Alumnus Accepts Five-Star Diamond Award

What do the Hotel Plaza Athenee (New York and Paris), The Grand Hyatt Shanghai, The Dorchester (London) and six inns in Southern Vermont 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. 

One of New England’s oldest country inns, The Old Tavern at Grafton is owned and operated by Vermont’s largest non-profit The Windham Foundation.  Kevin O’Donnell, Vice President and Innkeeper, is a forty year veteran in the industry with degrees from SUNY Cobleskill and Cornell University accepted the award on behalf of the entire staff at The Old Tavern and noted "this award is an honor and it represents the commitment of our entire staff and their dedication to all our guests”.     

The other Inns awarded include, The Equinox Resort in Manchester, The Inn at Sawmill Farm in West Dover and The Hermitage in West Dover. 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: www.stardiamondaward.com