ONE of the area’s top hotels has won another prestigious award.

The five-star Chewton Glen at Christchurch Road, New Milton, was crowned Hotel of the Year, England at the AA Hospitality Awards.

Other winners included the Montagu Arms Hotel, Beaulieu, which was awarded 4 AA Red Stars.

Presented by Kate Silverton, the ceremony was held at the Grosvenor House in London and honoured the best establishments in the UK across 23 categories.

Hotel of the Year, the AA’s ultimate accolade for hotels in the UK, is awarded to hotels that are recognised as being outstanding examples.

The AA said: “Chewton Glen has been revitalised in recent years and the eco-friendly tree-houses point the hotel in a fresh and exciting direction.

“The extensive grounds include – in addition to activities like golf and croquet – a walled garden, which provides for the hotel kitchen, and is a feature in its own right.

“Bedrooms are luxurious and delightfully appointed, while public areas are stylish and comfortable, the perfect place for traditional afternoon tea.”

Andrew Stembridge, executive director of Iconic Luxury Hotels, added: “We are thrilled that Chewton Glen has been crowned Hotel of the Year again, especially considering the number of very credible new hotels that have popped up of late. Winning this prestigious title is undoubtedly testament to the energy, passion and creativity of the entire team who work so hard not only to ensure that our guests always want to return but are also focused on continually improving and innovating.

“Chewton Glen has always been remarkable, as defined by Martin Skan half a century ago, and we are exceptionally fortunate to still have owners who support our vision through reinvestment.”

Chewton Glen has won a fistful of top awards over the years. Last year it was again named Countryside Hotel of the Year at The Caterer’s 2018 Hoteliers’ Hotel Top 100 awards ceremony at the Hotel Cafe Royal.

Chewton Glen was also named Best UK Hotel Spa at the Conde Nast Traveller’s 21st Annual Readers Travel Awards as well as coming third in the Best UK Hotel category.

In 2016 the establishment finished ahead of all its rivals, including Claridge’s and The Dorchester, in the first ever Hoteliers’ Top 100 list. At the same event it was also named Countryside Hotel of the Year and Spa Hotel of the Year.