Cateys 2024: Hotel of the Year - Independent: Heckfield Place, Hampshire

Heckfield’s journey started almost a decade ago when proposals were made to transform the Georgian property into a luxury Hampshire country house hotel. After a lavish renovation, the hotel finally opened in 2018 with 45 bedrooms, two restaurants and the Bothy by Wildsmith spa set within its 438 acres. 

 

Every detail throughout the hotel was curated to create a strong sense of place and to reinforce its commitment to sustainability. Rooms are single-use, plastic-free, feature fresh flowers grown on-site (or dried when not in season) and cocktail cabinets are filled with complimentary house-made snacks and seasonal cordials.

 

Meanwhile, an organically-certified farm on the grounds homes livestock which form an essential part of the biodynamic loop and provides produce for the hotel.

 

Last year was significant in the hotel’s history, it being only the second full year of business post-launch with trading unhindered by Covid. It was marked by many milestone moments including the opening of the Bothy by Wildsmith and the wellbeing space, the implementation of a bespoke PMS and CRM system that consists of a single database, and the introduction of a local membership to Heckfield’s business mix.

 

Strategically, these projects were undertaken in 2023 as a means of building a solid foundation and preparing for continued growth by evolving the brand story and streamlining systems and databases to provide a more seamless guest journey.

 

As a result 2023 was the best-performing year Heckfield had ever seen across a number of KPIs, including revenue, business growth, digital engagement, ways of working and guest experiences.

 

It grew total revenue by 12%, while increasing the bottom line by 39% year-on-year. The Heckfield team also reduced the overall costs of running the business, while not only maintaining, but improving the overall guest experience, which is evidenced by the achievement of nearly 25% repeat business.

 

Meanwhile, the digital footprint of the business is more robust than ever, with metrics up across the board to include a year-on-year increase in traffic of 110%, an increase of online bookings by 48% and an expansion of its social media community by 20,000.

 

Having streamlined its systems, Heckfield can now create a more seamless behind-the-scenes guest journey, while the technology will allow it to continue to innovate.

 

On top of all of that, Heckfield Place was named one of the ‘Best Hotels in the World’ on Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold List. It can now add Catey award winner to that list. 

 

What the judges said

 

“Everything about Heckfield is an aspiration for every ambitious hotelier. While it would be hard to match what they do, there are so many aspects of their operation that we can all learn from. It is a truly exceptional property and a standout winner in this category.” Andrew McKenzie

 

“Without doubt one of the very best UK country house hotels. Heckfield Place has a perfect setting, beautifully decorated and a team that delivers exceptional service. A great choice of restaurants and bars and an outstanding spa.” Jonathan Raggett

 

The shortlist

 

The Forest Side Ambleside

 

The Grove Hertfordshire

 

Heckfield Place Hampshire

 

The Tawny Staffordshire

 

The judges

 

Peter Banks Rudding Park

 

Laurence Beere  The Queensberry Hotel & Olive Tree Restaurant

 

Gordon Campbell Gray The Wee Hotel Company

 

Neil Kedward  Grove of Narberth

 

Andrew McKenzie The Vineyard

 

David Morgan-Hewitt The Goring

 

Jonathan Raggett Red Carnation Hotels

 

Claire Randall Ballyfin Demesne

 

David Reilly Yorebridge House

 

Daniel Rose Bristow The Torridon