AAA in February awarded 23 central and eastern North Carolina properties with its prestigious four diamond distinction, according to a press release from AAA.

Among those receiving the award were Wilmington’s bed and breakfast inns, The Verandas and the Graystone Inn. The Verandas has carried the designation for 12 years and the Graystone Inn for 15 years.

“AAA’s requirements for a Four Diamond rating are rigorous, and those that achieve this designation are among the finest hotels and restaurants in the world,” David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas said in the release.

“Only 3.4 percent of the more than 59,000 annual inspections conducted nationally result in a Four Diamond rating.”

For its lodging ratings, AAA uses a scale from one to five. Four diamonds means the travel group feels the establishments “are upscale in all areas,” and five diamonds reflect “the ultimate in luxury and sophistication,” according to AAA’s website.