| Wilmington,
NC � January 2003 � Two of Historic
Wilmington�s premier bed and breakfast inns have been awarded AAA�s
prestigious 2003 Four Diamond rating for superior customer service and
facilities. The Graystone Inn
(100 South Third Street, Wilmington) earned its fourth consecutive AAA
Four Diamond rating and The Verandas
Bed & Breakfast Inn (202 Nun Street, Wilmington) earned its first.
Approximately 1,000 properties nationally earn the Four Diamond ratings.
AAA awarded 20 accommodations and 10 restaurants in North Carolina the
Four Diamond rating.
�AAA�s
requirements for a Four Diamond rating are rigorous and those that win
it are among the best hotels and restaurants in the world,� states David
E. Parsons, president of AAA Carolinas. �Only 3 percent of the more than
30,000 annual inspections conducted nationally result in a Four Diamond
rating.�
AAA-rated
lodgings are evaluated annually during unannounced visits by full-time
inspectors. Properties must satisfy a set of strict requirements. With
a Four Diamond rating, guests can expect a high level of customer service
and upscale amenities with an exceptional degree of hospitality and attention
to detail. Each property that receives a diamond rating from AAA is listed
free in AAA�s TourBooks that are distributed free to any of the organization�s
44 million members nationwide. The North Carolina/South Carolina/Georgia
TourBook�s annual circulation is about 2.8 million. AAA Carolinas is an
affiliate of the American Automobile Association.
�We
are delighted that two New Hanover County bed-and-breakfast inns have been
honored by AAA for their quality facilities, amenities, hospitality and
service,� states Judith Grizzel, president/CEO of the Cape Fear Coast Convention
& Visitors Bureau. �This recognition demonstrates a commitment to excellence
on behalf of the innkeepers and sets a high standard for the local hospitality
industry.�
An
historic landmark, the Graystone Inn was originally the Bridgers Mansion,
built by Elizabeth Haywood Bridgers in 1905-1906. Owner/operators Paul
and Yolanda Bolda purchased the 14,300 square-foot mansion in 1998 and
have taken great care to return it to its original turn-of-the-century
grandeur. Located in the heart of Wilmington�s Historic District, the Graystone
Inn has appeared in numerous movies and its guests include many notable
personalities. It is also a popular setting for weddings, receptions, meetings
and events. Other awards bestowed upon the Historic Graystone Inn include
�Top 10 Most Romantic Inns� (American Historic Inns, Inc.) and �Top 15
Most Romantic Hideaways� (Arrington�s Bed & Breakfast Journal). For
more information about the Graystone Inn, please call 910-763-2000, or
visit www.graystoneinn.com.
Also
located in Wilmington�s Historic District, the Verandas is a Victorian
Italianate Mansion originally built in 1853 by Benjamin Beery. Boarded
up and decaying from extensive fire and water damage in 1992, the mansion
was purchased in May 1995 by the present owners, Chuck Pennington and Dennis
Madsen, who proceeded with extensive restoration for which they have received
several awards. Decorated with American, French and English antiques and
original artwork, each room has an inviting and distinctive look and feel.
The Verandas boasts an exclusive Select Registry recommendation and inclusion
in the prestigious Johannsen�s Guide. The Verandas has also appeared on
the silver screen and its guests include visiting celebrities and dignitaries.
For more information about The Verandas, please call 910-251-2212 or visit
www.verandas.com.
For
a Free Visitors Guide, accommodations and event information in Historic
Wilmington and NC's Cape Fear Coast, please call 1-866-266-9690 or visit
website www.cape-fear.nc.us.
Media:
Connie
Nelson
Communications
Manager
(910)
341-4030 or
(800)
222-4757
Cape
Fear Coast CVB
cvbpr@cape-fear.nc.us |
