The Lodge earns sixth Four-Diamond award

Five black diamond-shaped plaques are prominently displayed above the front reception desk at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.

Time to make room for a sixth.

The hotel is once again the recipient of the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond Award. Of the nearly 28,000 AAA-rated hotels in the U.S., only 6 percent earn Four-Diamond status.

“This means something,” said Todd Burger, CEO of AAA Mountain West, in presenting the award last week. “In Montana, this is the only Four-Diamond award.”

Four and Five Diamond Ratings are the highest designations awarded by AAA.

Built in 2005, The Lodge is family-owned and operated by the Averill family. Burger said it’s noteworthy when a family-run property reaches Four-Diamond status.

“The owners are committed to service and treat you like family,” he said. “For an owner-managed property to receive a Four Diamond — it means the owner cares.”

Brian Averill, owner and operator of The Lodge, said the award is a badge of honor for the hotel and its staff.

“It represents quality, service and experience,” he said. “People know what to expect when they arrive in the door.”

“The reasons we do what we do are reflected in this award.”