They're both acceptable expressions with slightly different meanings or connotations. I can't think hard enough to expound too much farther.
I can say that "a [blank], no less" implies that a [blank] is unlikely or reputedly undesirable. Also, in the definition of nonetheless, you will not find "no less" as a synonym or otherwise related.
That's as far as my brain goes atm. Goodnight!
edit: Just because someone's american doesn't mean they can't go shopping for new knickers, and then throw them in the boot of their hired car while they're on holiday.
