RAC hands out accolades in new list of awards
The RAC has awarded Gold Ribbon status to nearly 80 hotels in its 2003-04 hotels and guest accommodation awards for the UK and Ireland.
Of the 79 hotels granted the accolade for "superlative standards of customer care, service and accommodation", 56 are in England, four in Wales, four in Scotland, two in the Channel Islands, and 13 in the Republic of Ireland. The list includes nine new entrants.
The RAC awarded a further 76 properties Blue Ribbon status for consistent high standards, including the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, County Down, which is the first property in Northern Ireland to receive the accolade.
The organisation has also announced 47 winners of its Little Gem awards for excellence among small hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and inns. Of the properties, 27 are in England, five in Scotland, one in Wales and 14 in the Republic of Ireland.
Richard Day, head of hotels and travel at RAC, said the high number of award winners showed that the accommodation sector had addressed the hospitality industry's recent difficulties "both positively and constructively".
"By investing in raising quality standards they are enhancing their good reputations even further in an increasingly competitive market," Day said.
New Gold Ribbon Award winners for 2003-04
- Balbirnie House hotel, Fife
- Bodysgallen Hall and Spa, Llandudno, Conwy
- Dunbrody Country House, New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland
- Four Seasons hotel Canary Wharf, London
- Killarney Park hotel, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland
- Seaham Hall, Seaham, County Durham
- The Samling, Windermere, Cumbria
- The Stafford, St James's Place, London
- The Vineyard at Stockcross, Newbury, Berkshire
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 6 - 12 November 2003
