Large Hotel of the Year
This award is aimed at all hotels and townhouses over 35 bedrooms, with a VisitBritain Star rating and a Gold or Silver Award or the equivalent grade and accolade as offered by the AA.
Regional winners
Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa
Whittlebury, Towcester, Northamptonshire
Whittlebury Hall is a privately-owned four star hotel in the village of Whittlebury, just outside Towcester. Located adjacent to the Silverstone race circuit, it regularly hosts British Grand Prix teams and race fans.
What not to miss: There are mini-bars in all rooms and free broadband throughout. www.whittleburyhall.co.uk
The Angel Hotel
3 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
The family owned Angel Hotel located in the pretty medieval Suffolk market town is a former coaching inn. It dates back to 1452, when pilgrims visiting the great abbey of St Edmundsbury used to rest there.
What not to miss: Look out - the hotel has been visited by an illustrious list of guests, including Charles Dickens, who wrote part of the Pickwick Papers here, plus Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Pierce Brosnan. www.theangel.co.uk
Marriott Worsley Park Hotel & Country Club
Worsley Park, Worsley, Manchester
The former home of the Duke of Bridgewater, Worsley Park has a unique blend of facilities and services, as well as an excellent location in the heart of Manchester.
What not to miss: The hotel boasts some of the best golfing facilities in the region with an 18-hole championship golf course and has even hosted televised events such as the European Golf Challenge Tour Event. www.marriottworsleypark.co.uk
Newcastle Marriott Hotel
High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Set in 12 acres of woodland, the Newcastle Marriott Hotel boasts a prime location adjacent to the Newcastle Racecourse on the outskirts of the city.
What not to miss: The hotel’s fine dining credentials were confirmed with the award of 1AA Rosette as well as the Marriott Food and Beverage Award of Excellence in 2007. www.NewcastleMarriottGosforthPark.co.uk
Bedruthan Steps Hotel
Spa & Venue, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
Bedruthan Steps Hotel has been in the hands of the same family since it opened in 1961. It opened its doors year round for the first time in 2004, gaining AA four-star recognition in the process.
What not to miss: Check out the unique Hammam, sauna, spa pool, steam room and caldarium, plus five treatment rooms offering unique natural or organic treatments. www.bedruthan.com
The Macdonald Complete Angler
Marlow, Buckinghamshire
The Macdonald Complete Angler is a 400-year-old classic English country house hotel on the banks of the River Thames within walking distance of the beautiful town of Marlow and only 30 minutes from Ascot’s famous racecourse.
What not to miss: Two outstanding restaurants – Bowaters offers modern British fare, and the newly opened Aubergine (sister to the Michelin starred restaurant in Chelsea) has delicious French cuisine. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/compleatangler
Apex City of London Hotel
No 1 Seething Lane, London
Apex City of London Hotel is situated on the doorstep of some of the city’s top sight-seeing attractions such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. The hotel is elegantly furnished and features the paintings of local artists from the Skylark Gallery.
What not to miss: Guests can indulge in gourmet cuisine in the Addendum Restaurant and Bar which boasts 2 AA rosettes. www.apexhotels.co.uk
Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa
1150 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds, Yorkshire
The stylish, contemporary Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa is located just minutes from cosmopolitan Leeds city centre and is an ideal base for visiting the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
What not to miss: Guests can enjoy complimentary membership of the spa during their stay. www.thorpeparkhotel.com
