The finalists have been announced for the Large Hotel of the Year award, sponsored by Ensors Chartered Accountants, at the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023

This award recognises full service hotels providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of their business.

Here are the finalists for this year's award.

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate is a 110-acre estate located in Hatfield Heath, Essex. It was purchased by the current owners in 1986 and transformed into a country house hotel with 98 individually-designed bedrooms, as well as dining facilities and conference and event space for up to 180 delegates.

Over the ensuing years, millions of pounds were invested in restoring the house to its former glory, as well as modernising and updating the property to create the contemporary country mansion that exists today. All of the public rooms are named after some of the people involved in its history.

The target market for Down Hall includes everyone from business travellers and couples getting married, to family and friends enjoying an afternoon tea, dinner or spa escape.

There are two restaurants for guests to choose from, along with leisurely walks around the estate’s gardens and woodland areas. For those looking for something more energetic, there is also tennis, a trim trail and gymnasium.

The judges were impressed with the “great service and friendly staff” at Down Hall, adding that the grounds are “stunning” and the hotel itself is “beautifully furnished throughout”.

The Comet: Tewinbury Farm Hotel is a 700-acre luxury countryside retreat in Welwyn Garden City, HertfordshireTewinbury Farm Hotel is a 700-acre luxury countryside retreat in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire (Image: Tewinbury Farm Hotel)

Tewinbury Farm Hotel

Tewinbury Farm Hotel is a 700-acre luxury countryside retreat in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.

Originally a dairy farm, Tewinbury has been home to the Williams family, and a herd of 50 dairy cows, since 1931.

In 1980, when looking to diversify the business, the family sold the dairy herd to purchase neighbouring farmland. They opened a farm shop and, as an experiment, advertised four rooms in the family home as guest rooms for visitors.

Many of the original buildings have been incorporated into what is now a popular independent hotel with 4 AA stars and an excellent reputation.

The hotel’s lodges and bedrooms have been designed to make the most of the surroundings – with the various restaurants offering locally-sourced produce and a field-to-fork dining experience for guests.

Over the years, the hotel has added a children’s play area, dog-friendly woodside lodges, The Stable cocktail bar and a state-of-the-art cookery school to train future Hertfordshire chefs. During the pandemic, it turned a car park into the Farm Yard, a live music and street food venue.

The judges were impressed with the “great welcome” upon arrival at Tewinbury Farm Hotel. They said the hotel “feels premium with lovely bedrooms available for guests to enjoy”.

The Comet: Wivenhoe House Hotel is an 18th century, Grade II listed, country house hotel, close to the quayside village of Wivenhoe in EssexWivenhoe House Hotel is an 18th century, Grade II listed, country house hotel, close to the quayside village of Wivenhoe in Essex (Image: Emma Cabielles)

Wivenhoe House Hotel

Wivenhoe House Hotel is an 18th century, Grade II listed, country house hotel, close to the quayside village of Wivenhoe in Essex.

The hotel has 40 bedrooms spread across the historic main house and modern garden wing, some with balconies overlooking the parkland.

The garden wing is also home to the popular brasserie bar and restaurant, which offers local produce and carefully-selected menus to ensure variety.

The hotel not only hosts guests and diners, but also caters for weddings, special occasions, private dining, corporate events and specially-selected hotel events such as comedy dinner nights and Christmas shopping experiences.

Wivenhoe House Hotel currently employs 50 full-time staff members as well as providing opportunities for students through the Edge Hotel School, part of the University of Essex.

The hotel equips the school’s hospitality degree students with professional and managerial skills, to prepare them for their future careers as leaders in the hospitality industry.

Students work in every department of the hotel to gain the experience they need to graduate from the university.

The judges praised the quality and cleanliness of the hotel rooms – and were very impressed with the overall catering team.


The winners of the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 will be announced at a black-tie event held at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall Hotel, Ipswich, Suffolk​ on Thursday, March 16.

To view the full East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 finalists supplement, please click here.