Alpenhorn Bed and Breakfast wins 10th AAA Four Diamond Award

Alpenhorn Bed & Breakfast is the only facility in the city, and San Bernardino County as well, that has earned the Automobile Club of Southern California's prestigious "2010 AAA Four Diamond Award."

"Our inspectors rate customer service, how the guests are treated, cleanliness, the whole gamut," said club spokeswoman Elaine Beno.

The club's inspectors are anonymous and pose as guests to ensure their rating is based on the same experience any random patron would receive, Beno said.

Nestled among the pines and firs in a residential neighborhood on the 600 block of Knight Ave., Alpenhorn has operated since 1999. Every year since, it has earned the award.

The designation represents the top 3.4 percent of over 2,600 Southern California hotels, motels, and restaurants inspected by the club, the nation's largest AAA affiliate, a club news release said.

In June 2007, husband and wife tandem Timothy and Linda Carpenter bought the business from Chuck and Roberta Slemaker. The Carpenters have been able to continue the Slemakers tradition of excellence and have earned three straight Four Diamond awards.

"We want to offer the best to our guests," said Linda Carpenter. "We offer the amenities that the other places don't."

There are certain guidelines a hotel must follow to even be considered for Four Diamond

status, such as providing guests with two pillow cases on one pillow or sandwiching a blanket between two bed sheets, Carpenter said.

These types of policies are viewed as providing guests with an ultra-clean experience, but Alpenhorn doesn't stop there, Carpenter said.

Luxurious furniture, Egyptian Cotton towels, Aveda hygiene products and 600 thread count sheets are provided for every guest, Carpenter said. Full concierge, evening turndown and maid services are available too, something other hotels in the area don't offer, she said.

Guests receive complimentary gourmet breakfasts in the morning and in the early evening complementary hors d'oeuvres are served with wine, Carpenter said.

The club doles out awards every year that range from one to five diamonds, but all represent its stamp of approval. One diamond represents an establishment geared toward the "budget-minded traveler," the club's Web site says, while four diamonds reflects "an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail."

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