no concept of what a B&B or
small inn is all about.  Let me give you an example.  We have been told by
our inspector that one of the few things that keep us from getting a 4
diamond rating is that we don't have ice buckets in our rooms.  here's how
it goes:  If you have ice buckets that's a 2 diamond, if they are insulated
that's 3 diamonds, if they have covers that's four diamonds, and if they are
monogramed that's five.  I guess i should point out that each of our four
rooms has its own refrigerator, with freezer, with ice cubes.  (should i
suggest that since the refrigerator has insulation, a door (AKA a cover) and
says hotpoint on the outside (monogram?) that we qualify?  of course i am
being absurd, but it certainly is a good example.  it seems a shame that AAA
travelers are misled by how this organization tends to apply its rating
system.  Almost as annoying as guidebooks which won't include us because we
are "not in their destination areas" i.e. not in town (we are in the
Deerfield, Amherst, Northampton, MA area but our 110 acres with pool, hiking
trails, fireplaces etc is out of town). When people find us they wonder why
they didn't hear about us before. Obviously some people don't want to stay
in the country, but why would it hurt to know we are there for the people
who do?  Sigh.....E. Johnson, the Hannah Dudley House, Leverett, MA

[Moderator: Erni, Sometimes it is true that not all AAA inspectors have the
"heart" for the B&B/country inns. But I would encourage you to contact us
(PAII), since you are a member, if you ever encounter difficulties with a
AAA inspector whom you feel is unfair. Have you read their "Approved
Accommodations Lodging Guide?" Give Trish a call at the PAII office and
she'll be glad to send you one.

I've heard about this ice bucket issue before, but rarely is it just a
single reason that keeps a diamond status from going up. If you would like
to pursue this a bit, get the name of that inspector's supervisor; see if
you can get, in writing, this rationale from them. If you would fax to us
805 682 1016 this information, along with a "proposed" letter that you
would like to send to AAA, let Pat review it and she'll be in contact with
you upon her return on the 16th.
Jo Ann B]