The cream of the hospitality industry joined together last night to celebrate the achievements of two of the most accomplished hoteliers and one of the most successful new hotels within the independent hotel sector, at a presentation ceremony at the Independent Hotel Show at Olympia West.
Acclaimed hoteliers Kit and Tim Kemp have been named Independent Hotelier of the Year, for their stylish and design led influence on the boutique hotel scene and the ongoing success of their portfolio of nine hotels, eight in London and one in New York. Together, the husband and wife team bring their passion and eclectic flair to create individual hotels of distinction, each running at near 100% occupancy year-round and boasting an enviable array of awards and accolades.
The couple have held tight to their principles of creating boutique hotels known for their high standards of excellence and unique style of decoration. The award of Independent Hotelier of the Year sponsored by Towergate Insurance is recognition of how they have become beacons of inspiration and leadership within the independent hotel sector of today.
The title of Outstanding New Hotel of the Year has been awarded to The Pig on the Beach in Studland, Dorset. Opened in June 2014, The Pig on the Beach has enjoyed a whirlwind of success since launch, with demand for the hotel far outstripping availability. The newest addition to The Pig portfolio of properties, The Pig on the Beach marks another success story for hotel guru Robin Hutson, chairman and CEO of Home Grown Hotels and former founder of the Hotel du Vin chain. The Pig on the Beach’s winning formula of laid back luxury mixed with sophistication and attention to detail has led to it becoming one of the most desirable new hotels in the country.
Commenting on receiving the Independent Hotelier of the Year award, Kit Kemp says: “We’re really flattered and quite surprised to win this award. It’s been a busy and a big year for us with the opening of Ham Yard Hotel complete with bowling alley, theatre, apartments and shops. We’re so grateful for the award, thank you so much to everyone who voted for us.”
On achieving Outstanding New Hotel of the Year for The Pig on the Beach, Robin Hutson adds: “We’re delighted to win the Outstanding New Hotel of the Year award. It’s a big team effort launching any new hotel and huge thanks must go to everyone involved.”
The Independent Hotelier of the Year and Outstanding New Hotel of the Year awards will return again in 2015 as part of the successful Independent Hotel Show. They are an important part of the show’s line-up, says Tim Etchells, MD at Single Market Events: “We have been overwhelmed by the calibre of nominations for this year’s awards and the number of votes received and I would like to congratulate Kit and Tim Kemp and The Pig on the Beach for their tremendous achievement.
“These awards are dedicated to those individuals and establishments that really push the boundaries of the boutique and independent hotel sector. All of the hotels and hoteliers mentioned are an inspiration to anyone connected with this exciting industry and have done much to develop and support the sector as a whole. Thank you to our esteemed judging committee and to everyone who has got behind the awards again this year.”
