Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, where “they ensure you leave with superb memories and having been totally spoilt.  Inverlochy has consistently shown its commitment to delivering one of the best hotel experiences in the UK.”
www.inverlochycastlehotel.com

Most Excellent London Hotel

Sofitel St James, which is “an impressive building with an equally engaging interior of classical features blended with contemporary overtones.  With its exemplary service it has all a London hotel should offer.”
www.sofitelstjames.com

 

Llangoed Hall in Brecon, which is “timeless with exceedingly comfortable elegance.  You get the impression the staff enjoy working here as much as the delighted guests enjoy staying.”
www.llangoedhall.com

 

Grayshott Spa in Surrey.  “All you can wish for in its restrained elegance.  A serious spa that takes great pride in its holisitic approach to well being.”
www.grayshottspa.com

 

The Pheasant in Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria.  “Intimate and welcoming, The Pheasant’s impressive wood paneled bar with polished walls and oak settles is just one of its charms.  Delightfully decorated throughout, though the real winning factor here is the excellent hospitality.”
www.the-pheasant.co.uk

 

The Four Seasons Hampshire.  “Whatever business goals are set for the day the Four Seasons Hampshire will do whatever they can to help you achieve them by providing outstanding facilities and support.”
www.fourseasons.com

 

The Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre, Lambourn in Berkshire.  “In a breathtaking setting this venue encompasses the growing needs and conscience of companies seeking a greener ethos.  Plenty of flexibility and state of the art audiovisual equipment.  The ‘blue sky’ thinking turret is complete with squashy cushions to relax minds and unleash ideas.”
conferences.sheepdrove.com

 

Porth Tocyn Country House Hotel in Gwynedd.  “The unique ambience at this homely and welcoming hotel gets praise time and time again.  The team here ensure your experience is time and money well spent.”
www.porth-tocyn-hotel.co.uk

 

Glencot House, Wells in Somerset.  “We loved the outstanding style and atmosphere of this private country house in which the friendly informal service creates a wonderful experience.”
www.glencothouse.co.uk

 

Rocpool Reserve in Inverness.  “Exceptional quality of décor with luxury features standard in all rooms.  Staff are immensely friendly and efficient..  Inverness is an exciting growing city and Rocpool Reserve adds to its vibrancy.”
www.rocpool.com

 

Harvey’s Point in County Donegal.  “The courtesy and exceptional care offered by the staff at Harvey’s Point is reserved not only for the guests, but also for each other as is evident by the way they work as an outstanding team.”
www.harveyspoint.com

 

Balcary Bay in Dumfries & Galloway.  “A haven of tranquility and natural beauty.  The high standards maintained are a tribute to teamwork, efficiency and the loyalty of the staff.  Seasonal local delicacies are imaginatively presented in an excellent menu.”
www.balcary-bay-hotel.co.uk

 

The Capital in Knightsbridge, London.  “You can’t help but be impressed by Head Chef, Eric Chavot, and his team who deliver an inspired and mouth watering menu in intimate
and totally elegant surroundings.”
www.capitalhotel.co.uk

 

The only Award to be judged solely on guest comments with two hotels receiving consistently excellent feedback through the year - Newick Park in East Sussex, and East Lodge Country House in Bakewell, Derbyshire.  Of Newick Park, guests said “they would return for the charm, the peacefulness and the warmth of service” while commenting on East Lodge Country House remarked on “the welcome and service given by staff in this relaxed and extremely comfortable hotel just shone through.”
www.newickpark.co.uk - www.eastlodge.com

The overall winner of this Award is The George of Stamford, which was also the winner in the Hotel & Spa Wine List category.  “This wine list really thinks about its customer and is a model of how to convey a lot of information in a succinct and easy to read format.  ‘Fascinating’, ‘brightness’, and ‘curiosity’ were three adjectives used to describe the Judges’ assessment.  It offers good value and excitement.  “I could sit and read it all afternoon” commented one judge!”
www.georgehotelofstamford.com

 

Awarded to Simon Lowe for Grayshott Spa, and presented by Andrew Theobold, Partner of Knight Frank who commented “Simon has shown great vision by taking a relatively safe Spa concept and giving it a re-birth.  He has moved away from the traditional ‘Heath Farm’ image and introduced formal and casual dining choices.  Modern facilities including VIP treatment suites for couples,
a 9 hole golf course and a cinema are all designed to promote Grayshott as an enjoyable relaxing experience to be savoured rather than endured.”
www.grayshottspa.com

