The Historic Hotels of Europe (HHE), the leading name in historical and culturally relevant luxury hotels, honoured some of the finest properties in Europe at the 2015 Historic Hotels of Europe Awards. Hosted in the stunning Hotel Elizabeth in Trenčín, Slovakia on October 27th 2014, the winning hotels were announced at the ceremony by the Chairman of the Historic Hotels of Europe, Barbara Avdis.
Now in its third year, the Historic Hotels of Europe Awards offer an opportunity to celebrate not only the dedication of its 15 member groups but the outstanding staff that make each property so special. Nominations for this year’s awards were based on votes from guests, and judged in 10 categories including Best Castle Hotel, Most Romantic Historic Hotel and Best Historic Hotel with “A Story to Tell”. The deserving winners range from a coastal getaway in Greece and an Irish country castle retreat, to a food lovers dream in Norway.
Spanning 20 countries, the Historical Hotels of Europe represents almost 500 unique properties. Standing as examples of cultural traditions, history, heritage and architecture, each of these storied properties offers guests an authentic and stylish experience – from breath-taking locations to exquisite dining options – providing travellers with unforgettable experiences.
Award categories and winners 2015
Best Castle Historic Hotel Winner: Castle Leslie Estate Member of: Ireland’s Blue Book
Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, peppered with woodlands and lakes, the breath-taking Castle Leslie Estate in Co Monaghan epitomises true luxury. Explore the stunning surrounds on horseback, indulge in local food or sit back and relax with a pint of the black stuff in Conor’s Bar. Find out more about Castle Leslie Estate: http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/Hotels/castle-leslie-estate.aspx

Best Countryside Historic Hotel Winner: Grandhotel Giessbach Member of: Swiss Historic Hotels
Surrounded by mountains, forests and alpine meadows, this fairytale hotel boasts an awe- inspiring view of the unspoilt landscapes of Lake Brienz, Switzerland. Listen for the thundering of the nearby Giessbach Falls while you bathe in the hotel’s warm natural pools, or explore the Giessbach Nature Park by foot or by bike. Find out more about Grandhotel Giessbach: http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/Hotels/grandhotel-giessbach.aspx
Best Health & Treatment Historic Hotel Winner: Palazzo di Varignana Member of: Abitare la Storia
The Varsana Spa at Palazzo di Vargnana is perfect those who enjoy a little pampering. Offering luxury and wellness, this exquisite hotel and spa is the perfect getaway for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Take advantage of the pools, steam rooms and saunas and treat yourself to one of the many face and body treatments available.  Find out more about Palazzo di Varignana: http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/Hotels/palazzo-di-varignana-resort-spa6226.aspx
Best Outdoor Activities Historic Hotel Winner: Högbo Bruks Hotel Member of: Countryside Hotels Sweden
A mecca for those who love the great outdoors, the Högbo Bruks Hotel offers a wealth of activities from skiing and golf, to endless cycling or running trails. After an energetic day, soak aching muscles in the hotel spa or take a visit to the nearby Mackmyra distillery and relax with a sample of Sweden’s first malt whiskey. Find out more about Högbo Bruks Hotel: http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/Hotels/countrysidehotelssehogbobrukshotell.asp x

Most Romantic Historic Hotel Winner: Esperas Santorini Member of: Yades Greek Historic Hotels
A gem on the Santorini island, the Esperas Santorini Hotel is carved into a cliff facing the volcanic Archipelago and overlooks glittering deep blue waters. Guaranteed to get hearts fluttering, this stunning historic hotel boasts incredible views and serves top-class local food and wine, the perfect spot to sit back with your beloved and drink in the spectacular sunsets. Find out more about Esperas Santorini: http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/Hotels/esperas-hotel-santorini.aspx
Best Customer Care Historic Hotel Winner: Hotel Elizabeth Member of: Historic Hotels of Slovakia
Classical meets contemporary in the four-star Hotel Elizabeth located in Trecin, Slovakia. Boasting over a century of experience in hospitality, this historic hotel endeavours to make every guest feel like a VIP. Find out more about Hotel Elizabeth: http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/Hotels/hotel-elizabeth.aspx
Historic Hotel Best Restaurant Winner: Lysebu Member of: De Historiske
One for the foodies! Utilising the very best indigenous ingredients, and using contemporary Nordic cuisine as their starting point, the Lysebu’s culinary offerings change with the season. Create your own gourmet menu and watch how it unfolds in the cutting-edge ‘amphi- kitchen’, and wash it all down with a tipple from their extensive selection of wines. Find out more about Lysebu: http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/Hotels/lysebu.aspx

Best Historic Hotel of Europe Ambassador Winner: Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron Member of: Schlosshotels & Herrenhäuser
Steeped in history, the Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg echoes the philosophy of the Historic Hotels of Europe by offering guests inspiring, authentic and exceptional experiences, as well as the opportunity to explore the fascinating history of the property and the surrounding area. Find out more about Schloss Leopoldskron: http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/Hotels/schloss-leopoldskron.aspx
Best Heritage Award Winner: Hotel Portmeirion  Member of: Welsh Rarebits
Located in the romantic coastal village of Portmeirion – a community constructed by architect Clough William-Ellis – Hotel Portmeirion wears its rich heritage proudly. Charming and unique, this historic hotel is an ideal getaway on the beautiful Welsh coast. Find out more about Hotel Portmeirion: http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/Hotels/hotel-portmeirion.aspx
Best Historic Hotel with “A Story to Tell” Winner: Château de Rigny Member of: Symboles de France
Situated between Dijon and Besançon, Château de Rigny sits on the banks of the River Saône and looks out over five hectares of magnificent parkland. French-style ceilings and fireplaces alongside bold décor showcase the Château’s personality. This stunning property celebrates its history and unique story by creating truly unforgettable experiences for its guests. Find out more about Château de Rigny: http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/Hotels/chateau-rigny.aspx

About the Historic Hotels of Europe
The Historic Hotels of Europe is a gold-standard, prestigious network representing the finest hotels operating in historical buildings across 20 countries.
An umbrella group for 500 properties under 15 member groups, the Historic Hotels of Europe is proud to represent a wealth of high quality, luxury hotels – each with their own unique story to tell.
Created with the objective of promoting global awareness, the group showcases properties as diverse as they are culturally and historically important. From beautiful castles, to palaces, abbeys and estates, these outstanding properties all fall under one trusted name of quality and standards – the Historic Hotels of Europe.
Standing as an example of cultural traditions, history, heritage and architecture, each of these storied properties offers guests an authentic and stylish experience – from breath- taking locations to exquisite dining options.
The proprietors of these historic jewels are passionate about honouring Europe’s cultural heritage through excellence in hospitality, and see themselves as not just hoteliers but also as guardians of unique historical assets.
Although each hotel and member organisation is unique, they all share in the Historic Hotels of Europe’s vision – to be acting guardians of the past and outstanding hosts of the present. It is this vision combined with consistent, and high-quality service that defines our incredible collection of hotels.
“A memorable journey to history with a true story to tell…”
Explore the Historic Hotels of Europe website: http://www.historichotelsofeurope