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The Old Tavern is awarded the Star Diamond Award!

The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences names The Old Tavern and this prestigious designation on January 9, 2010.


Kevin O'Donnell accepting diamond star award in 2010

What do the Hotel Plaza Athenee (New York and Paris), The Grand Hyatt Shanghai, The Dorchester (London) and The Old Tavern 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.” He recognized Vermont's inns, B&Bs, small hotels and resorts for their historical significance welcoming folks with warm hospitality from the early 1700s. 
 
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 at 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: StarDiamondAward.com
 
The Academy is in the process of reviewing other New England states and the rest of Vermont.