Service, food, spa and the beautiful views of the Cotswolds have all helped Ellenborough Park win the prestigious AA Five Star rating, and Hotel of the Year at the Cotswold Tourism awards.

As the first Gloucestershire hotel with AA Five Stars, Ellenborough Park joins just 13 other country house hotels with the same grading in the UK.

To receive AA Five Star status, Ellenborough Park had to demonstrate its consistent capability in a number of fields including service, rooms, hospitality and food.

High points identified by the reviewer include customer service, The Beaufort Dining Room, the comfort and quality of the rooms and bathrooms, the Nina Campbell-designed interior, lovingly-restored exterior of the buildings, and impeccable customer care. 

The reviewers visit every hotel at least twice to ensure consistency in each area.

Ellenborough Park’s excellence also saw it win Gold in the Hotel of the Year category at the Cotswold Tourism Awards 2012.

To add to the awards Ellenborough Park is listed by Tripadvisor as the top hotel in Cheltenham and among the top places to stay in Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds.

Graham Vass, general manager at Ellenborough Park, said: “It is an incredible achievement to receive a Five Star rating from the AA, then to win Hotel of the Year and be number one for this region on TripAdvisor. The accolades are testimony to the commitment and expertise of our hard working team since our opening in 2011.

“Congratulations and thanks to everyone who has helped make Ellenborough Park a success. It’s good to know our visitors and customers are well cared for.’’

Giovanna Grossi, AA Hotel Services, group area manager said: “We are delighted that Ellenborough Park has been awarded an AA Five Star rating. 

“In order to achieve AA Five Stars, consistent excellence is sought in all areas of a hotel’s operation, and Ellenborough Park joins an elite group of high performers within the industry. It is encouraging to see this hotel pushing the boundaries and striving for high standards and excellent quality.”

The AA Stars are agreed with the UK tourist authorities, VisitBritain, VisitScotland and VisitWales, to give a set of common standards for accommodation.