Greg Parsons, general manager for the resort, stated, "To receive this award is an honor, but to receive it when we've been open less than a year is outstanding.  This is a testament to the quality of our workforce, the efforts of our partners, the State of West Virginia and the Division of Natural Resources, the foresight of our owners, McCabe-Henley-Durbin, and the

Stonewall Resort 149 State Park Trail Roanoke, West Virginia

Representatives of AAA visited the property in the spring and evaluated the resort in six key areas:  Management & Staff, Housekeeping & Maintenance, Exteriors, Grounds & Public Areas, Room Décor, Ambiance & Amenities, Bathrooms, and Guest Services.

According to AAA's Lodging Requirements & Diamond Rating Guidelines, "Four Diamond establishments are upscale in all areas.  Accommodations are progressively more refined and stylish.  The physical attributes reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout.  The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail."

AAA distinguishes lodging and restaurant properties on a scale of one to five diamonds, with five being the highest rating. "Less than three percent of the estimated 30,000 AAA-rated lodgings are awarded Four Diamond designations each year," Mr. Parsons indicated. 

The Four Diamond symbol will be included in Stonewall Resort's listing in the 2004 AAA TourBook guide.  According to AAA, nearly 46 million members depend upon TourBook guides to assist them with their travel-related decisions, and an establishment's diamond rating is often the deciding factor when members make lodging or dining choices.

Stonewall Resort is a 208-guestroom property with a lakeside lodge and lakeside cottages, a conference center, restaurants, complete fitness center and swimming pool, and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course.  The resort is located at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park near Roanoke, West Virginia.    Stonewall Resort is a joint private/public development between McCabe-Henley-Durbin and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.

Stonewall Resort is managed by Benchmark Hospitality, an international hospitality management company based in The Woodlands, Texas.  Benchmark operates luxury resorts, hotels, spas, golf clubs and conference centers throughout the United States, in Canada, and Japan.