Sawday's British Hotel Awards
Hot on the heels of the Good Hotel Guide César awards comes Sawday’s British Hotel Awards, announced to coincide with the launch of the new edition of Special Places to Stay British Hotels & Inns this week. Somehow, Sawday’s whittled 300 contenders down to five winners in the Fabulous Food, National Treasure, Nicely Priced, Favourite Newcomer and Hotel of the Year categories. Here’s who won what, and why: 
Hotel of the Year: Penally Abbey, Tenby, Pembrokeshire
This beautifully refurbished country house hotel has long views over Carmarthen Bay and five acres of lawns and woodland. Inside, interiors are chic, there’s an elegant bar, fine art on the walls and a big drawing room with an open fire and huge sea views. Bedrooms have a stunning new look: off-white walls, beautiful beds, crisp white linen, elegant fabrics. Eat in style at the restaurant. B&B from £130 per night for a double room.
Favourite Newcomer: Coruisk House, Elgol, Isle of Skye
A cool, rustic style has conquered every corner of this chic little restaurant, ambrosial food flies from the kitchen and a glass of prosecco is yours on arrival. Find hanging lamps, up-cycled furniture, lime-washed walls and a painted settle. Airy rooms have big beds, mohair throws, white linen, robes in quirky bathrooms. Eat in the restaurant, where a wood-burner keeps things cosy. B&B from £130 per night for a double room.
Fabulous Food: The Crown & Castle, Orford, Suffolk
River, beach and forest wait, as does The Crown & Castle standing in the shadow of Orford’s 12th-century castle. Uncluttered interiors have a warm, airy feel with stripped floorboards, open fires, wonderful art and flickering candles at night. Chic bedrooms have crisp white linen, Vispring beds, fancy bathrooms, lovely fabrics, and the odd armchair. Ambrosial food awaits. Dog are very welcome. B&B from £130 per night for a double room.
National Treasure: Rose & Crown, Barnard Castle, Durham
The Rose & Crown dates to 1733 and stands on the village green next to a Saxon Church. Inside, there’s a peaceful sitting room for afternoon tea, then a panelled restaurant for excellent food. Stylish rooms have warm colours, comfortable beds, Bose sound systems and super bathrooms. Dogs are very welcome. B&B from £115 per night for a double room.
Nicely Priced: The Beckford Arms, Salisbury, Wiltshire
A country-house inn on the Fonthill estate. Georgian interiors are lovely, a mix of original features and 21st-century style; there’s a drawing room with a roaring fire, a restaurant with a wall of glass and a bar for an excellent local pint. Bedrooms are small but perfectly formed: white walls, the best linen and sisal matting. Don’t miss the food. B&B from £95 per night for a double room
Sawday’s Special Places to Stay: British Hotels & Inns is available from all good bookshops (RRP £15.99) or online directly from Sawday’s (£11.99+ P&P).
BY MAGGIE O’SULLIVAN
