The AA has heralded the “impeccable” Down Hall Hotel, Spa and Estate in Essex as England’s crown jewel in hospitality, honouring it with the prestigious ‘AA Hotel of the Year for England’ award at the recent AA Hospitality Awards gala.

Recognised for its relentless pursuit of hospitality excellence, the award was presented during a glittering ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, which annually celebrates the finest establishments in hotels, restaurants, and culinary arts.

Being anointed as “Hotel of the Year” is considered the zenith of industry acclaim and AA inspectors have bestowed praise on Down Hall Hotel for their unrivalled guest experiences and impeccably high standards of service.

Nestled away close to the charming Essex village of Sheering, this Grade II listed Italianate mansion is home to 98 elegantly decorated rooms, diverse meeting and event spaces, three distinctive dining areas, an indulgent spa, and even padel and tennis courts.

In just two years, the hotel has invested a whopping £1.5 million into revitalising portions of its estate, including the Estate Patio bedrooms, Grand Hall, The Potting Shed dining area, Terrace Restaurant, the beautifully manicured gardens, and the stylish Fox Cocktail Bar, according to Essex Live.

The team at an eminent hotel has seen its numbers swell twofold amid a visionary upgrade, introducing a sprawling two-acre on-site Kitchen Garden and an apiary to supply local produce to both the hotel eatery and its affiliate, Flemings Mayfair, reports the Mirror.

This transformation is part of a larger project aimed at enhancing guests’ experiences while maintaining the allure of its historic charm. 

The hotel now offers a wide range of events and entertainment including ‘Live from the Lawn’ musical performances on weekends, outdoor movie nights, dog-focused Pop + Bark festivals and equestrian events in the idyllic countryside.

The upscale resort has also expanded its wellness offerings to include yoga getaways, tranquil meditation sessions, and open-air gong baths.

Overjoyed by Down Hall’s accolade acknowledgement by the AA, general manager Linden Beattie expressed their delight: “We are honoured and proud to be recognised by the AA with this award, the highest accolade that Down Hall Hotel, Spa and Estate has achieved to date.

“It holds immense significance for us, reflecting not only the substantial investment made by our dedicated owners but also the vision we set out for the estate two years ago.

“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of our exceptional team.

“Every day, they go above and beyond to provide an outstanding guest experience, bringing people together and creating lasting memories.

“This recognition inspires us to continue in our pursuit of excellence and reinforces our commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality.”

Down Hall has also been celebrated with a multitude of awards, such as being named LUXlifestyle Best Luxury Country House Hotel and Spa of the Year 2024 for South East England, securing the Large Hotel of the Year title at the East of England Tourism Awards 2023, and receiving the coveted double AA Rosette for its Garden Room restaurant.