 

 

 

Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahía Real, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. A reader described it as
“The best hotel I’ve ever stayed in.”
www.atlantishotels.com

 

Most Excellent Business Venue

Grand Hotel Mazzarò Sea Palace, Taormina in Italy.  “Located on a pretty beach, this 5 star hotel benefits from breathtaking views and a peaceful setting.  The tranquil surroundings are perfect for corporate meetings, which are arranged with aid of the corporate meeting centre and professional helpful staff.”
www.mazzaroseapalace.it

 

Most Excellent Charming Hotel

Hotel Orfila, Madrid, Spain.  “A very pleasant and quiet haven in the centre of the city.
Superb cocktails!” 
www.hotelorfila.com

 

Torre di San Martino, Emilia Romagna, Italy.  “Great atmosphere.  Really satisfying.  A perfect retreat for someone who needs total rest and relaxation.  Beautiful property.  A peaceful haven away from the world – keep it this way!”
www.torredisanmartino.it

 

Casa Palacio Conde de la Corte, Extremadura, Spain.  “A truly outstanding hotel, the best we have visited, garden and pool so carefully tended.  Extremely quiet, with very pretty garden and swimming pool.”
www.condedelacorte.com

 

Hotel de la Ville, Monza, near Milan, Italy.  “Friendly staff!  Very good service.  A definite gem.  I liked staying here on business so much I brought my family!”
www.hoteldelaville.com

 

Most Excellent Spa Hotel

Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz, France. “The new Imperial Spa adds another element of luxury in collaboration with Guerlain. Entirely devoted to well being, from physical fitness to beauty care and total relaxation. The facilities and services offered are extensive, innovative as well as efficient, and can be tailored to individual needs offering an unfailing sense of luxury.”
www.hotel-du-palais.com

 

Most Excellent Resort Hotel

Hotel Golf Bled, Slovenia.  “Would like to have a postcard for our album. The receptionists were most helpful.  The staff went out of their way to make you feel welcome and appreciated. Super facilities and an interesting, delightful stay.”
www.hotel-golf-bled.com

 

Furore Inn Resort and Spa, Campania, Italy.  “Great hotel with fantastic staff, highly recommended. A very intimate and romantic hotel with wonderful service.  We are recommending this hotel to everyone we meet.”
www.furoreinn.it

 

Most Excellent Hotel for Design & Innovation

Hospes Palacio de los Patos, Granada, Spain.  “An outstanding architectural achievement. A total transformation of a 19th-century city palace into an exceptionally luxurious and exquisitely furnished hotel.  In addition, a totally new building, built in strikingly contemporary style sits in the grounds … this hotel combines the perfect balance of spectacular design with historic architecture.”
hospes.es  

 

Most Excellent Marketing Partner

Two winners for this – the Château Le Mas de Montet in France and Derby Hotels Luxury Collection in Spain.  Château Le Mas de Montet is described as “fabulous, such a joy … this is more than a 4 star hotel”, while the Derby Hotels Luxury Collection, is an innovative and visionary group of five independently owned hotels, owned by Catalan, Jordí Clos
www.lemasdemontet.com - www.derbyhotels.com

Condé Nast Johansens Reader’s Award

Hotel Byron, Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany, Italy.  “Very good, the best hotel in the area.
Excellent staff, a top class small hotel in very respect.  Exceptionally gracious service.” 
www.hotelbyron.net

 

NOTES FOR EDITORS: The Awards are based on responses from guest nomination forms, guest survey reports, and our regional inspector reports drawn from the hotels featured in our most recent guides.  

 

Condé Nast Johansens is now in its 26th year.  The 2008 Condé Nast Johansens Guides, published October 2007, appear for the first time in a new compact size, remaining highly visual with easy to use entries, clearer maps, greater portability, and with less paper thus more environmentally friendly.  With over 1,300 annually inspected and recommended hotels, resorts, spas and meeting venues throughout 67 countries the six guides are supported by www. johansens.com, which meet the demands of those preferring to search and make booking enquiries online. 

 

Condé Nast Johansens remains the most comprehensive illustrated reference to annually inspected, independently owned hotels.  With a team of over 50 dedicated and highly trained Regional Inspectors who enjoy a combined experience in the hospitality industry of over 800 years, the team have visited almost ten times as many properties in order to narrow the final selection down to, quite simply, the best selection of accommodation for independent travellers.

 

For further information please contact Nicky Eaton or Harriet Robertson on 020 7152 3377/3388.