Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver has received the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award® designation for 2012, the travel authority's highest rating for hotels and restaurants. 

This is the first time the hotel has received the distinction and it marks Vancouver's only Five Diamond hotel.

"The Five-Diamond recognition is one we accept with humility and pride," said Vito Romeo, general manager, Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver.  "It is tremendous recognition of our hotel facilities and amenities, but more importantly of our staff, who are dedicated and passionate ambassadors for the Shangri-La brand, the city of Vancouver and our hospitality profession."

Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver joins a select group representing the upper echelon of the hospitality industry.  Hotels that achieve the coveted Five AAA Diamonds are recognized for their delivery of exceptional guest service, luxurious accommodation, superior facilities and personalized amenities. 

For 2012, only 126 lodgings and 53 restaurants received the Five Diamond Rating.  These establishments account for just 0.3 percent of the total 59,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated lodgings and restaurants across the U.S.A, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
 
"AAA is pleased to recognize Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver as an exemplary member of the travel industry," said Michael Petrone, director of AAA Tourism Information Development. "The ability to provide the highest level of hospitality in luxurious surroundings is what the Five Diamond Rating is all about. To achieve and maintain superior standards including personalized services for every guest on a daily basis is a remarkable accomplishment."

"What an incredible, and well-deserved accomplishment for Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver," said Rick Antonson, CEO of Tourism Vancouver.  "The return of the AAA Five Diamond status to Vancouver is significant not only for the hotel, but for the city.  It underscores Vancouver as a luxury destination and shows that the city can command occupancy and rate at the five-star level."