AAA gives Kiawah hotel five diamonds

Lavish Sanctuary hosted Bush, Cheney last weekend

By BRUCE SMITH

The Associated Press

CHARLESTON — The Sanctuary at Kiawah Golf Resort, the luxurious oceanfront hotel that hosted both President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney this past weekend, has been awarded five diamonds by AAA, the highest mark given by the motor club.

There are only four five-diamond properties in South Carolina and two more in North Carolina for 2007.

The Sanctuary, at $125 million, was one of the most expensive hotels ever built in South Carolina when it opened its doors two years ago. Room rates run from $275 per night to $4,500 a night for the presidential suite.

“It’s the first time for The Sanctuary,” said Tom Crosby, spokesman for AAA Carolinas. “It’s a pretty great honor. There aren’t that many of them out there.”

Four five-diamond facilities are the most South Carolina ever has had at once.

“It’s a tribute to the increasing emphasis on the hospitality industry in a state where hospitality is the No. 1 industry,” Crosby said.

Tourism means $15 billion to the state economy and last year attracted 32.5 million visitors — up 2.5 million from 2004.

• The other five-diamond properties in the state are the Wentworth Mansion in Charleston, the Woodlands Resort & Inn in Summerville, and, additionally, the inn’s restaurant.

• In North Carolina, the Fearrington House Country Inn, in Pittsboro, also is rated five diamonds, as is its restaurant, the motor club said.

“We are very proud to receive this rating in such a short space of time,” said Roger Warren, president of Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

The AAA ranks hotels and restaurants after two unannounced visits by inspectors who do nothing but review properties.

Those receiving five diamonds must be “world-class properties exhibiting an exceptionally high degree of service; striking, luxurious facilities and many extra amenities,” according to the motor club.

Such properties “set industry standards in hospitality and service,” according to AAA.

Bush and Cheney last weekend attended fundraisers on successive nights for the Republican National Committee at The Sanctuary. The events together brought in an estimated $1 million.