Who We Are

Heritage Hotels of Europe is not just an association; it’s a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating Europe’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

As a federation of hotel associations from various European countries, we bridge the past to the present and extend our reach into the future, ensuring that tradition-rich hotels remain a vital part of our collective experience.

Our aim is simple yet profound: to safeguard and nurture the cultural and historical treasures entrusted to us, offering travellers a carefully curated selection of exceptional accommodations. Our portfolio ranges from magnificent castles and fortresses to charming manor houses, stately country homes, opulent palaces, and elegant city palais.

We offer a unique collection of hotels that provide an escape from the fast-paced world we live in. Each property embodies authenticity, a unique atmosphere, and unwavering dedication to excellent service, all provided by devoted hosts. Your stay at one of our member hotels is not just about accommodation; it’s about creating lasting memories and experiencing living history.

Heritage Hotels of Europe Awards 2023

The Heritage Hotels of Europe Awards are dedicated to recognize the unique excellence among Heritage Hotels and to honour all the people who are the soul of these outstanding properties.

Each property out of several countries, nominated by the public, has been evaluated by an experienced committee. Also considering guest reviews, the jury looked closely at all aspects of the guest experience, in seven categories: Design, Wellness, Gastronomy, Hospitality, Culture, Romance as well as Host of the Year.

The winners of the Heritage Hotels of Europe Awards were announced at the prestigious awards ceremony 2023, held in enchanting Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg on November 12th. The ceremony brought together an array of heritage hotels owners and journalists from across Europe.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in making this event a resounding success. The evening was a testament to the dedication and passion of the individuals and establishments that form the backbone of our shared mission.

Heritage-Hotels-of-Europe-Awards

Copyright: Ivan Majernik

Heritage Hotels of Europe Awards 2023: Celebrating the Best

Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – we proudly present the Heritage Awards 2023. These awards recognize outstanding contributions in several categories, celebrating the very best in heritage and hospitality. We are delighted to reveal the winners in each category:

Heritage & Hospitality

In addition to grace, elegance, and a magnificent English park, it is above all the high quality of service that characterizes Château Gbel’any in the town of the same name in Slovakia. The baroque-style restored castle hotel was therefore selected by the jury as the winner of the “Heritage & Hospitality” category.

2nd place

Prónay-kastély
Alsópetény | Hungary

3rd place

Andrássy Kúria & Spa
Tarcal | Hungary

 

Heritage & Culture

This year’s “Heritage & Culture” award goes to the Palace Art Hotel in Pezinok, Slovakia. The almost 800-year-old former moated castle hosts one of the most complete and unique art collections of its kind in Central Europe in its “Gallery of Glass Works of Art” and boasts an impressive collection of well-maintained JAWA motorbikes.

 2nd place

Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron
Salzburg | Austria

3rd place

Burg Bernstein
Bernstein | Austria

 

Heritage & Design

Built in 1883, the Botaniq kastély in Tura, Hungary, was extensively renovated after an eventful history. The restorers did their utmost to restore the stone elements, plaster stucco, wall paintings and wooden components. Today, the castle impresses guests with its neo-renaissance and neo-baroque style and was therefore chosen as the winner in the “Heritage & Design” category.

2nd place

Château Gbel’any
Gbel’any | Slovakia

3rd place

Pałac Manowce
Nowe Warpno | Poland

 

Heritage & Wellness

The exceptional and continuously outstanding spa & wellness offer of the Grandhotel Praha in Tatranská Lomnica (Slovakia) was recognized by the jury for the fourth time in a row with the “Heritage & Wellness” award. This makes the Grandhotel Praha the only property of Heritage Hotels of Europe to have consistently taken first place in the same category since the awards were first presented.

2nd place

Adriatik Hotel
Durrës | Albania

3rd place

Andrássy Kúria & Spa
Tarcal | Hungary

 

Heritage & Gastronomy

The “Heritage & Gastronomy” award goes to South Tyrol in 2023. This year’s winner is the Parkhotel Holzner in Oberbozen, Italy. Head chef Stephan Zippl cooks with the best products from the surrounding area using the specially developed re:vier concept. Quality, sustainability, fair production as well as Zippl’s compositions and their presentation convinced the jury.

 2nd place

Andrássy Kúria & Spa
Tarcal | Hungary

 3rd place

Gróf Degenfeld
Tarcal | Hungary

 

Heritage & Romance

For the third time, the host team at Hotel Château Bela in Belá, Slovakia, has been honored with the “Heritage & Romance” award. By winning this award once again, the fairytale castle has now definitely and permanently established itself as a special place for unforgettable moments.

2nd place

Zámocký hotel Galicia Nueva
Halič | Slovakia

3rd place

Pałac Manowce
Nowe Warpno | Poland

 

Host of the Year

In addition to 3rd place in the “Heritage & Culture” category, the hosts at Burg Bernstein in Bernstein, Austria, are delighted to receive the “Host of the Year” award. The jury recognized the tireless commitment and personal service that make a stay at the 800-year-old castle a special experience.

Photographer: Ivan Majernik

These exceptional establishments and individuals have exemplified the core values of Heritage Hotels of Europe. We applaud their dedication to preserving and celebrating our shared heritage, providing outstanding service, and offering guests exceptional experiences.