The team at Hillbark Hotel & Spa are celebrating their
highest accolade to date in being named the first five-star
rated hotel in the Liverpool City Region.
Operated by Contessa Hotels, the lavish Grade II listed Hillbark
Hotel has been awarded five stars following an inspection by the AA
Tourism authority; one of the governing boards for hotel star
ratings.
Amplifying this impressive accolade, the boutique manor is also
the smallest hotel to be awarded five stars in the UK- positioning
the brand side-by-side international names in luxury
accommodation.
Claire Jones, General Manager of the Contessa Hotels
commented:"This is a remarkable achievement for
Contessa and fantastic news for the tourism offering across Wirral
and the wider Liverpool City Region.
"Attaining this outstanding rating, especially for an independent
hotel of our size, is an incredible accomplishment and
differentiates us from other high calibre hotels in the
region".
Opened in 2002 Contessa Hotels, the hotel is set in 250 acres of
beautiful Wirral parkland, overlooking the scenic Dee estuary. The
grand estate boasts 18 individually designed bedrooms and suites, a
choice of three restaurants including fine dining at Stewart Warner
at Hillbark from award-winning executive chef Stewart Warner and a
luxurious spa.
"It is testament to the skill and hard work of our entire team
that we have been recognised for the consistent high quality our
guests expect," continued Claire Jones. "We pride ourselves on the
facilities and service offered at Hillbark, all of which are
designed with our guests in mind, ensuring their stay with us is as
pleasurable and memorable as possible."
The Contessa Hotels Group can also count Port Sunlight-based
Leverhulme Hotel & Spa within its rich portfolio. The former
village Cottage Hospital was transformed into sumptuous
accommodations by the group and has recently been awarded the
highest four-star hotel rating in the Liverpool City Region.
The AA's five-star criteria are based on the exceptional services
and facilities that are provided for guests, including the
hospitality of the staff, food quality and cleanliness. The
Contessa team underwent a rigorous quality assessment where every
aspect of the hotel came under scrutiny, including the staff and
management.
Chris Meaden, Wirral Cabinet Member for
Culture, Tourism and Leisure comments;
"Huge congratulations to Craig, Lisa and all the team at Hillbark
Hotel in Royden Park for achieving the city region's first five
star hotel grading. This is brilliant news for Wirral's tourism
offer and growing economy. I know this has taken an enormous amount
of hard work, commitment and investment to achieve, particularly in
the current economic climate, however their dedication to
excellence has now paid off.
"Findings from the Wirral visitor research study undertaken last
year highlights tourism is worth over £265 million to Wirral's
economy and has grown by a substantial 15% over the past 5 years.
It also concludes that countryside, quality food and culture are
key considerations when visitors are planning short breaks. All of
which Hillbark has in abundance of course. May I also congratulate
them on being shortlisted for the city region tourism awards later
this week and I wish them, and indeed all the other Wirral tourism
business nominees, every success."