James Bryce
HOTELS in Andalucia have dominated a list of awards dished out by customer review sight TripAdvisor.
The annual Traveller’s Choice Awards recognised a string of the region’s best places to stay, with 36 hotels sharing a total of 43 gongs.
The prestigious awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the hotel world, recognise excellence in a number of categories including the all-important Best Hotel and Best Service.
Among the big winners was the Vincci Seleccion Aleysa in Benalmadena, voted the best luxury hotel in Spain and number 22 in the whole of Europe.
It also claimed top spot in the Best Hotel category and was 12th in the list for best service.
Molino del Santo in Benaojan, near Ronda, backed up its outstanding reputation by being selected as the second best hotel in Spain for the quality of its service.
The popular 18-bedroom hotel has won a number of awards since opening in 1987, including Spain’s Most Romantic in 2010.
Other winners in the TripAdvisor awards include Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera in Ronda, the Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel and Casa Grande in Jerez.
I know only the Molino del Santo so I will restrict my comments to that.
To be voted 2nd best hotel in Spain is a remarkable achievement. I tip my hat to the owners, Andy Chapell and Pauline Elkin. I am sure they don´t mind my mentioning the importance of the rest of the team, the hard-working staff.
However, the hotel is only part of the story.
The restaurant is outstanding, not only for the quality of food served but also the value for money. British visitors will weep for joy when they see the prices, including the excellent wines.
My idea of Nirvana is lunch on the riverside terrace on a warm afternoon. The murmur of contented conversation with the sound of running water in the background, with the food and drink served by attentive staff.
Congratulations to Pauline, Andy and the staff!
I too only know of the Molino del Santo.
This accolade is so so well deserved. We have been visiting the hotel since it was first opened and observed how
through the hard work and dedication of Pauline Andy and their team the hotel and restaurant have grown from strength to strength.
Tony on a cold and very snowy day in England you have taken me right back to the terrace, sitting under the large weeping willows, hearing the water cascading down, sipping a cold glass of wine and having the very difficult task in having to choose which of the many delicious dishes to have.
Oh happy memorable days, can’t wait to be back!
Congratulations to all of you.
I second the comments from Tony and Roz. I just hope they don’t close the local train service as has been threatened. We won’t be able to get there without it.
we have holidayed at molina many times and it never fails to impress, the staff are so warm and friendly and andy and pauline are great hosts, long may it remain.
There´s more!
The Molino del Santo is now in the 2013 edition of the Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal. That is for both the hotel and the restaurant.
Well done everyone!