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Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Quirky B&B in picturesque village crowned best in Scotland – and it offers a unique service
Scroll down to see the best of the rest PEW BEAUTY Quirky B&B in picturesque village crowned best in Scotland – and it offers a unique service Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STUNNING B&B in an old church has been named the best in the country. Tourist destinations were recently honoured at the 'Oscars of the hotel industry' with everything from luxury resorts to self-catering stars presented with gongs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The B&B is in Ballater, in Royal Deeside 3 The Auld Kirk has personal touches, which make it the best 3 The event was presented by Warren Paul and Des Clarke The lavish Innis and Gunn Prestige Hotel Awards, was held in Glasgow's Doubletree Hotel. And coming in top place for coveted B&B category was the Auld Kirk in Ballater, Aberdeenshire. Built in the 1860s, the guest house - run by husband and wife team Kevin and Helen Smith - is an example of an early Victorian Scottish Free Church in the heart of Royal Deeside, within the Cairngorms National Park. It has seven en-suite bedrooms, some with the old church's sloping roofs and round windows. And it's the ideal base to visit the attractions of Royal Deeside, Balmoral Castle and the many gorgeous walks and climbs in the area. Kevin and his team were overjoyed to take the title. He said: "We are absolutely delighted to win this prestigious award in the face of such strong competition, not just from our fellow finalists, but from all of the wonderful B&Bs in Scotland who provide an outstanding guest experience every single day. "To receive such a renowned industry award, voted for by guests and validated by a a judging panel is an acknowledgement of the hard work that the team puts in every single that we must be doing something right." Kevin reckons it's the personal touch that keeps guests coming back. He added: "We take the time to get to know all of our guests, where they're from, what brings them to the area and how we can help them get the very best out of their time not only at The Auld Kirk, but the wider Royal Deeside area. Hidden gem Scots caravan park with luxury hot tubs that's just five steps from the beach "We treat each guest as a friend or family member, which we hope will want them to return time and time again." The B&B website shows there's a comfy guest lounge in the former side chapel and they offer packed lunches for residents planning a day in the depths of GlenTannar or a hike up Lochnagar. But the best thing, in Kevin's opinion, are the 'little touches'. He added: "We have lots of lovely little touches - Royal Lochnagar Whisky in the rooms, fresh baked scones every morning. "But ostensibly, we are a small business with a team of for, me and Helen, who are the owners, and Lisa and Linda, our wonderful housekeepers. This ensures the service that we provide to everyone of our guests is a personal one." Warren Paul, who runs the awards, says the calibre of the finalists was incredible. He said: "They're all the very best operators in Scotland, delivering amazing service and much- needed escape from the rigours of modern life. 'We all need time out to rest, recover, recharge – especially right now – so our world-class, in fact world-beating hospitality industry should be celebrated and shouted from the rooftops. 'I really wish the powers that be would support and help the hard-working people who give up their weekends, days and nights to offer the rest of us all sorts of amazing breaks and escapes. 'Whatever you want to do, you can find it in Scotland – and here tonight. From the perfect wedding hotel to the most incredible hotel bar in the heart of Glasgow's music city, country retreats, island hotels, bustling city breaks, cosy retreats for private rental, all of it. 'We have it all, Scotland really is special and the offerings in this trade are stellar." BEST OF THE REST THE three runners up in the B&B category: Ardtorna, Oban Mabie House Hotel, Dumfries Roslyn House, Argyll & Bute Finalists from all over Scotland attended the ceremony which was hosted by Des Clarke. The best golf hotel was revealed as was the best value hotel in the country.
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Luxury Scots hotel in popular seaside spot crowned best spa & golf destination
Read on for the full list of winners A LUXURY hotel located in a popular Scottish seaside spot has been crowned the best spa and golf destination. The Gailes Hotel scooped the top gong at this year's highly-valued Innis and Gunn Prestige Hotel Awards. 4 The Gailes hotel in Irvine has been crowned the best spa and golf destination Credit: SimpsInns 4 The on-site restaurant serves up some tasty meals for guests 4 An overnight spa break includes a hot tub The Oscars of the hotel world were dished out at a swanky ceremony in Glasgow last week. Finalists from all over Scotland attended the event which was hosted by Des Clarke at Doubletree By Hilton. And the Gailes Hotel on Marine Drive in Irvine, Ayrshire, scooped the award for the best spa and golf hotel. The hotel and spa is owned by Irvine-based Simpson family, who are the driving force behind SimpsInns. They own and operate a collection of award- winning hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, golf and leisure activities along the Ayrshire coast, including The Loans at Troon. Located just 40 minutes from Glasgow, The Gailes Hotel & Spa has a reputation as one of Ayrshire's leading luxury wellness destinations, offering a collection of over 50 personalised treatments, day spa packages and overnight chill-out breaks. It's surrounded by some of Scotland's world famous links courses plus there's a full range of facilities on site at Gailes Golf. Western Gailes, Dundonald Links and Gailes Links are on their doorstep, while Open Championship venues such as Royal Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick are all within easy reach. On site, golf fanatics can enjoy Ayrshire's only Toptracer driving range, PGA teaching studio and much more. SimpsInns' Waterside Hotel at West Kilbride was also Highly Recommended in the Four Star Hotel category. Inside the invite-only superyacht 'sea hotel' with four-story penthouse - & another $450m 'twin' ship is on the way Malcolm Simpson from SimpsInns, said: "We're extremely proud to have been recognised once again as an industry leader and for offering some of the best hotel, spa and golf experiences in Scotland. "This latest award success for two of our hotels is testament to the hard work of our amazing team, who continually go above and beyond to ensure every guest enjoys a fantastic experience with us and keep coming back." Malcolm added: "Continued investment has been a key strategy for the growth of Simpsinns over the last three years, with over £4 million invested across the group. We're committed to enhancing the quality of the guest experience across the group, including our newly refurbished restaurant at Loans Inn and the addition of 17 new bedrooms and sea view spa at The Waterside later this year." Awards Director Warren Paul said: "It's worth saying the calibre of the people here tonight is quite incredible – it's fantastic for us to see very senior bosses from hotels across the country here in person introducing their future generations to us, and demonstrating just how important and impactful these awards can be. 4 The venue has a reputation as one of Ayrshire's leading luxury wellness destinations "They're all the very best operators in Scotland, delivering amazing service and much- needed escape from the rigours of modern life. "We all need time out to rest, recover, recharge – especially right now – so our world-class, in fact world-beating hospitality industry should be celebrated and shouted from the rooftops. "I really wish the powers that be would support and help the hard-working people who give up their weekends, days and nights to offer the rest of us all sorts of amazing breaks and escapes. "Whatever you want to do, you can find it in Scotland – and here tonight. Full list of Prestige 2025 winners BEST 3* Hotel - Brander Lodge Hotel BEST 4* Hotel (CENTRAL( - The Parklands Hotel, Perth BEST 4* Hotel (EAST) - The Scholar Hotel BEST 4* Hotel (NORTH) - The Glenesk Country House Hotel and Spa BEST 4* Hotel (WEST) - Glasgow Marriott Hotel BEST 5* Hotel - Rusacks St. Andrews BEST B&B / GUESTHOUSE - The Auld Kirk B&B BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL - Cromlix BEST CITY HOTEL - Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel BEST CONCIERGE - Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow – John Leese BEST COUNTRY HOTEL - Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe BEST ECO/SUSTAINABLE HOTEL - Voco Haymarket Edinburgh BEST EVENTS AND CONFERENCE HOTEL - Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow BEST GENERAL MANAGER - Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central – Andrew Diegan BEST HISTORIC/HERITAGE HOTEL - Cromlix BEST HOLIDAY RENTAL ACCOMDATION - Harris Hideaway BEST HOTEL BAR - Radisson RED Glasgow BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT - Rusacks St. Andrews BEST INDEPENDENTLY OWNED HOTEL - Glynhill Hotel & Spa BEST ISLAND HOTEL - Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa BEST PET FRIENDLY HOTEL - The Riverside Lodge Hotel BEST SPA/GOLF HOTEL - The Gailes Hotel & Spa BEST TEAM - The Scholar Hotel BEST VALUE HOTEL - Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen BEST WEDDING HOTEL - Lochside House Hotel RAD "From the perfect wedding hotel to the most incredible hotel bar in the heart of Glasgow's music city, country retreats, island hotels, bustling city breaks, cosy retreats for private rental, all of it. "We have it all, Scotland really is special and the offerings in this trade are stellar. That's why we are here – to showcase the results of the hard work by so many people, and to recognise and thank them." Elsewhere at the awards, Andy Murray's luxury five-star Cromlix resort served up a double win at the Hotel Oscars. And the Best Value award went to the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Aberdeen. Other standouts including Rusacks St Andrews, Edinburgh's Voco Haymarket and Radisson RED Glasgow picked up key honours.
