Inspected Clean

The COVID pandemic has had a profound impact on travelers’ expectations for cleanliness.  Over the past year, hotels have adapted their cleaning procedures and housekeeping standards, and the AAA Diamond Program is evolving to meet these changing expectations of today’s travelers. This is more important than ever as more people are starting to travel once again. And, of course, AAA is here to help you will all your travel needs.

AAA research shows that travelers trust hotels with a high cleanliness score based on an independent, third-party inspection. As a result, AAA is enhancing its housekeeping evaluation to include objective, scientific validation of the cleanliness of common surfaces throughout hotels. Hotels that meet AAA’s standards for cleanliness, condition, and the new surface cleanliness testing will now be recognized as Inspected Clean and then designated a Diamond designation.

AAA Inspectors will conduct the surface cleanliness testing on-site by measuring surfaces in a selection of guest rooms and bathroom locations, which may include guest room door handles, light switches, thermostat controls, television remotes, faucet, and toilet handles, and vanity surfaces. While this test does not provide direct identification of viruses such as the coronavirus, it will allow for confirmation of properly cleaned surfaces.

Travelers will be able to find Inspected Clean hotels on AAA.com/Diamonds in the fall. If you’re planning a trip between now and then, look for AAA Inspectors’s Best of Housekeeping badge for peace of mind.