(Above) Holiday revelers cross Wabash Avenue last November in front of Trump International Hotel & Tower. (Click on image to view larger version.)

January 18, 2014 – Two River North hotels and one restaurant have won AAA Chicago’s prestigious “Five Diamond Award.”

The Peninsula on East Superior Street has won a Five Diamond award from AAA Chicago every year for the past 12 years. This is the fourth year for Trump International Hotel & Tower, which opened on North Wabash Avenue in 2008.

Trump Tower’s restaurant, Sixteen, was the only River North restaurant receiving a Five Diamond rating.

“These establishments consistently exceed the expectations of the most discriminating traveler, the AAA inspector,” said Brad Roeber, regional president of AAA Chicago.

Getting a Five Diamond rating requires a series of thorough inspections by full-time AAA inspectors and a final review by a committee.

The automobile association made the announcements on Friday. Although the awards cover all of Illinois and northern Indiana, all four hotels and all seven restaurants that won are located in Chicago. The city now has just as many Five Diamond restaurants as does New York.

The mayor was pleased to hear the news. “Chicago offers a rich history of diverse food culture and unique culinary experiences,” said Rahm Emanual in a statement released by his office. “The Second City is second to none in first-rate dining and world-class food.”