Heritage Hotels of Europe is a collaboration between the Austrian Schlosshotels & Herrenhäuser, the Historic Hotels of Slovakia Association, and the Hungarian Association of Hungarian Castle Hotels, whose members represent the castle hotels of Europe under a common umbrella.

The aim of the Heritage Hotels of Europe Awards is to recognize the uniqueness of castle hotels and to pay tribute to all those who create and nurture the soul of these outstanding properties.

For the awards ceremony, local castle owners traveled to Salzburg to the unique Schloss Leopoldskron Hotel. This special historic property was made famous by the film The Sound of Music, which was shot in 1964, won five Academy Awards, and is still considered one of the most popular and successful movies to date.

Heritage Hotels of Europe has chosen a truly historic venue for the awards, where outstanding Hungarian successes have been achieved. The castles, nominated by the public from 12 countries, were judged by an experienced panel.

The jury, taking into account guest reviews and scrutinizing all aspects of the guest experience, once again announced the winners in seven categories.

In the Heritage & Design category, BOTANIQ Castle of Tura  - pictured above - (central Hungary) took the top prize. It was clear to all that restorers had gone to great lengths to renovate this magnificent building, and the Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque style of the castle impressed both guests and the professional jury.

The Prónay Castle in Alsópetény (northern Hungary) was awarded a “Silver Medal” in the Heritage & Hospitality category. During the award ceremony, Jan Svoboda, President of the organization, underlined that this is one of the most complex and valuable awards, as it takes coordinated and excellent work of all departments to have a castle achieve “Hospitality of the Year.”



It is the first time in the history of the international event that a hotel has been awarded in more than one category.

Special attention was paid to the Andrássy Mansion & Spa Hotel in Tarcal (northeastern Hungary), which finished third in the Heritage & Hospitality and Heritage & Wellness categories, and were silver medalists in the Heritage & Gastronomy line.



A special surprise of the evening was that the Gróf Degenfeld Wine Estate & Castle Hotel from the lovely village of Tarcal in the Tokaj region, was also awarded in the Heritage & Gastronomy category.



Source: Hungary Today - republished with permission