Benchmark Hospitality International has announced that THE CHATTANOOGAN, Tennessee's urban resort located in the heart of revitalized Chattanooga, has been awarded the prestigious Four Diamond Award for 2009.  This is the first time the luxurious property has been so honored since it opened in 2001.

The Chattanoogan is one of only 15 hotels in the state of Tennessee to receive four diamonds, and the only full-service hotel in the city of Chattanooga to be presented with the award.  Lodging accommodations at this level offer an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.

"We are honored to be recognized as a Four Diamond property," said Tom Cupo, Benchmark’s general manager for the resort.  "At The Chattanoogan, we are committed to providing a premier travel experience to all of our guests by consistently exceeding expectations. This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our entire team of hospitality professionals."

The Chattanoogan is part of a select group of Four Diamond Award winners. Just 3.9 percent of the more than 31,000 American Automobile Association-rated lodging facilities and 2.8 percent of the 27,000 AAA-rated restaurants were awarded the prestigious Four Diamond designation for 2009. 

"AAA Four Diamond Award winners represent an important tier of the hospitality industry, offering guests superior experiences with a high level of hospitality in luxurious surroundings," said Michael Petrone, AAA director of Tourism Information Development.  "To achieve and maintain this level of service is an amazing accomplishment.  AAA is pleased to honor The Chattanoogan." 

The Four Diamond-rated The Chattanoogan, a 210,000 square-foot five-story upscale urban resort with 199 guest rooms and suites, has three outstanding restaurants, a 25,000 square-foot conference center with comprehensive meeting planning and audiovisual support services and a spa with four treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, fitness center, indoor pool, whirlpool and patio overlooking the hotel's courtyard. 

The property is conveniently located within a two-hour drive from Atlanta; Nashville; Knoxville; Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama.  Located in the heart of revitalized Chattanooga, it is within walking distance of the city's museums, galleries, retail stores, restaurants, and the  acclaimed Tennessee Aquarium.

The Chattanoogan is managed by Benchmark Hospitality International, a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™.  The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark is a worldwide organization operating over 30 properties representing major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut.  International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For locations of properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com. 

The Automobile Association of America’s Diamond Rating System is the only ratings system that covers all of North America and evaluates more properties than any other rating entity.
The Diamond Rating System is one of the most respected in the lodging and restaurant industries. Earning a Four Diamond rating means that a hotel or restaurant has undergone and successfully passed a rigorous evaluation process. Of the approximately 58,000 lodgings and restaurants evaluated by the American Automobile Association, only 3.4 percent earned a Four Diamond rating for 2009.