Three Wilmington hospitality businesses received 2018 AAA Four Diamond distinctions, announced AAA Carolinas. What’s more, the establishments are no strangers to the coveted distinction.
 
All located in downtown Wilmington, they are the Graystone Inn, 100 S. Third St., receiving the rating 19 consecutive years; The Verandas Bed & Breakfast Inn, 202 Nun St., honored for the 16th consecutive year; and manna restaurant, 123 Princess St., reaching its fourth consecutive Four Diamond rating.
 
“We congratulate the owners and staff of the Graystone Inn, The Verandas B&B, and manna on their AAA Four-Diamond designations and we applaud their commitment to excellence,” said Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, in a statement. “Their diamonds shine a positive light on the destination.”
 
In all, only 17 hotels and nine restaurants in Central and Eastern North Carolina were bestowed the travel company’s award. According to a statement, less than 4 percent of thousands of annual inspections conducted nationally result in a Four Diamond rating.