CHICAGO, IL (April 28) -– Mobil Travel Guide, originator of the prestigious Mobil Five-Star Award and provider of the most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas, today unveiled its annual ratings of America's top hotel and resort spas. This year the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York joins Spa Montage at Montage Resort, California as a Mobil Five-Star property and a "Best Spas in America" designee. Eighty-three additional properties were awarded Mobil Four-Star and Three-Star ratings (see following pages for complete list).
Spa-goers can learn more about this year's award-winning properties and view Mobil Travel Guide's expert reviews exclusively at www.mobiltravelguide.com.
"The Star-rated properties recognized today exemplify the finest in hotel and resort spa experiences in the United States," said Kenneth P. Cohen, Vice President, Public Affairs, Exxon Mobil Corporation. "We are pleased to welcome The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York as an elite Mobil Five-Star Award winner. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York and Spa Montage embody the high standards travelers expect from the Mobil Travel Guide."
Similar to the process used to evaluate hotels and restaurants since 1958, Mobil Travel Guide's undercover inspectors rate spas using more than 450 criteria, which are updated annually. Evaluations consider every aspect of the spa, from the reservation process and check-in to the public areas and locker rooms. Inspectors complete two treatments at each spa to review how procedures are provided and to evaluate consistency. In assessing the "total spa experience," Mobil Travel Guide inspectors examine factors such as courtesy of staff, overall efficiency, guest comfort and convenience, luxury, therapists' technical execution/skill and knowledge, and facility cleanliness/condition. All inspections are conducted without the knowledge of spa management and staff.
"If you are considering a spa visit, either for yourself or as a gift, your research should not end after simply learning what treatments or amenities are available," said Shane O'Flaherty, Vice President of Quality Assurance for Mobil Travel Guide. "Our annual ratings and reviews evaluate the multiple details that combine to make your spa visit relaxing, luxurious, and memorable. Mobil Travel Guide gives you the insight you need to plan a truly extraordinary experience."
Fourteen spas were new additions to this year's list, and six spas improved their ratings. Detailed reviews, as well as designations for the best spas in categories such as "Urban Renewal," "Romantic Getaways," and "Bachelorette Retreats," are provided by Mobil Travel Guide and published exclusively online by HowStuffWorks at www.mobiltravelguide.com.
ABOUT MOBIL TRAVEL GUIDE:
Mobil Travel Guide, originator of the prestigious Mobil Star ratings and certifications, has been providing the most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants, and spas in the United States and Canada since 1958. Mobil Travel Guide's team of anonymous, expert inspectors evaluates properties against rigorous and objective proprietary standards, giving consumers the insight to make better-informed travel and leisure decisions. Mobil Travel Guide is published by Publications International, Ltd. under license from Exxon Mobil Corporation. Mobil Travel Guide is headquartered in Lincolnwood, IL. For more information, visit
HowStuffWorks, Mobil Travel Guide, Mobil Five-Star, Mobil Four-Star, and Best Spas in America are trademarks used and/or registered by their respective owners.
For the complete list of Star-rated spas, click here.
CONTACT:
Shane O'Flaherty, Mobil Travel Guide, 847-583-4452
Lauren Kerr, ExxonMobil, 202-862-0275
