Named after Cesar Ritz, the most celebrated of hoteliers, the Good Hotel Guide’s Cesar Awards is widely considered to be the Oscars of the hotel industry. After launching the 2020 Good Hotel Guide last month, here they share this year’s award-winning hotels…
An elegant hotel in South Wales, The Angel Hotel is a Georgian former coaching inn, in the grounds of a castle. Steeped in tradition and exemplary customer service, somewhere this charming is best experienced complete with afternoon tea, which itself has won awards for feather-light scones and perfect pastries.
A fine dining, restaurant with rooms, Old Downton Lodge at Ludlow is created out of historic farm buildings laid out around parterre gardens. It retains a sense of historic ceremony with a dining hall where ceilings are high and the wine list itself has won awards for excellence. All flagstone floors and wooden beams, this is a hotel that’s impressive and welcoming as well as achingly romantic.
A boutique hotel in Exeter, Southernhay House is a Georgian townhouse on a pretty square a stroll from the cathedral. that’s all about the details. From the elegant design, rich colours and carefully chosen antique furniture and objets d’art to the little bag of local fudge that greets you in your room on arrival. Sumptuous and indulgent, but designed to make you feel entirely at home, Southernhay House offers excellence at every turn.
A boutique hotel celebrated for its fine dining and impressive location in the Scottish Highlands, The Airds Hotel in Port Appin is an 18th-century ferry inn turned chic gourmet destination. Loch views are accompanied by thoughtful touches in the rooms such as Bulgari toiletries and whisky mac. Meanwhile, meals have a distinctly regional flavour, from Scottish beef at dinner to Ayrshire bacon and Finnan haddock at breakfast.
On the outside, The Quay House is an unassuming hotel in a small harbour town between the foothills of the Twelve Bens and the Owenglin river. On this inside it is impeccably designed, with antiques that range from the simply beautiful to the slightly curious peppered throughout, and a superbly warm welcome from the owners and hosts. Unlike any B&B you’ve stayed in before, it’s a joy from the moment you walk in the door, from breakfast in the conservatory with a vine-hung ceiling to a wonderful night’s sleep on the comfiest of mattresses.
Nestled into the Peak District national park with valley views, Underleigh House is a cosy and comfortable former farmhouse turned B&B. Small and perfectly formed, there are just four bedrooms, three of which are suites, which adds to the homely vibe. They way the space has been used really gives you the chance to unwind properly - for example, the Derwent suite not only has a bedroom and modern bathroom, but a sitting room with a small fridge and local beer. It’s perfect for retreating to after a day of walking in the surrounding countryside.
The Old Coastguard in Penzance is sister to two other celebrated hotels; The Gurnard’s Head and The Felin Fach Griffin, and continues the sense of warmth and professionalism. Small and perfectly formed, there’s an eclectic beauty to it, in keeping with the sociable vibe that emanates from every pore. Thoughtful details include a Roberts radio, woollen blankets and Bramley toiletries in the rooms, and when it comes to dinner we highly recommend the seafood, given the location.
An elegant Georgian manor house, Read’s in Faversham is like stepping back into a more genteel era. Surrounded by tranquil grounds, characterised by mature cedars, willows and horse chestnuts, the six bedroom hotel is totally charming, while dinner is a celebration of traditional favourites including herbs and vegetables from the manor’s kitchen garden as well as local game and fish from the quayside at nearby Whitstable and Hythe.
The Pipe and Glass Inn, South Dalton
A cosy, Michelin Starred restaurant with rooms, The Pipe and Glass Inn has something delicious for everyone. The friendly former coaching inn is a combination of warm welcomes and luxury details, whether you prefer a hearty sandwich and a pint or opt for rum-laced hot chocolate to warm the soul. Rooms are contemporary and elegant but with cosy throws on the beds and beautifully design that’s different in each one, it makes for a wonderfully romantic stay.
A Grade II listed townhouse, North House is a stylish retreat by the sea where design reflects the surroundings in muted colours with seagrass flooring and big, comfortable beds. There’s a subtle seaside vibe throughout with nautical prints scattered throughout, while a pretty garden and a small pool provide space to while away the day. Meanwhile, thoughtful details include fresh milk, home-made biscuits and REN toiletries indoor room to help you feel instantly at home.
