Wivenhoe House Hotel in Essex wins Large Hotel of the Year

Located on the Essex/Suffolk border, the four-star hotel dates back to 1759 and was a privately-owned country house until it was sold to the University of Essex in 1964.

“Wivenhoe House Hotel is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life,” said marketing officer Niamh Handley-Vaughan. “Or the dreamiest venue for your wedding or event, whether that’s a birthday party, celebration of life, corporate meeting or away day.”

The hotel can host a variety of events for differing occasions, whether it be corporate days that include team building or use of the meeting rooms, special occasions such as weddings and birthdays, or even a bite to eat in the hotels’ restaurant, which offers seasonal food with a contemporary twist.

Wivenhoe House Hotel is also home to The Edge Hotel School (Image: Embrace Photography)

As an independent hotel, Wivenhoe prides itself on delivering exceptional service and giving guests an experience they will not forget.

Niamh said: “Wivenhoe House Hotel’s unwavering commitment to personalised attention, proactive anticipation of needs and passion for hospitality make us as a leader in service excellence within the hospitality sector.”

The hotel is also home to the Edge Hotel School, which Niamh describes as “one of the best hospitality schools in the UK”.

Students from the University of Essex can gain valuable, practical experience in the industry, in areas such as tourism, hospitality and events.

From left to right, Lionel Lachasseigne, food and beverage manager; Sean Morrison, deputy manager; Beverly Blundon, housekeeping manager; Beverly Newman, restaurant supervisor, at the awards (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer)

Winning the Large Hotel of the Year award has had a huge impact on Wivenhoe House Hotel, reaffirming its passion for service and eye for detail.

“Winning the title of Large Hotel of the Year at the East of England Tourism Awards has brought significant recognition, credibility and opportunities for growth and success to Wivenhoe House Hotel,” Niamh said. “It solidifies our position as a leading hospitality destination in the region.”

The award also means a lot to the people who work in the hotel, with each member of the team’s hard work being recognised.

“It was an incredible and deeply gratifying experience for everyone involved,” said Niamh. “It was a moment of immense pride and joy, not just for the hotel as a business entity, but for each member of the team who works tirelessly to deliver exceptional experiences to our guests every day.”

Deputy general manager Sean Morrison added: “We’re pleased for the recognition of all the hard work that the Wivenhoe House staff have put into the hotel over the last 10 or more years.”

Wivenhoe House is also welcoming its newest general manager, Stephen Robson, who said: “I’m excited to be joining a team that has just been awarded Large Hotel of the Year, with a clear passion for hospitality.”

The future of Wivenhoe House Hotel is looking bright, as it hopes to be characterised by a commitment to excellence, innovation, sustainability, growth and community engagement.

For more information, visit wivenhoehouse.co.uk