Visit Wales’ Gold Award list of accommodation was revealed last week. Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis Thomas, made the announcement following a visit to James Sommerin, Penarth – one of ten businesses to be listed for the first time this year.
The annual list recognises accommodation business offering the highest standards of quality, exceptional comfort and hospitality. For 2019, 91 Guest Accommodation and 38 Hotels (129 in total) have made it to this prestigious listing.
This is the latest in a string of awards for the Penarth Restaurant with Rooms, which have also included Michelin star in 2016, AA Restaurant of the Year – Wales 2016-2017, 4 AA rosettes, Restaurant of the Year for Food Awards Wales in 2016 & 2018 and Number 34 in the Good Food Guide for 2017.
James Sommerin, said:
“I’m over the moon to receive this award, it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team. Being recognised by Visit Wales for our accommodation is amazing, as we aim to provide an experience for our guests and being able to offer 5 star accommodation above our restaurant with the picturesque view of the Severn Estuary, what more could I want?!”
Lord Elis-Thomas presented the team with their Gold Award certificate and said:
“Quality and innovation are of the utmost importance in developing world class facilities which ensure that Wales remains a strong contender in a fiercely competitive global industry.
“Being recognised as one of the Gold Award Hotels shows the commitment of these businesses to quality, delivering first class experience and going over and above our visitors’ expectations. It was a pleasure to present the Gold Award certificate to James and the team who have a developed a fantastic family run restaurant with rooms with high quality food and accommodation. I wish the team well for the future.”
The Elm Tree in Llandudno was also awarded a Gold Award for the first time, and said Lynette Esposito, Proprietor of The Elm Tree, said:
“The Elm Tree is delighted to have received the ‘Visit Wales Gold Award’ following its recent TripAdvisor 2019 ranking as the #1 Best Romantic, #1 Best Bargain, #2 Best Small Hotel in the UK and Llandudno’s #1 ranked small hotel. The Elm Tree has used the Visit Wales standards as its guidelines to provide outstanding customer service and facilities, combined with our own warm, professional hospitality – as such, I am proud of my team’s efforts in achieving this recognition and congratulate Visit Wales too on its continuous support to promote and create awareness of North Wales.”
