NEWS

Vandivort becomes only Springfield hotel to hold AAA Four Diamond rating

Thomas Gounley
TGOUNLEY@NEWS-LEADER.COM

Hotel Vandivort has become the only hotel in Springfield to hold a Four Diamond Rating from the American Automobile Association — a designation shared by about 5.4 percent of the more than 28,000 properties approved by the organization.

Hotel Vandivort opened in downtown Springfield in July.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this high-end hospitality experience into the Springfield market,” hotel co-owner John McQueary said in a Tuesday news release. “Our city is ever growing and well-traveled individuals are increasingly demanding personalized service and high-design. As an upscale downtown boutique property we are uniquely suited for these guests.”

AAA's trained inspectors review hotels and restaurants using published guidelines during unannounced visits, according to the organization, and ultimately assign approved establishments a rating between One Diamond and Five Diamond. About 0.4 percent of hotels are given the Five Diamond designation; the only Five Diamond hotel in the state of Missouri is Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Currently, 1,544 hotels hold the Four Diamond rating.

“To maintain the exceptional standards required for this rating on a daily basis is an outstanding achievement," Michael Petrone, director of AAA Inspections & Diamond Ratings, said in the release. "AAA Four Diamond establishments are attentive to guests needs and consistently deliver memorable travel and dining experiences.”

Hotel Vandivort, located at 305 E. Walnut St., opened in July inside a building that formerly served as a Masonic Lodge.

In addition to Hotel Vandivort, two Branson establishments have a Four Diamond rating: Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa and Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.