Group Hotel of the Year

The Berkeley Hotel, London

The winner of this year's Group Hotel Catey, the Berkeley hotel, was singled out for being the very best of its type - an outstanding five-star property in the heart of London. Indeed, praise from the judges was extravagant, including comments such as "the service is spot-on", "the standards are exceptional" and "the housekeeping is exemplary".

But judge Terry Holmes put it in a nutshell when he said: "It's difficult to say anything but good about it."

The judges also recognised that it's difficult to stay at the top, particularly during uncertain times, such as takeovers. The Berkeley's parent company, the Savoy Group, was taken over by US company the Blackstone Group in a £520m deal in 1998. But, as several of the judges pointed out, far from suffering from the change of owner, the Knightsbridge hotel has continued to improve its standards - some suggested that it has shown itself perhaps more resilient than sister hotels, the Savoy and Claridge's, behind which it used to trail.

"It is difficult to improve on excellence," said Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, adding that the Berkeley continues to do just that. A £10m investment in 1996 saw the refurbishment of the rooftop leisure facilities, including the health spa and gym. New conference facilities mean the traditional hotel is a cool rival for more modern hotels.

And a deal in 1998 saw acclaimed chef Pierre Koffmann move his two-Michelin-starred La Tante Claire restaurant into the hotel, complementing the Franco-Oriental Vong restaurant, which was set up by New York-based chef-restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten in 1995.

As for raising standards, the judges recognised general manager Jean-Jacques Pergant, who has been in his post since 1994, as the driving force behind "a style and level of service not often found these days in London". It was noted that he keeps his staff well motivated and well trained, and that he has kept a steady hand during the change of owner.

All these achievements are reflected in the Berkeley's healthy financial figures. The 168-bedroom hotel is now one of the better-performing properties in the Savoy Group, having seen occupancy levels increase from 66.2% in 1994 to 83% in 1999, and revpar (revenue per available room) rise from £130 to £245.

"They are way up there," said Terry Holmes.

But it's not just the judges who rate the Berkeley so highly. The AA Hotel Guide 2000 describes it as "the benchmark for the very best in hotelkeeping and service". What better reason to be worthy of this year's award?

Judges

Beppo Buchanan-Smith, proprietor, Isle of Eriska Hotel, Isle of Eriska, Scotland

Bob Cotton, chief executive, British Hospitality Association

Stephen Evans, Food That Delights

Terry Holmes, executive director, the Stafford, London

Carl Leaver, managing director, Travel Inn

Martin Skan, chairman, Chewton Glen, New Milton, Hampshire

David Young, chief hotel and restaurant inspector, AA Hotel Services

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