The Carolina Hotel, Holly Inn and 1895 Grille in Pinehurst are among 10 accommodations and eight restaurants in central and eastern North Carolina that have earned AAA's prestigious Four Diamond rating for 2007.

The Carolina Hotel has received the Four-Diamond rating for 25 consecutive years -- more than any other property in the Carolinas.

This is the sixth year the 1895 Grille has earned the designation and the fifth for the Holly Inn.

"It is an honor and privilege to have the Carolina, the Holly and the 1895 Grille consistently ranked among the top hotels and restaurants in the country," said Scott Brewton, executive vice president and general manager of Pinehurst. "I'm very proud of our hard-working staff that makes this possible each year."

The recipients will be recognized Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Carolina Inn, in Chapel Hill.

Others across the state include The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa and the Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, and Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill,

In all, 14 restaurants and 23 accommodations in North Carolina will be awarded the 2007 Four Diamond rating for superior customer service and facilities.

Collectively, the Four Diamond accommodations and restaurants have more than 300 years of Four Diamond service in the state.

"AAA's requirements for a Four Diamond rating are rigorous, and those that win it are among the best hotels and restaurants in the world," said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. "Only 3.4 percent of the more than 57,000 annual inspections conducted nationally result in a Four Diamond rating.

"With a Four Diamond rating, you can expect a high level of hospitality, service and attention to detail. "These hotels and restaurants are the best of the best. Amenities in the accommodations are upscale, and the restaurants have an overall sophistication and formal atmosphere with superbly trained wait staff and chefs cooking original cuisine."

The Four Diamond awards are given annually by AAA to qualified hotels and restaurants in North America. More than 1,800 properties nationally earn the Four Diamond ratings after full-time specially trained evaluators conduct anonymous overnight stays or dine incognito.

Lodgings include eight different classifications, such as bed and breakfast, hotel, cottage and country inn with four sub -classifications such as historic, classic, resort and casino.

Restaurants have varying cuisines and ambiences.

Each restaurant and lodging that receives any diamond rating from AAA after a free evaluation is listed free in AAA's TourBooks that are distributed free to any of the organization's 50 million members nationwide.