AAA's Top Ten Hotels and Restaurants This Summer

By Newsdesk Jun 14, 2017 10:47am

Travel season is underway and AAA’s anonymous inspectors have finished their list of the top 10 hotels and restaurants in North America. Inspectors looked at almost 59,000 locations to give travelers their best bet this summer. Here are a few of their favorite top 10 destinations.

Orlando, Florida

Inspector 591’s Favorite Hotel: Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside (Three Diamond)

Guests have a wide range of activities to choose from, including a stroll along the river, going on a fishing excursion, to taking a ride by horse-drawn carriage. Inspector 591 said, “Opportunities for both relaxation and fun activities are plentiful.”

Inspector 591’s Favorite Restaurant: The BOATHOUSE Waterfront Dining (Three Diamond)
Restored boats from the 1940s and 1950s decorate this restaurant. And with a seafood forward menu, including Prince Edward Island steamed mussels and Atlantic swordfish, the traditional nautical theme is carried throughout the restaurant.

Vancouver, Canada

Inspector 450’s Favorite Hotel: Blue Horizon Hotel (Three Diamond)

The suites at this hotel have a double bank of windows and balconies. High floors offer views of the city, English Bay, or mountains, depending on the room.

Inspector 450’s Favorite Restaurant: Bistro Absinthe (Three Diamond)
This small restaurant offers a trip back in time with vintage chandeliers, absinthe posters, and exposed ceilings. Inspector 450 said, “For what you get, the price is right: high quality, attractively presented, delicious food and the portion size is not too bad either!”

Cancun, Mexico

Inspector 601’s Favorite Hotel: Hyatt Ziva Cancun (Four Diamond)

The newly renovated hotel sits between two swimming beaches and is within walking distance of local nightlife and shopping. Inspector 601 said, “This is where I'm bringing my family! A spa for us old folks, a brewpub for Gen X and a sweet shop for the grandkids.”

Inspector 601’s Favorite Restaurant: La Habichuela Sunset (Three Diamond)
Owners and Hosts, the Pezzotti family, offers their traditional recipes at this Mayan-themed restaurant. Menu items include seafood ceviche, chilled avocado soup, and chicken mole.

Seattle, Washington

Inspector 31’s Favorite Hotel: Fairmont Olympic Hotel (Four Diamond)
Located in the heart of the city, this Italian Renaissance-style hotel mirrors the past but with all the modern conveniences.

Inspector 31’s Favorite Restaurant: Altura (Four Diamond)
The prix fixe menu features foie gras torchon with rhubarb and strawberries, squid ink tagliatelle, and king salmon with fried ramps. Inspector 31 said, “I love how the chef takes the freshest ingredients available and, by creatively combining flavors, fashions the most exotic dishes.”

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Inspector 450’s Favorite Hotel: Sanctuary Cap Cana by AlSol (Four Diamond)

At this all-inclusive resort, every unit includes a full living room area and bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Not to mention the sea views.

Inspector 450’s Favorite Restaurant: Api Beach Restaurant (Two Diamond)
Guests can dine here with views of a pool and sandy beach. This Latin restaurant features items including ceviche, arepa, and empanadas.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Inspector 569’s Favorite Hotel: Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations Club (Three Diamond)
Located in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel is close to many restaurants and shops. The rooftop pool offers views of the city, ocean, and Diamond Head.

Inspector 569’s Favorite Restaurant: Chef Mavro (Five Diamond)
Inspector 569 said, “Dining here is always a treat for me as this chef can make something as basic as creamed corn make your eyes roll to the back of your head!” Guests have the option to take part in a flexible four and six course menu as well as a grand tasting menu. All come with optional wine pairings.

Anaheim, California

Inspector 603’s Favorite Hotel: Disneyland Hotel (Four Diamond)
An intricately carved Disney castle comes to life with lights and music on guestroom headboards at this hotel. Disney characters are located around the property as an extra surprise for the kids.

Inspector 603’s Favorite Restaurant: Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (Two Diamond)
Guests are transported to New Orleans with this restaurant’s food, style, and entertainment including live music.

Anchorage, Alaska

Inspector 334’s Favorite Hotel: Crowne Plaza Anchorage Midtown (Three Diamond)

Guests are treated to luxurious bedding, multiple outlets and USB ports, and high-end bath products. Inspector 334 said, “After a long day, I am overjoyed to find a sleep kit on my bed with pillow mist, resting cream and foot balm; the lighted makeup mirror is a bonus.”

Inspector 334’s Favorite Restaurant: Kincaid Grill (Three Diamond)
This small restaurant features a menu that changes with the seasons and offers regional Alaskan fare.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Inspector 39’s Favorite Hotel: ARIA Sky Suites (Five Diamond)
ARIA Sky Suites offers guests a complimentary limo ride from the airport to a private drive where they are greeted by name. Suites on the 25th floor and up provide each room with a panoramic view of the city.

Inspector 39’s Favorite Restaurant: Joel Robuchon (Five Diamond)
This fine French restaurant is one of the city’s best. “This is the most spectacular dining experience I've ever had. Every course is a piece of art and tastes as amazing as it looks,” said inspector 39.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Inspector 450’s Favorite Hotel: IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Suites (Four Diamond)
This all-inclusive resort features a lazy river and kid-friendly water park. It also features a large, modern lobby and lounge.

Inspector 450’s Favorite Restaurant: MVP Smokehouse (One Diamond)
The open-air eatery is known for its smoked jerk chicken and pork. Its signature sauce is sold by the bottle so guests can bring the smokehouse home.

For more information check out https://www.aaa.com/diamonds/diamond-summer .