The Lodge at Whitefish Lake in one of only two Montana lodges to earn the AAA Four Diamond Award.

“The Four and Five Diamond ratings are the highest designations awarded by AAA,” club spokeswoman Kaelyn Kelly said. “Receiving a Four Diamond Award signifies these properties continue to go above and beyond the mark of excellence in the hospitality industry.”

The other Montana Lodge to earn the distinction is the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, a dude ranch in Emigrant.

The Lodge At Whitefish Lake opened for business in December 2005, the first new full-service hotel in Whitefish in more than 20 years. The Boat Club restaurant and lounge offers lakeside views.

The Lodge also features an executive board room of 400 square feet, private dining rooms and a 4,500-square-foot lakeside function area. A skybridge across Wisconsin Avenue connecting The Lodge with the Viking Lodge was installed in April 2010.

AAA revised its Diamond Rating guidelines this year to reflect changing traveler expectations. The changes make the Four Diamond distinction even more difficult to achieve.

“The Lodge at Whitefish Lake and the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch both provide extensive services and amenities to visitors in plush and luxurious surroundings,” says Kelly. “The personalized service and attention to detail they deliver ensures each and every guest leaves with an unforgettable experience.”