TAMPA, Fla. — AAA has announced its 2020 diamond designations for hotels and restaurants in Florida. 

  • Tampa Marriott Water Street awarded AAA Four Diamond Status
  • 1st time on the list of luxurious hotels
  • AAA 

Diamond designations are given to luxurious hotels and restaurants based on overall quality and the amenities the site has to offer. 

For the first time, Tampa Marriott Water Street is on the list. The facility recently completed a $50 million renovation. 

Florida is one of the leading states with the second-most Four Diamond properties in the United States with 159 hotels and 50 restaurants. Sixteen Florida hotels are new to the list this year.

Newly Designated Four Diamond Hotels in Florida: 

• Tampa – Tampa Marriott Water Street

• Aventura – JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa

• Clearwater Beach – Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

• Daytona Beach – The Daytona, Autograph Collection

• Fort Lauderdale – Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

• Fort Lauderdale – The Dalmar Fort Lauderdale, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

• Islamorada – Cheeca Lodge & Spa

• Kissimmee – Margaritaville Cottages Orlando by Rentyl

• Kissimmee – Margaritaville Resort Orlando

• Lake Buena Vista – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

• Marathon – Isla Bella Beach Resort

• Miami – Hotel Beaux Arts, Autograph Collection

• Miami Beach – Lennox Hotel

• St. Augustine – Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort

• Sarasota – Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

• Sarasota – The Sarasota Modem, A Tribute Portfolio

"The AAA Diamond Program helps travelers better understand the overall quality, range of facilities and level of services offered by a property,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman for the Auto Club Group. "Unlike ratings from unknown users sharing their opinions, the Diamond designations are provided by experienced professionals using consistent guidelines to tell travelers what a property offers."

Florida also has the fourth-most Five Diamond establishments.

Out of nearly 60,000 AAA Diamond establishments in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean; only 186 hotels and restaurants earned a Five Diamond designation. Twelve of those properties – 10 hotels and 2 restaurants – are in Florida.

"The Five Diamond Award is the top designation in the hospitality industry," said Jenkins. "These hotels and restaurants consistently exceed expectations by providing their guests highly personalized and memorable experiences; with world-class luxury and leading-edge cuisine."