THE Hilton Brighton Metropole stole the honours at last night's Brighton and Hove Hotel Awards.

Around 400 guests packed into The Grand Hotel in Brighton for the annual event, which was launched in 2014.

The Metropole scooped first prize in four categories with director of operations Richard Hopton named Outstanding Manager of the Year while Nicky Menzies named the unsung hero of the city's hotels.

It also received the first prize for supporting charities and the community and giving guests the warmest welcome for a non-independent hotel.

Mr Hopton, who only joined just over one year ago, said the Metropole had made massive progress this year.

He said: "I have a really hands-on role and like to make sure that I am visible and helpful but that everything is running smoothly.

"We are always working on different projects, changing menus, bringing in big events, and new promotions.

"We have just reopened our brand new health club and we now have more than 1,000 members.

"We recently went through one of the busiest months of the year with a huge event for 1600 people where our fantastic team pulled out all the stops and really wowed our guests with great food and service.

"I also felt immense pride standing in the i360 looking over our roof top graffiti pieces and seeing people taking photos, and enjoying the great art we had helped to create."

Other winners included Jurys Inn Station Hotel which judges decided served the best breakfast, and Strawberry Fields was named the cleanest.

The ever-popular Blanch House came away with two first prizes, for the warmest welcome from the independent hotels sector and also independent property of the year.

Blanch House also won the accolade of Best Customer Service at the recent Brighton and Hove Business Awards.

Co-owner Kerry Turner said: "Our team is motivated and empowered – proud and passionate about the hotel.

"Everyone works well together from house-keeping to the customer-facing management team.

"Everyone is involved and has input.

"The team at Blanch House really enjoys their work, which creates a harmonious ambience, frequently commented on by our guests."

FULL LIST OF WINNERS AND AWARD NOMINEES

The Award for Best Breakfast

Winner: Jurys Inn Station Hotel

Finalists: Blanch House, Drakes Hotel and Restaurant

The Award for Cleanliness

Winner: Strawberry Fields

Finalists: The Cavalaire Hotel, Nineteen

The Award for Warmest Welcome (Branded)

Winner: Hilton Brighton Metropole

Finalists: The Grand Brighton, Jurys Inn Station Brighton

The Award for Warmest Welcome (Independent)

Winner: Blanch House

Finalists: The Cavalaire Hotel, The Charm Brighton Boutique Hotel

The Award for Unsung Hero / Heroine

Winner: Hilton Brighton Metropole – Nicky Menzies

Finalists: The Kings Hotel – John Neil; Brighton Harbour Hotel and Spa – Steph Miller

Ambassador for Best Customer Service Experience

Winner: Drakes Hotel and Restaurant

Finalists: Blanch House, Artist Residence Brighton

The Award for Charity and Community

Winner: Hilton Brighton Metropole

Finalists: My Brighton, Limehouse

Outstanding Manager of the Year

Winner: Hilton Brighton Metropole – Richard Hopton

Finalists: The Grand Brighton – Sandra Flanagan; Jurys Inn Waterfront Brighton – Catherine Holmes

The Award for Property of the Year (Branded)

Winner: Jurys Inn Station Brighton

Finalists: The Grand Brighton, My Brighton

The Award for Property of the Year (Independent)

Winner: Blanch House

Finalists: The Claremont, Artist Residence Brighton

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