Southern Vermont inns earn international award

What do the Hotel Plaza Athenee (New York and Paris), The Grand Hyatt Shanghai, The Dorchester (London) and six inns in Southern Vermont have in common? They have all earned the official Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, the most prestigious award in the tourism and hospitality industry.
This marks the first time the Academy has reviewed Southern Vermont establishments. In its 60-year history the Star Diamond Award has gone to countries, resorts, cities, cruise lines, chefs – but never small Inns & B&Bs, said Chef Walter Potenza, a Trustee of the Academy and owner of Walter’s Ristorante d’Italia in Providence, Rhode Island. In presenting the Five-Star Diamond Awards, Chef Walter said, “Southern Vermont has a territory of hospitality” and recognized Vermont's inns, B&Bs, small hotels and resorts for their historical significance welcoming folks with warm hospitality from the early 1700s. He continued: "southern Vermont is perfectly poised to become 'second to none in New England' for its level of culinary experiences. In a recent visit to some of the award-winning restaurants and after meeting some of the area's young and talented new chefs in person, Chef Walter came away impressed with southern Vermont's culinary resources that as he put it "are part of a clean, sustainable lifestyle."
The awardees included Honora Winery & Vineyard in West Halifax, The Equinox Resort in Manchester, The Inn at Sawmill Farm in West Dover, The Hermitage in West Dover, The Old Tavern in Grafton and Mount Snow Resort. The award is given on a 5-point scale that includes outstanding hospitality, cleanliness, service, structural and food. Based in New York City, the Academy is governed by an international Board of Trustees. Donald Trump is the honorary chairperson. More information about the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences: www.stardiamondaward.com
The Academy is in the process of reviewing other New England states and the rest of Vermont.
Photo caption: Lorraine Muha, Operations Manager, Honora Winery & Vineyard in West Halifax, VT, one of the six recipients of the Five-Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences