Hotel of the Year
This award is open to all hotels with a VisitBritain Gold or Silver Award or equivalent grade and accolade as offered by the AA.
Winner
Gidleigh Park
Chagford, Devon
With its 54 acres of beautiful parklands and the North Teign River flowing through its grounds, Gidleigh Park epitomises the very best that Devon has to offer.
What not to miss: Priding itself for its gastronomic success, Gidleigh Park’s restaurant which specialises in innovative modern European cuisine has earned two Michelin stars and Conde Nast Traveller’s 2008 Gold Best for Food award. www.gidleigh.com
National finalists
East Lodge Hotel & Restaurant
East Lodge, Rowsley, Derbyshire
Set in 10 acres of landscaped gardens near to Chatsworth House and the stunning Peak District National Park, the property today features 12 bedrooms, all en suite and individually furnished, plus an executive family room in its own wing of the hotel.
What not to miss: Food is supervised by head chef Simon Bradley. Simon trained at The Ritz in Paris before working with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir and John Burton-Race at L’Ortolan. www.eastlodge.com
The Bildeston Crown
High Street, Bildeston, Suffolk
Located in the heart of Suffolk's picturesque countryside, close to the historic towns of Bury St. Edmunds and Ipswich, The Bildeston Crown was an original 15th Century Coaching Inn.
What not to miss: The fantastically atmospheric restaurant boasts AA Three Rosettes thanks to innovative chef Chris Lee - named by The Good Food Guide as joint winner of the Up-and-coming Chef Award in 2007. www.thebildestoncrown.co.uk
Regional winners
Goldstone Hall
Market Drayton, Shropshire
Goldstone Hall is a three star country house hotel located in a secluded village south of Market Drayton. The hotel offers 12 ensuite double bedrooms, including six deluxe Bed Chambers, which refers to rooms that were recently added or upgraded.
What not to miss: One of the best hotels in Shropshire, the property offers superb a la carte dining and beautiful gardens. www.goldstonehall.com
White House Manor
New Road, Prestbury, Cheshire
Located in the village of Prestbury exceptionally close to Manchester city centre, this rural retreat offers 12 ensuite bedrooms individually designed by local designer Jane Thomas, coupled with Judith and Ryland’s hospitality experience.
What not to miss: White House Manor is an ideal base for visiting the stately homes of Tatto, Chatsworth and Lyme Park. www.thewhitehouseuk.co.uk
Jesmond Dene House
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle upon Tyne
Boasting a leafy setting overlooking a small wooded valley, Jesmond Dene House offers 40 beautifully designed rooms only a five-minute drive from Newcastle city centre. Jesmond Dene House exudes understated luxury.
What not to miss: Afternoon tea by the open fire, with traditional homemade cakes is definitely an experience not to miss at Jesmond Dene House. www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Hotel TerraVina
174 Woodlands Road, Woodlands, Netley Marsh, New Forest, Southampton, Hampshire
Following the sale of Hotel du Vin, Gerard Basset, co-founder of Hotel du Vin and his wife Nina bought this luxury hotel in their beloved New Forest near Southampton, in early 2007 and spent months carefully renovating and modernising the property.
What not to miss: The short drive to Bucklers Hard, an 18th century village where ships from Nelson's navy were built - comes highly recommended. www.hotelterravina.co.uk
Dean Court Hotel
Duncombe Place, York, North Yorkshire
Standing in the shadow of the beautiful York Minster Cathedral, the elegant Victorian Dean Court Hotel has the most enviable location in York.
What not to miss: Deluxe and superior rooms all offer views of York Minster. www.deancourt-york.co.uk
