Traditions of Excellence

GT honors the 2019 Quint, Hall of Fame and Crystal inductees.

- Erich Martin

NOW ENTERING ITS 16TH YEAR, the GT Tested Reader Survey has become a tradition. Year after year, we honor the best in the business after a rigorous vote by our readers. This year nine brands reached consecutive-win milestones, from Quint Status at five years to Hall of Fame inductees at 10 and Crystal Status winners at 15.

No matter the award, winning consecutively is not easy. This year’s Quint Status winners showcase excellence in the travel industry by staying relevant to their passengers and guests.

Hotel brands dominate this year’s winners. First up: The Ritz-Carlton, reaching five consecutive wins in two categories. This brand, known internationally as the gold standard of luxury accommodations, enters Quint Status in the Best International Hotel Chain and Best Domestic Hotel Chain categories. The brand was established in 1983 with a single hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston. Since then the brand gained what feels like ubiquitous fame, with presence in 30 countries and more than 95 hotels in Chile, China, Turkey, Singapore and beyond.

The Ritz-Carlton’s parent company, Marriott International, is no stranger to success at the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. In 2014 Marriott Hotels took home Hotel of the Year, and the brand’s rewards program has been recognized consistently over the years.

A simple look at The Ritz-Carlton’s standards of operation, including warm welcomes and good-byes and the goal of providing the finest personal service available, makes it clear. The Ritz-Carlton’s arrival at Quint Status was always more a question of when rather than if.