Mirbeau Inn & Spa, located on Genesee Street in Skaneateles, has once again secured the prestigious Four Diamond Award from the prominent and trusted American Automobile Association (AAA). In a ceremony held at the New York Wine and Culinary Center, Mirbeau was recognized as a Four Diamond accommodation winner while Giverny, the restaurant which accompanies the Inn and Spa, received the Four Diamond restaurant award. According to Wally Smith, Vice President of the Western and Central New York chapter of AAA, “Four Diamond winners are members of an elite group, demonstrating unwavering commitment to superior hospitality–attentive service, premier comfort, impressive surroundings, and an extensive selection of amenities.” More than 60,000 locations are visited yearly by AAA tourism editors, where they are evaluated for Four Diamond eligibility. Mirbeau is one of 17 New York accommodations outside of New York City recognized for the award. Giverny Restaurant shares the honor with only 12 other restaurants in Upstate New York. Less than 3 percent of the all locations assessed receive the four diamond rating. Mirbeau General Manager Brent Truax believes that recognition for awards like the Four Diamond contributes to the overall reputation of the destination and inspires interest in the entire region. “This award brings deserved attention to the Central New York area, where retreat destinations are generally overlooked. Very few locations outside of New York City achieve such high-end status, and this kind of recognition makes people realize that world-class amenities are no more than a car ride away,” explains Truax. Giverny Food and Beverage Manager Dave Lenweaver has worked at the restaurant on and off since 2001. Lenweaver points out that it is exceptional for an entire property to be graced with this prestigious award. “AAA standards require that a very difficult set of criteria be met.” Lenweaver observed, adding that in addition to the Four Diamond Awards, the Inn, Spa, and Restaurant were also winners of the 2008 Mobile Four Star award in January. “There are only a handful of destinations in the country with both an AAA Four Diamond and a Mobile Four Star rating. We are the only location in Upstate New York,” Lenweaver noted. Mirbeau has been a popular retreat for an upscale clientele since its opening in May of 2000. The Inn offers 34 guest rooms designed to heighten relaxation and exude luxury. Each room features a fireplace and an oversized bathroom, with access to ponds and gardens along the terraced cottage landscape. Classic spa offerings like massages and facials accompany other sophisticated amenities such as a motion and dance studio, the Aqua Terrace mineral salt baths and a nail salon. Giverny Restaurant entices guests with a menu inspired by classic French-style cooking with a lighter, modern approach. The menu is complemented by an award-winning wine list. As a student at the Culinary Institute of America, Lenweaver remembers working with dozens of Certified Master Chefs, whose titles distinguished them as being the best and most capable culinary experts in the world. He sees little difference between those individuals and Giverny’s current executive chef, Edward Moro. “You’d be hard pressed to find such exceptional food anywhere else in this area,” Lenweaver explains. “Guests from New York City come here and cannot believe the quality of food for the price. They think it is such a value.” Truax believes that quality distinction is abundant throughout the entire property. “We are very proud of the level of service we provide here at Mirbeau,” says Truax. “At the end of the day, we welcome the opportunity to exceed people’s expectations.” ” Mirbeau is noted for combining the very special dining experience of Giverny Restaurant with the residential style of the elegant Mirbeau Inn and the nationally recognized Spa Mirbeau to create the perfect environment to escape, relax, and reconnect with someone you care for,” Truax adds, referring to Mirbeau’s 2007 Spa Finder ranking as “Best for Romance.” This is the eighth consecutive year that Mirbeau and Giverny have been granted AAA Four Diamond Awards.