AMA announces the exclusive Diamonds of Alberta

The Alberta Motor Association is proud to announce that Banff's Eden Dining Room at The Rimrock Resort Hotel exclusively represents Alberta in the celebrated CAA/AAA Five Diamond category for the ninth consecutive year.

Only five restaurants in Canada, and only one in Western Canada, are rated at the five diamond level in the new 2012 listings.

Establishments identified by CAA/AAA as potential candidates for the Five Diamond Rating undergo multiple evaluations and a final decision by a panel of experts. Those that receive the Five Diamond Rating are subject to unannounced annual evaluations by a CAA/AAA inspector.

Eden Dining Room consistently provides AMA members with world-class dining experience, including imaginative menu selections using the finest ingredients, exceptional comfort and meticulous attention to every guest. It features French cuisine with regional accents and the unique creations of Eden Chef David Hassell, Executive Chef Ralf Wollmann, and Pastry Chef Guy Vaugeois - who was named Canada’s top pastry chef in 2009.

"To achieve and maintain a five diamond rank is a significant accomplishment," says Nikola Berube, Director of Sales for AMA Travel. "We are honoured to showcase and celebrate their commitment to excellence."

Eight restaurants and 12 hotels in Alberta were awarded rankings in the Four Diamond category. "Four Diamond establishments are also esteemed," notes Nikola. "They consistently deliver attentive service and memorable travel and dining experiences in comfortable, high-quality surroundings."

Alberta Four Diamond Restaurants

Banff

Le Beaujolais
The Banffshire Club

Calgary

Catch Restaurant
Chef's Table (new)
Il Sogno
La Chaumiere Restaurant

Lake Louise

Fairview Dining Room
Post Hotel Dining Room

Alberta Four Diamond Lodging

Banff

The Fairmont Banff Springs
The Rimrock Resort Hotel

Calgary

Calgary Marriott Downtown
Hotel Le Germain Calgary
Hyatt Regency Calgary
Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
The Fairmont Palliser
The Westin Calgary

Edmonton

The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
The Westin Edmonton

Lake Louise

Post Hotel & Spa
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

About CAA/AAADiamond Ratings

CAA/AAA's professionally trained inspectors use published guidelines to conduct unannounced lodging and restaurant evaluations, assigning Approved establishments a rating of One to Five AAA Diamonds. CAA/ AAA rate more properties than any other rating entity and is the only rating system that covers the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. It is one of only two that conduct physical, on-site evaluations. CAA/AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotel and restaurant listings can be found in the AAA TourBook® guides available at AAA and CAA offices across the continent. Smartphone users can locate Diamond Rated establishments using the new all in one CAA App at ama.ab.ca/amaapps.

The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is the largest membership organization in Alberta, representing more than 919,000 members. As a leading advocate for traffic safety, travel and consumer protection, crime prevention, and the environment, AMA represents the interests of its members and the motoring public to industry and all levels of government. Visit www.ama.ab.ca to learn more about AMA's products, services and member advocacy initiatives.

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Web-quality b-roll and print-quality photos of the Eden's culinary team in action are available

For more information, contact:

Celine Brassard-Richter
AMA Corporate Communications & Learning
780430-5541 or 780-975-0826 (cell)

Nikola Berube
Director of Sales, AMA Travel
780-430-5404 or 780-231-0380 (cell)