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
Sponsors – Christie & Co, HIT Training, British Airways i360, Booking.com, RBS, Brighton Visitor, City Cabs, The Argus, lastminute.com, Handelsbanken, Visit Brighton
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