For the ninth consecutive year, luxury Las Vegas hotel, Bellagio, received AAA's prestigious Five Diamond Award as did Julian Serrano's renowned restaurant, Picasso.

Additionally, Le Cirque received the distinction for the seventh consecutive year, making Bellagio once again the only hotel in the United States to be home to two AAA Five Diamond restaurants.

"When people are looking for a quality experience, AAA provides a trusted source to help them determine where to stay," said Randy Morton, president and COO of Bellagio. “Receiving the Five Diamond Award acknowledges our continued commitment to excellence and affirms guests of Bellagio will receive superior service each and every visit."

Picasso and Le Cirque are among only five restaurants in Las Vegas to earn the coveted award. "From the ambiance to the service to the cuisine, these two restaurants consistently provide guests with special dining memories," Morton said.
The regions of France and Spain where Picasso spent much of his life inspire Chef Serrano's exceptional Mediterranean cuisine. Picasso masterpieces, as well as a collection of his charming ceramic pieces, further delight the senses of diners enjoying the Picasso experience.

Created by Sirio Maccioni, known as the world's most charismatic restaurateur, Le Cirque invites guests to indulge and relish world-class wines, haute cuisine and luxurious service in an intimate setting. Le Cirque’s opulent dining room is complemented by a breathtaking panoramic view of Bellagio's lake.

AAA Nevada spokesperson Michael Geeser said, "Nevada now ranks third in the U.S. among cities with the most Five Diamond restaurants. That distinction is due in part to the fact that two Five Diamond restaurants can be found under one roof. Both Le Cirque and Picasso in Bellagio continue to provide the most discriminating diners with luxurious surroundings, top of the line service and exquisite tasting food."

AAA evaluates and rates more than 58,000 restaurants and lodgings each year throughout all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, providing the broadest coverage of any U.S. rating system, both geographically and by number of properties rated. Of those, only 113 resorts and 52 restaurants, or 0.28 percent, earned the highly coveted AAA Five Diamond rating for 2010.

To be considered for AAA rating and approval, restaurants and lodgings undergo a thorough evaluation by AAA/CAA's full-time tourism inspectors. Five Diamond establishments go through a much more extensive review. The entire experience, from arrival through departure, is taken into account. AAA experts judge lodgings on the exterior of the facility, public areas, guest rooms, amenities and bathrooms. Restaurants are evaluated on criteria including food, service, décor and ambiance.

AAA Nevada spokesman Michael Geeser said, "The economy this past year presented numerous challenges for the hospitality industry. To maintain the highest level of hospitality during these difficult economic times as Bellagio has done is truly remarkable."