HIGHLAND, Calif. – November 02, 2026 -- Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel has kept its AAA Five Diamond designation for a third straight year, and it remains the only casino resort in the United States to hold the rating.
Fewer than 1% of AAA-inspected hotels earn the rating
The designation goes to fewer than 1% of nearly 23,000 AAA-inspected hotels. To earn and keep it, properties go through unannounced evaluations by AAA inspectors, who assess every part of the guest experience, from accommodations and amenities to service.
Kenji Hall, General Manager of the resort, credited the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation's long stewardship of the enterprise and the work of team members over the past 40 years.
AAA ranks the resort No. 2 among casino hotels
Yaamava' also placed No. 2 among casino hotels nationwide on AAA's 2026 Diamond Top 10 list. The annual ranking is based on year-round, in-person evaluations by AAA inspectors against the organization's Diamond standards.
A 40th anniversary year packed with awards
The resort celebrated its 40th anniversary in July. Its recent honors include:
- Property of the Year at the 2026 Global Gaming Awards Americas, where Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation received Responsible Business of the Year.
- Casino of the Year at the International Entertainment Buyers Association Conference, where Vice President of Entertainment Drew Dixon was named Casino Buyer of the Year.
Yaamava' also led the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, taking Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas, Best Casino Hotel, Best Casino Restaurant, Best Casino for Slots and Best Players Club. Its sister property, Palms Casino Resort, was named Best Casino in Las Vegas for the third consecutive year.
What guests find near Highland
The resort sits about 70 miles from downtown Los Angeles. It has more than 7,500 slots, five high-limit gaming rooms, luxury retail shops and more than a dozen bars and lounges. It also has a Forbes Five-Star spa, a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel, and a theater. Newer additions include bEATS, a fast-casual dining and immersive entertainment venue.