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European Hospitality Awards 2012 Winners Named

The Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to
Kurt Ritter, CEO Rezidor Hotel Group


November 6, 2012 - A fantastic night was had by all at the European Hospitality Awards 2012! The event, which was held at London's luxurious Landmark Hotel, saw over 300 hospitality professionals come together to celebrate the achievements within the industry over the past 12 months.

A total of 13 awards were presented during the course of the evening with the winners being selected by our expert panel of judges. This year's panel included a variety of CEOs, Presidents and a Michelin Star Chef from the hospitality industry, all of whom were extremely impressed by the standard of this year's shortlist and gave some glowing feedback to those victorious entries.

The winners of the European Hospitality Awards 2012 were:

Green Hotel of the Year (Sponsored by Airangel) - Hotels van Oranje, Netherlands

Judges Comments: "We were impressed by the manner in which the operators have clearly recognised that a fully integrated sustainability programme must do more than just improve hotel performance. While achieving considerable reductions in energy consumption, considerable efforts have also been made to educate staff and reach out into the wider community, creating a property clearly committed to both personal responsibility and informing, empowering and improving its surrounding environment."

New Build of the Year - Construction (Sponsored by Virgin Roof Gardens) - Palais Namaskar, Marrakech

Judges Comments: "We felt that Palais Namaskar showcased a wonderful marriage of modern flourishes with a true sense of place and heritage that completely avoids any pitfalls of pastiche. Its architecture, interiors, location, amenities and overall service philosophy combine to create an escapist's paradise and a model for culturally sensitive developments worldwide."

New Build of the Year - Refurbishment & Renovation (Sponsored by Crown Outdoor) - Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin, Ireland

Judges Comments: "A painstaking restoration process lasting more than a decade has created a deserved and popular winner. We felt that the sheer amount of research, work and refinement invested into this project has successfully brought what was once Ireland's most lavish Regency mansion back to its former glories, creating a hotel experience like no other."

International Hotel of the Year (Sponsored by TV5Monde) - Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai

Judges Comments: "It was agreed that this was a great all-rounder: a hotel equally adept at servicing business and leisure guests, offering both outstanding conference facilities and a wide range of personalised services and amenities. The fusion of iconic architecture and successful implementation of the "Stay Different" philosophy has created a flagship property that sets extremely high standards ahead of a period of extensive growth in China for the Jumeirah brand."

Best Hotel Suite (Sponsored by Teleadapt) - Dorchester Collection - 45 Park Lane, London

Judges Comments: "A popular winner and proof that, when it comes to rolling out the five star treatment, the Dorchester Collection has few equals. Thierry W Despont has helped create a suite with the most distinctive of characters: a warm, intimate celebration of its central London setting boasting the finest in personalised service and hi-tech wizardry."

Interior Design of the Year (Sponsored by Porcelanosa) - Hotel TOPAZZ, Lenikus Group, Vienna

Judges Comments: "Judges were impressed by the sheer amount of design packed into this smallest of footprints. Unconventional lines, natural tones, ecologically sound furnishings, dark wooden paneling and cream textures combine to generate a much grander, more spacious feel than one could have any right to expect of a 153 square-meter site."

Hotel Technology of the Year (Sponsored by CNN Partner Hotels) - Blow up Hall 50 50, Poland

Judges Comments: "Beyond featuring the latest in technological innovations, judges were particularly impressed by the manner in which technology has been integrated across every aspect of this project, heightening the guest experience and underpinning its core philosophies. A great example of the transformational potential intelligent use of high-tech wizardry can have within the hospitality space."

Hotelier of the Year (Sponsored by RT & CCTV) - Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, London

Judges Comments: "Personifying the value of having a genuine hotelier running the show, judges cited the fact that Beatrice Tollman has never lost sight of the guiding principle of hospitality: service. After five decades in the industry, Beatrice's ongoing involvement on front line of her hotels is an inspiration, setting the standards for the next generations to follow."

Hotel Spa of the Year (Sponsored by Dornbracht) - Hotel Le Bristol Paris, Epicure, Paris

Judges Comments: "Equipped with the latest in amenities and treatments, judges were particularly impressed with Le Bristol's recognition of the growing number of demographics entering the hotel spa, specifically its services for families and children. A truly innovative state of the art wellness centre that caters for all tastes and ages."

Best Hotel Restaurant (Sponsored by Franke Coffee Systems) - Hotel Le Bristol Paris, Epicure, Paris

Judges Comments: "Judges felt that the combination of lavish interiors from Pierre-Yves Rochon, Eric Frechon and his brigade's mastery of haute cuisine and a front of house team with an exemplary eye for detail has seen Epicure not only equal but surpass the phenomenally high standards set prior to the hotel's extensive refurbishment."

Hotel Service of the Year - Best for Service (Sponsored by Pacific Direct) - Hotel Hessischer Hof, Frankfurt

Judges Comments: "An unrelenting focus on all details of service, large and small, made this a popular winner among our panel of judges. It was felt that the length of employment undertaken by a large proportion of the hotel's staff in what can be such a transient industry is both indicative of a fine working environment and a fundamental ingredient in creating the most welcoming of hotels."

Lifetime Achievement Award - Kurt Ritter, CEO Rezidor Hotel Group

Judges Comments: "Kurt Ritter was literally born into the industry, at his parents' hotel in Interlaken, joined his present employers as general manager in 1976 and finally steps down at the end of this year. The remarkable rise of Rezidor is inseparable from his own and it is difficult to think of anyone in the business today who has dedicated more of his or her life to the hospitality industry."

EH Awards Overall winner for 2012 - Hotel Le Bristol Paris, Epicure, Paris

Well done to all of those who where shortlisted for this year's European Hospitality Awards and many congratulations to all our winners.

For more information on the European Hospitality Awards 2012 please visit http://www.arena-international.com/eha

We hope you enjoyed this year's ceremony and look forward to greeting you to our 2013 event.

 
Contact:

Natasha Raynor
Awards Director
T: +44 (0)20 7936 6932
E: [email protected]
W: www.arena-international.com/eha
T: @EHAwards


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