Cateys 2019: Hotel of the Year – Independent – Rudding Park

Sponsored by Criton

 

Rudding Park has consistently punched above its weight, winning a string of hospitality accolades, including being named Best Hotel in England in the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2018. And this year it has secured a second Catey, following on from last year's Accessibility Award.

 

Success for Rudding Park has come about as a result of a well-thought-through vision, diligent hard work and careful management by the owner Simon Mackaness and his family, with all investment funded via bank loans. Mackaness is supported tirelessly by Peter Banks, the hotel's charismatic managing director, who works tirelessly to motivate the team to ensure they exceed guest expectations.

 

The focus on staff has been a key priority, starting with the hotel's strong links with local schools through a project called School of Industry, where students are introduced to the business through the creation of menus and restaurant concepts alongside work experience opportunities.

 

When it comes to recruitment, Rudding Park staff are supported through apprenticeships and training programmes for local people who are looking to transfer their skills from other sectors. Offering a diverse, respectful culture and innovative working patterns has resulted in an impressive fall in staff turnover from 54% in 2016 to 37.8% last year.

 

Other recent standout initiatives include the opening in May 2017 of a £9.5m spa, with three floors of treatment rooms, pools and relaxation areas over 45,000 sq ft. The spa generated over £4m in sales in its first full year of operation, a period in which total hotel revenue increased year-on-year by 16.4%.

 

Rudding Park is to be applauded for its successful journey in expanding from a business focused on conferences and banquets to a multifaceted, destination resort that is widely regarded as a beacon of excellence.

 

What the judges said

 

"Rudding Park's innovative marketing and digital expertise has enabled it to compete with the global brands to offer a truly differentiated, authentic and memorable Yorkshire experience."
Ciarán Fahy

 

"Rudding Park has become a destination property as a result of its consistency in offering high levels of service, great cuisine and huge investment made over many years. The new spa is fabulous and the hotel is one of the very best for ensuring its facilities are accessible for all."
Jonathan Raggett

 

"The Mackaness family has diligently built a hotel that is outstanding in its class and region. Its success is built on firm financial and operational foundations and the recent addition of the spa has taken it to new heights."
Simon Rhatigan

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The shortlist

 

Fonab Castle Pitlochry, Perthshire

 

Rockliffe Hall Darlington, County Durham

 

Rudding Park Harrogate, North Yorkshire

 

Yorebridge House Bainbridge, North Yorkshire

 

The judges

 

Ciarán Fahy Head of hotels, Spartan Advisors

 

Melvin Gold Founder, Melvin Gold Consulting

 

Andrew McKenzie Managing director, the Vineyard, Stockcross, Berkshire

 

David Morgan-Hewitt Managing director, the Goring, London

 

Simon Numphud Managing director, AA Hotel Services

 

Jonathan Raggett Managing director, Red Carnation Hotels

 

Claire Randall General manager, Idle Rocks and St Mawes hotels, Cornwall

 

Simon Rhatigan Managing director, Bike & Boot

 

Dan Rose-Bristow Owner, the Torridon, By Achnasheen, Wester Ross

 

Tom Ross Group operations director, Home Grown Hotels

 

Andrew Thomason Managing director, Gravetye Manor, West Sussex