The British hotels voted best in the world
See the finalists in The World’s 50 Best Hotels
I was thrilled to be invited to the inaugural The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards last week, in London’s Guildhall.
The prestigious food and drinks’ awards have, for the first time, included hotels and the leading destinations were represented on the night, with hoteliers flying in from across the globe.
The overall winner was an Italian newcomer, Passalacqua, on Lake Como. This 18th-century villa-hotel, a sister site to Grand Hotel Tremezzo, is owned and run by the De Santis family and has quickly established itself as one of the world’s most desirable destinations, with outstanding service.
It was service, which was the order of the day, as the winning hotels were voted by the 580-strong panel on their guest-experience. This meant the British winners were mostly classics – including London’s Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Savoy, as well as newcomer NoMad London.
Scotland’s Gleneagles won the the best hospitality in the world gong and best boutique hotel went to The Newt in Somerset.
It’s good news for the older hotels, especially, as they face ever-increasing competition from international newcomers opening in London, such as Raffles and The Peninsula. Here’s the full list of British winners and where they placed:
16: Claridge’s, London
It’s been offering the very best in service since 1856 and Claridge’s, in the heart of Mayfair, is still the last word in style. Its afternoon teas are famous, as is its Art Deco restaurant and bar and lovely new ArtSpace Café. Visit claridges.co.uk
22: The Connaught, London
Also in Mayfair, The Connaught has been the centre of the London high-life for years - General de Gaulle based himself here in WWII and the Queen and Queen Mother even opened the kitchens. With a three-Michelin-star restaurant, award-winning bar and spa, it’s a must. Visit the-connaught.co.uk
Best Hospitality in the World, 32: Gleneagles, Scotland
The luxury hotel, spa and golfing destination snapped up the Best Hospitality gong, with judges praising its outstanding service. Extras include off-road driving adventures, falconry lessons and even tree-climbing in its 850-acre Scottish estate. It has a fabulous spa and two-Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as a range of other eateries. Visit gleneagles.com
Best Boutique Hotel in the World, 37: The Newt, Somerset
At the other end of the scale, you have the popular The Newt in Somerset, which won Best Boutique Hotel, again for its incredible service. Split between a Georgian house, Stable Yard and Farmyard, this luxurious escape has a stand-out spa and pool and stunning wider estate. Visit thenewtinsomerset.com
46: NoMad London
This US hotel brings a slice of Manhattan to London and has a rock star location in the old Bow Street Magistrates Court, opposite the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. It has a pretty bar and two eateries, the most famous being its beautiful atrium NoMad Restaurant. Visit thenomadhotel.com
47: The Savoy
The London landmark which opened in 1889 on the Thames, near Covent Garden, has an enormous pool and spa, its own Rolls-Royce, famous bar and two restaurants by Gordon Ramsay. It continues to win awards, such as Conde Nast Traveller Gold List and now can add The World’s 50 Best Hotels to its list. Visit thesavoylondon.com