For the seventh year running, Historic Hotels of Europe (HHE) have announced the winners of its prestigious annual awards ceremony.
Honouring historic hotels across the continent, the awards this year go to properties delivering unique, superior and deeply cultural experiences.
Votes have been collected from in-the-know travellers and hotel lovers - nearly 90% of which have stayed in the properties themselves (the rest of those surveyed plan to).
The award winners were announced on Monday 24th of February 2020 at Hotel Stefanie - the oldest hotel in Vienna - during a gala dinner.
The event also coincided with the fourth annual hotelier’s meeting - a valuable gathering of minds in the hospitality sector, with day-long talks and learning opportunities to bring more value to this exciting industry.
“This is by far my favourite time of the year - championing the very best of the very best of Europe’s historic hotels,” says Historic Hotels of Europe chairman Ken Healy. “From immaculately preserved castles to romantic spa stays, this is our chance to crown those one-of-a-kind places that have made a real impact on guests. These well-deserved winners and finalists preserve rich history, tell soulful stories, and deliver perfect hospitality in their own truly unique way - and I think that deserves celebrating.”
The winners in the 8 award categories are as follows:
Historic Hotel Castle Award 2020
Topping our strong collection of historic castle hotels, Castello di Gargonza stole the crown. It's no wonder - this medieval Tuscan village in Italy, complete with magical castle, ultra-luxe rooms and heavenly atmosphere feels like you’ve been transported back in time.
Second finalist: Chateau Liblice in Liblice, Czech Republic
Third finalist: Roch Castle in Roch, Wales
City Historic Hotel Award 2020
Hotel Stefanie has delivered warm welcomes to guests since 1600, making it the longest-standing hotel in Vienna, Austria. With a truly personal service, soulful atmosphere and impressive antiques, Stefanie is a worthy winner of the city historic hotel award.
Second finalist: Hotel Restaurant Schwarzer Bock in Ansbach, Germany
Third finalist: Hotel Flanders in Brugge, Belgium
Historic Hotel Countryside Award 2020
Irish stay Renvyle House was the country lovers’ choice for 2020. Set in beautiful private parkland on the shores of the Wild Atlantic Way, the historic hotel has been looking after guests for more than 130 years.
Second finalist: L´Unicorno near Lake Garda, Italy
Third finalist: Hotel Alte Goste in Pustervalley, Italy
Historic Hotel Gourmet Award 2020
You can always rely on Greece to deliver the gourmet - and Hotel Aigialos in Santorini is pretty much the poster boy of the country’s cuisine. Former guests and diners loved the food so much, they took it all the way to the top-spot.
Second finalist: Dalen Hotel in Dalen, Norway
Third finalist: Avli Lounge Apartment in Reythmno, Greece
Historic Hotel Spa Award 2020
Receiving the award for the best spa experience, Rübezahl-Marienbad Hotel & Spa in Czech Republic is our voter’s best spot for blissful relaxation. This stay provides the perfect scenario to unwind, reset and connect with yourself or the one you love.
Second finalist: Hotel Royal Palace in Turčianske Teplice, Slovakia
Third finalist: No.1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa in Limerick, Ireland
Historic Hotel Wedding Experience 2020
In a quiet and noble corner of Poland, hugged by four hectares of parkland, Sierakow Manor is the natural choice to tie the knot. The proof is in the pudding - guests voted it the number one venue for getting married in.
Second finalist: Hotel Restaurant Schloss Wartegg at Lake Constance, Switzerland
Third finalist: Ghan House in Carlingford, Ireland
Best Historic Hotel With “A Story to Tell” 2020
We’re obsessed with the stories of our historic guardians. This year, Antiq Palace in Slovenia has been awarded the extra-special honour of best historic hotel with ‘A Story To Tell’.
Second finalist: Kyrimai Hotel in Mani, Greece
Third finalist: Hotel Falken in Wengen, Switzerland
Most Romantic Historic Hotel 2020
Balancing the perfect harmony of luxurious and laid-back, Kasteel Sterkenburg in the Netherlands spoils its guests in romantic ambience. A much-deserved winner.
Second finalist: Villa Astra in Lovran, Croatia
Third finalist: Relais Antico Monastero San Biagio in Nocera Umbra, Italy
View all Winners and Finalists 2020 on the Historic Hotels of Europe Awards page: https://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/award.html
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About Historic Hotels of Europe:
Registered in Dublin, Ireland, Historic Hotels of Europe is an exclusive collection of unique independent hotels, castles, palaces, country houses and other properties of historic importance in Europe
Each property within the association has been handpicked for its historical authenticity, exceptional quality and unique story. Whether you’re living like a king or queen in a 16th-century castle, or a spa-based bliss in the Med, the aim is to give guests that ‘something special’ - an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond expectations.
We see ourselves as guardians of heritage - cherishing each property as a historic treasure within its nation. With your support and dedication, we continue to preserve and improve every property - and keep their stories alive.
For more information, high-resolution images or information about any of our hotels, please contact Ms. Claudia Buscher
Phone: 0039 335 5363405
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.historichotelsofeurope.com
