The year 2002 was a good one for Ynyshir Hall hotel, Machynlleth, Powys. Not only did it win its first Michelin star for chef Les Rennie in the kitchen, but it also became AA Hotel of the Year in Wales and won the Catey for Independent Hotel of the Year.
"Everything happened in 2002," says Rob Reen, one-half of the couple who run Ynyshir Hall. "It's been a combination of forward planning, marketing, time and care. We commit ourselves day and night to the hotel and we're great believers in being hands-on," he says.
As well as their phenomenal success, judges were also impressed by the way in which it had been achieved. Yvonne Colgan, general manager at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Gwent, was particularly struck that proprietors Rob and Joan Reen had set up an outstanding hotel with no real hospitality background.
The couple have not had an entirely smooth ride, however. Foot-and-mouth hit the hotel badly in 2001. "After foot-and-mouth we knew we had to get into the Relais & Châteaux guide to help us with our marketing and get us back on our feet," says Rob. As well as this, help from the Wales Tourist Board has enabled the Reens to invest more money in the hotel rather than remaining static through difficult times.
"We put a new suite into the hotel and tried to be more positive rather than focus on the past," says Rob. "We tried to get excited about what was new rather than think about the negative things."
Their upbeat strategy seems to have paid off in more than just industry recognition. Turnover for 2002 was up about 40-45% compared with 2001. And the couple maintain a constant programme of refurbishment, having installed two new suites in 2002.
"You can't chase success," says Rob. "It will chase you if you have the right combination of personal service, food and comfort. What's got us to this point is imagination, hard work and creativity. We've spent a lot of time getting it right."
Judges ' Criteria
The Independent Hotel of the Year will be an independent business of three units or fewer, wholly owned and operated by its owner. It will be:
* Any size, category or market level;
* Showing excellence in its chosen market;
* A successful business;
* An example to which others can aspire; and
* Able to demonstrate particular achievements in the past year.
This year's winner will be announced at the Catey Awards on Tuesday 1st July.
Previous Winners:
2002 Ynyshir Hall Hotel
2001 Celtic Manor
2000 Chewton Glen, Hampshire
1999 Northcote Manor, Langho, near Blackburn
1998 Crieff Hydro, Tayside
1997 Gidleigh Park, Chagford, Devon
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