The European Hospitality Awards 2012 were held at London’s luxurious Landmark Hotel, with over 300 hospitality professionals celebrating the achievements within the industry over the past 12 months.
A total of 13 awards – lucky for some! – were presented during the course of the evening with the winners being selected by the expert judges. This year’s panel included a variety of CEOs, Presidents and a Michelin Star Chef from the hospitality industry, all of whom were impressed by the standard of this year’s shortlist, and who provided glowing feedback on the victorious entries.
As the Judges Comments and the illustrations below indicate, there were some truly impressive hotels and facilities to be seen and congratulated. The judges undoubtedly had a tough task separating the winners from their shortlisted rivals!
The winners of the European Hospitality Awards 2012
Green Hotel of the Year: Hotels van Oranje, Netherlands
(Sponsored by Airangel)
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: Palais Namaskar, Marrakech
(Sponsored by Virgin Roof Gardens)
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: Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin, Ireland
(Sponsored by Crown Outdoor)
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: Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai
(Sponsored by TV5Monde)
Judges Comments: It was agreed that this was a great all-rounder. A hotel that is 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: Dorchester Collection – 45 Park Lane, London
(Sponsored by Teleadapt)
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: Hotel TOPAZZ, Lenikus Group, Vienna
(Sponsored by Porcelanosa)
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 panelling 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: Blow up Hall 50 50, Poland
(Sponsored by CNN Partner Hotels)
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: Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, London
(Sponsored by RT & CCTV)
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 the front line of her hotels is an inspiration, setting the standards for the next generations to follow.
Hotel Spa of the Year: Hotel Le Bristol Paris, Paris
Sponsored by Dornbracht)
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: Hotel Le Bristol Paris, Epicure, Paris
(Sponsored by Franke Coffee Systems)
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: Hotel Hessischer Hof, Frankfurt
(Sponsored by Pacific Direct)
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
For more information on the European Hospitality Awards 2012 click here