Every year the American Automobile Association, better known as the AAA, releases its list of Four- and Five-Diamond rated hotels and restaurants from around the globe — and Louisville is shining bright like a diamond.

But before we reveal these eight gemsLove this!, let’s take a look at what it takes to become one of its shining stars.

AAA conducts in-person inspections at ~60,000 properties in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean to see if they meet its high standards for cleanliness, comfort, and hospitality. Out of all those establishments, about 6.5% of hotels and 2.3% of restaurants meet the standards for a Four Diamond rating.Only 0.4% of hotels and 0.2% of restaurants become Five Diamonds.

Who’s on the list

💎 21c Museum Hotel
Louisville 21c is the first location for the boutique-hotel-meets-art-museum franchise. We recommended spending a night in the Cyclone room.

💎 Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown
This Hilton hotel is located in the former 19th century Stewart’s Dry Goods Company Building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

💎 Hotel Distil
This Marriot hotel on Whiskey Row is known for giving guests a prescription card inviting them to a nightly bourbon toast in the lobby at 7:33 p.m. — which in military time is 19:33, the year prohibition was repealed.Oooh, fun fact I didn't know!

💎 Louisville Marriott Downtown
Connected to the Kentucky International Convention Center, this hotel has been Four-Diamond rated since 2005 and is also part of the Urban Bourbon Trail.

💎 Omni Louisville Hotel
With a rooftop pool, five bars, three restaurants, a bowling alley, a spa, and a convenience market on site, it’s no wonder this upscale hotel made the list.

💎 The Brown Hotel
Famous for being the home of the Hot Brown, this 16-story, landmark hotel has been around since 1923.

💎 English Grill
While currently closed until fall 2023, this English Grill is The Brown Hotel’s signature restaurant — which has been serving guests for generations in its dining room with dark oak paneling and elegant ceilings. Don’t worry, you can still get a Hot Brown from the J Graham's Cafe and The Lobby Bar & Grill on site.

💎 Vincenzo’s
This Italian restaurant — where business casual attire is encouraged — promises an authentic experience with dishes like veal or chicken marsala, and five different pasta entrees.