Michael Horton, owner of Cotswolds Inns & Hotels (www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk), received a major national award on Monday night (4 November), the Knight Frank Award for Excellence and Innovation for the UK & Ireland at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence Dinner.

The prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence were created to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across the recommended properties that fill their guides. The world-renowned awards are a trusted mark of quality recognised by consumers and travel professionals alike, and represent the finest standards and best value for money in luxury and independent accommodation.  The prestigious Knight Frank Award is presented to an individual or group that has demonstrated innovation and excellence in the hospitality sector across the board.

After selling West Midland Taverns in 1997, Michael started Cotswold Inns & Hotels Ltd, acquiring The Broadway Hotel, quickly followed by The Bear of Rodborough, The Bay Tree Hotel at Burford, The Manor House Hotel at Moreton-in-Marsh, The Swan Hotel at Bibury and The Lamb Inn at Burford.  In March 2008, The Hare and Hounds Hotel at Westonbirt was acquired and, more recently, The Close Hotel in Tetbury became the eighth hotel to join the group in July 2013.  Since 2009, Cotswold Inns & Hotels have also owned two upmarket bars in Birmingham: Utopia The Bar in Church Street and Epernay in The Mailbox.

In presenting Micahel Horton with his award, Henry Jackson, a partner at Knight Frank, highlighted Michael's vision in creating a stunning collection of country house hotels in the Cotswolds that has always delivered the very best in hospitality, as well as his infectious enthusiasm for the industry and his ability to keep his entire team motivated, while still seeking myriad new opportunities, that exemplify his motto to "never stand still".  The renovated interiors of all the hotels are designed by Michael's wife Pamela, who has allowed their individual personalities to shine through against a backdrop of elegant, relaxed and quintessentially English style.

Michael Horton joins a long list of renowned hoteliers who have previously won the Knight Frank Award for Excellence and Innovation, including Robin Hutson (co-founder of Hotel du Vin and now Chief Executive of Lime Wood Group), Richard Ball (Chairman of Calcot Hotels, owners of Calcot Manor and Barnsley House among others) and Giuseppe Pecorelli (owner of the exclusive Pennyhill Park & Spa in Surrey).

Speaking after Michael had picked up his award, Nadine Linington, Sales & Marketing Director of Cotswold Inns & Hotels, said, "I am thrilled for Michael to receive this prestigious award in recognition of his dedication and genuine passion for the hotel industry. Michael's philosophy to "never stand still" is clear to see in the constant evolution of Cotswold Inns & Hotels. Whilst working for Michael and Pamela, it is impossible not to find their drive and true passion infectious as they lead by example".

Michael himself said, "I am delighted to receive this award, which is a testament to each and every member of staff at Cotswolds Inns & Hotels; all the managers and their teams do a tremendous job.  Whilst we work hard to protect and enhance the historic buildings in which you find our hotels, our dedicated staff are our greatest asset, providing a warm, friendly and efficient service.  To win this award is no mean feat, it is an outstanding achievement; Pamela and I are elated".

Winning the Knight Frank Award for Excellence and Innovation for the UK & Ireland at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, follows hot on the heels of Cotswold Inns & Hotels receiving the AA Small Hotel Group of the Year award last September, proving that the group has firmly established itself as a major force in the British hospitality industry.

***

Notes for Editors

Cotswold Inns & Hotels (www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk) is an independent collection of stylish properties established by Michael and Pamela Horton in 1997; all are housed in historic buildings that have been individually refurbished with contemporary touches.

The collection includes: The Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh; The Bear of Rodborough, Stroud; The Swan, Bibury; The Bay Tree, Burford; The Broadway Hotel, Broadway; The Lamb Inn, Burford; The Hare & Hounds Hotel, Westonbirt; and The Close Hotel, Tetbury.   The Cotswold Inns & Hotels headquarters is in Evesham, Worcestershire.

Cotswold Inns & Hotels also own two upmarket bars in Birmingham: Utopia The Bar in Church Street and Epernay in The Mailbox.

As hotel advisors, Knight Frank inspect an exceptionally wide variety of hotels in the UK and Europe, ranging from large corporate to country house hotels to B&Bs.  Whatever the type of hotel there is one common objective, to provide a guest with a great experience that they will not forget.  Excellence and Innovation in terms of design, service and product goes a long way to create this, and is increasingly important with guest expectations increasingly high.  It is the 15th year Knight Frank has made their Award for Outstanding Excellence and Innovation for the UK.  

***

For more information, hi res images and/or to arrange an interview with the Cotswold Inns & Hotels executive team, please contact:
Sue Heady
Director
Heady Communications
T: 078 5595 0705
E: sue@headycommunications.com