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Andy Murray's luxury five-star Cromlix resort serves up a double win at Hotel Oscars
The Wimbledon winner bagged trophies in two different categories for the luxury resort Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) He may have retired from playing tennis, but Andy Murray is still winning trophies – this time with his wife Kim for their hotel Cromlix. The Oscars of the hotel world were presented to the very best in Scotland in a lavish ceremony in Glasgow on Thursday night marking the latest edition of the hotly contested, highly-valued Innis and Gunn Prestige Hotel Awards. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Sir Andy in his dive-star hotel, in the Stirlingshire countryside Credit: Verena Splett 7 Cromlix beat Dalmunzie Castle, an 18-bedroom Baronial building in Blairgowrie 7 Mabie House Hotel , Dumfriesshire also lost out to Cromlix Finalists from all over Scotland attended the ceremony which was hosted by Des Clarke and saw the cream of the hospitality industry attend. Cromlix was crowned Best Boutique Hotel, beating off challenges from Brambles of Inveraray and The Leddie in Aberlady, East Lothian, which were both highly recommended. The hotel, a Victorian Mansion build in 1874 in Dunblane, Stirlingshire, also picked up the award for Best Historic Hotel, seeing off Dalmunzie Castle Hotel in Blairgowrie, Dornock Castle Hotel in Dornock and Mabie House Hotel in Dumfries. Cromlix has just 15 rooms and suites, all individually decorated and costing upwards from £390 a night, as well as a self-contained Gatehouse Lodge, perfect for families. Of course there's tennis courts and guests can get borrow rackets to hit a few balls around- there's even private coaching on offer but not from Sir Andy, sadly. Twice-Wimbledon winner Andy, 38 and Kim, 37, bought Cromlix in 2012 for a reported £1,8 million and tied the knot there three years last. The couple didn't attend in order to let their team enjoy the spotlight of the wins, including general manager Barry Makin, who was highly recommended in the Best GM category Cromlix was named hotel of the year in the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards and just weeks later the hotel's Glasshouse restaurant was awarded a prestigious Michelin Key. It was also crowned Independent Hotel of the Year at the Scottish Excellence Awards last year. Awards Director Warren Paul said at the ceremony: 'Of course there's a lot of eyes on Cromlix thanks to the Murrays but for us and our title sponsors Innis and Gunn, every winner or Highly Recommended recipient here is a star. Moment Andy Murray holes stunning putt from off the green in challenge match with brother Jamie - but rivals have last laugh 'They're all the very best operators in Scotland, delivering amazing service and much- needed escape from the rigours of modern life. 'We all need time out to rest, recover, recharge – especially right now – so our world-class, in fact world-beating hospitality industry should be celebrated and shouted from the rooftops. 'Whatever you want to do, you can find it in Scotland – and here tonight. From the perfect wedding hotel to the most incredible hotel bar in the heart of Glasgow's music city, country retreats, island hotels, bustling city breaks, cosy retreats for private rental, all of it. 'We have it all, Scotland really is special and the offerings in this trade are stellar. That's why we are here – to showcase the results of the hard work by so many people, and to recognise and thank them.' 7 Beautiful rooms at Cromlix 7 Andy and Kim in the hotel after Kim oversaw a major redesign 7 Andy and KIm leave Dunblane Cathedral after their wedding on April 11, 2015 Credit: Getty - Contributor
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Best value hotel in Scotland revealed at ‘travel Oscars'
Scroll down to see the other winners CHEAP AND CHEERFUL Best value hotel in Scotland revealed at 'travel Oscars' THE Oscars of the hotel world were dished out at a swanky ceremony in Glasgow last night. And there were winners from across Scotland, from luxury five star venues to boutique B&BS. Advertisement 2 The Aberdeen hotel took top spot 2 Warren and Des at last night's awards Gongs were presented to the very best in Scotland at Doubletree By Hilton, marking the latest edition of the hotly contested, highly-valued Innis and Gunn Prestige Hotel Awards. Awards Director Warren Paul said: "It's worth saying the calibre of the people involved is quite incredible – it was fantastic for us to see very senior bosses from hotels across the country introducing their future generations to us, and demonstrating just how important and impactful these awards can be. 'They're all the very best operators in Scotland, delivering amazing service and much-needed escape from the rigours of modern life. 'We all need time out to rest, recover, recharge – especially right now – so our world-class, in fact world-beating hospitality industry should be celebrated and shouted from the rooftops." Advertisement The Best Value award went to the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Aberdeen. The city venue is described as a bright, modern hotel in the bustling West End. A midweek room, with breakfast, costs from just £80. Finalists from all over Scotland attended the ceremony which was hosted by comic and radio host Des Clarke. Advertisement Warren says those in the hospitality and travel industry need more praise. He added: 'I really wish the powers that be would support and help the hard-working people who give up their weekends, days and nights to offer the rest of us all sorts of amazing breaks and escapes. Inside Scots hotel where you can stay in Outlander heart-throb's room and take an e-bike ride from your doorstep 'Whatever you want to do, you can find it in Scotland – and here tonight. From the perfect wedding hotel to the most incredible hotel bar in the heart of Glasgow's music city, country retreats, island hotels, bustling city breaks, cosy retreats for private rental, all of it. 'We have it all, Scotland really is special and the offerings in this trade are stellar. That's why we are here – to showcase the results of the hard work by so many people, and to recognise and thank them.' Advertisement
