Environmentally friendly hotels awarded

Considerate and environmentally friendly hoteliers were recognised during the Master Innholders General Manager's Conference at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel in London yesterday.

Winners of the Considerate Hotel of the Year 2006 award were the Taj group's 51 Buckingham Gate in the corporate/group category and Matfen Hall in Newcastle in the independent hotel bracket.

The award recognises hotels that are making a significant contribution to their community and local environment

Liam Lambert, chairman of The Considerate Hoteliers Association and general manager of The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park said: "Many hoteliers are now prepared to go outside their traditional areas of concern, that of optimum comfort and service for their guests, and contribute significantly to the environment and improved quality of life locally, nationally and globally."

West London's Novotel won the group/corporate award for Environmentally Responsible Hotel of 2006 sponsored by The Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap), while Strattons Hotel in Swaffham, Norfolk was named as the independent hotel winner.

Jennie Price, chief executive of Wrap added: "The finalists in this award category have all demonstrated a sound understanding of these issues the environment and eco tourism] and have adopted environmental practices which are highly commendable."

By Emily Manson

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