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About the award

Introduced in 1992, this award is the AA’s ultimate accolade for hotels in the UK. It is awarded to hotels that are recognised as being outstanding examples in their particular market.

Down Hall Hotel & Spa, Hertfordshire

About 45 minutes from London, Down Hall Hotel is a country house retreat, set in picturesque countryside. The house dates back to the 1300s and has retained many period features.

Recent times have seen investment and refurbishment, with the West Wing getting a £1.2m facelift back in 2019. Over the last 18 months a £2.8m project has seen a new 120-cover alfresco terrace, brand new bar, lounges, and breakfast room.

In 2022, Linden Beattie became the new general manager, and by the end of 2023 the hotel had experienced a transformational trading year with gross profit up 50%, and its team growing from 80 to 180 employees.

Used as a location for The Great British Bake off, the hotel's stunning 110 acres of grounds and woodlands is also used to great effect with an annual calendar of varied events.