FOR The first time in four years, the Automobile Association has selected a Scottish business for the accolade of ‘Hotel Group of the Year’.
Crerar Hotels, which has a collection of four- and five-star properties across Scotland, was awarded the title at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards held in London earlier this week, before an audience of the UK’s top hospitality operators.
The ‘Hotel Group of the Year’ category awards hospitality groups which have a proven track record of striving for the very best levels of accommodation, service and food across a variety of properties. Additionally, the AA judges look for keen attention to detail and a structured approach to future development – both qualities that they saw in Crerar Hotels.
The group, which has seven properties in some of Scotland’s most spectacular locations from Ballater to Inveraray, has emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic stronger than ever, investing in its properties and people, with hotels such as Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, Glencoe Inn, Golf View Hotel & Spa and Balmoral Arms, all ‘reimagined, repositioned and upgraded’.
CEO Chris Wayne-Wills, who joined the company in 2020, said: “Whilst Crerar Hotels and the individual hotels and inns have each received high recognition over the years, this award is incredibly special.
“The AA Hospitality Awards is one of the most important dates in the diary for this industry so to be recognised as a hotel group in one of the biggest categories of the year is terrific.
“It is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of every team member across the business who bring our positioning and promise of warm, authentic hospitality to life.
“Our aim is to provide excellent service and lasting memories to our guests, so it is wonderful to be recognised for our service.”
He added: “What makes this award even more special is the fact we follow in the footsteps of some large, national hospitality names that we’re proud to be associated with. To stand here as the only Scottish winner is also something we’re also immensely proud of.”
