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Stars, champagne glasses and spirits, and not necessarily in that order, were raised Monday evening in the lobby of The Peabody Little Rock.

The hotel was officially recognized as Arkansas' first-ever 4-star hotel as designated by Forbes Travel Guide.

Peabody Little Rock general manager Gregg Herning made the announcement at 5 p.m., when the designation became official.

With a crowd of Little Rock dignitaries including Mayor Mark Stodola and other well wishers looking on, a contingent of hotel employees -- many of whom came in on their day off -- pitched in to help raise a fourth star to the facade that greets visitors as they enter the hotel lobby.

"This announcement is not only monumental for The Peabody, but also for the state of Arkansas," said Montine McNulty, executive director of the Arkansas Hospitality Association in a press release. "It proves our great state can compete on a national and international level to provide the best travel experience for our visitors. History has been made today in Arkansas."

The Forbes Travel Guide, formerly known as the Mobil Travel Guide, originated the star rating system more than 50 years ago in an effort to provide travelers with objective content to help them make informed travel-related decisions.

Monday's announcement makes The Peabody Little Rock one of only 147 Forbes 4-star hotels in North America. Herning noted the Little Rock hotel in 2008 surpassed The Peabody Memphis and The Peabody Orlando in terms of customer satisfaction.