Michael Horton, owner of Cotswolds Inns & Hotels, received the Knight Frank Award for Excellence and Innovation for the UK & Ireland at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence Dinner on November 4.

The prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence were created to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across the recommended properties that fill their guides. The world-renowned awards are a trusted mark of quality recognised by consumers and travel professionals alike, and represent the finest standards and best value for money in luxury and independent accommodation. The Knight Frank Award is presented to an individual or group that has demonstrated innovation and excellence in the hospitality sector across the board.

After selling West Midland Taverns in 1997, Michael Horton started Cotswold Inns & Hotels Ltd, acquiring The Broadway Hotel, quickly followed by The Bear of Rodborough, The Bay Tree Hotel at Burford, The Manor House Hotel at Moreton-in-Marsh, The Swan Hotel at Bibury and The Lamb Inn at Burford. In March 2008, The Hare and Hounds Hotel at Westonbirt was acquired and, more recently, The Close Hotel in Tetbury became the eighth hotel to join the group in July 2013. The renovated interiors of all the hotels are designed by Michael’s wife Pamela, who has allowed their individual personalities to shine through against a backdrop of elegant, relaxed and quintessentially English style.

In presenting the Hortons with their award, Henry Jackson, a partner at Knight Frank, highlighted Michael’s vision in creating a stunning collection of country house hotels in the Cotswolds that has always delivered the very best in hospitality, as well as his infectious enthusiasm for the industry and his ability to keep his entire team motivated, while still seeking myriad new opportunities.

Michael Horton joins a long list of renowned hoteliers who have previously won the Knight Frank Award for Excellence and Innovation, including Robin Hutson (co-founder of Hotel du Vin and now Chief Executive of Lime Wood Group), Richard Ball (Chairman of Calcot Hotels, owners of Calcot Manor and Barnsley House among others) and Giuseppe Pecorelli (owner of the exclusive Pennyhill Park & Spa in Surrey).

Speaking after Michael had picked up his award, Nadine Linington, Sales & Marketing Director of Cotswold Inns & Hotels, said: “I am thrilled for Michael to receive this prestigious award in recognition of his dedication and genuine passion for the hotel industry. Michael’s philosophy to “never stand still” is clear to see in the constant evolution of Cotswold Inns & Hotels. Whilst working for Michael and Pamela, it is impossible not to find their drive and true passion infectious as they lead by example.”

Michael himself said: “I am thrilled to receive this award, which is a testament to each and every member of staff at Cotswolds Inns & Hotels; all the managers and their teams do a tremendous job. Whilst we work hard to protect and enhance the historic buildings in which you find our hotels, our dedicated staff are our greatest asset, providing a warm, friendly and efficient service. To win this award is no mean feat, it is an outstanding achievement; Pamela and I are elated.”

Winning the Knight Frank Award comes after Cotswold Inns & Hotels receiving the AA Small Hotel Group of the Year award in September 2012.

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For more about Cotswold Inns & Hotels visit: www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk