Several Park County hotels and guest ranches have been recognized as being among the state’s cleanest by the American Automobile Association.

AAA’s new Inspector’s Best Of Housekeeping award recognizes AAA Inspected & Approved hotels that receive the highest possible cleanliness and condition scores.

Among the 74 properties in Wyoming to earn the honor are three hotels in Cody — the Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites, Buffalo Bill Village, and the Holiday Inn at Buffalo Bill Village Resort — plus the Bill Cody Ranch on the North Fork and the Hunter Peak Ranch in Crandall.

Hotels awarded the Inspector’s Best Of Housekeeping designation significantly surpass expectations during a comprehensive, unannounced, on-site inspection. AAA inspectors check for evidence of dirt, dust, pests, equipment performance and more throughout the property.

“AAA has found cleanliness and physical condition are consistently among the most important components travelers consider when looking for a hotel. This new designation identifies hotels with exceptional practices,” said Sergio Avila, spokesperson for AAA Wyoming. “The commitment shown to maintain these properties in such great shape is a perfect way for AAA members know they’re experiencing the best.”

Properties must demonstrate housekeeping excellence for two consecutive inspections and be free of AAA member complaints to meet the criteria for this award, which puts them in the top 25 percent of all 27,000 AAA Inspected & Approved hotels. AAA’s inspectors evaluate and rate properties year-round, so the total number of properties with the award varies throughout the year.