Swan House in Hastings Old Town has been named national B&B of the Year

It is one of 10 hotels to be presented with a Cesar award, named after legendary Swiss hotelier, Cesar Ritz. Awarded by the Guide’s editors each year to a selection of hotels which have demonstrated excellence in their field.

The recipients are honoured for their great hospitality, attention to detail and friendly, attentive service.

No stranger to awards and twice a Good Hotel Guide, Editor’s Choice winner, Swan House owners, Brendan McDonagh and Lionel Copley are “absolutely ecstatic” to have achieved this ultimate accolade, known to many in the profession as the “Oscars of the hospitality industry”.

Brendan explains: “We created something quite unique when we opened Swan House 14 years ago, providing boutique accommodation, striving to get the all-important basics right with delicious breakfasts and warm hospitality. To be recognised for this consistent, outstanding service, in this way, fourteen years on, is something we are immensely proud of.”

GHG editors, with the help of readers’ reviews, were particularly impressed by Swan House’s ability to blend the historic with the hip, creating elegant bedrooms, a sumptuous guest lounge and delightful patio garden within the realms of a Tudor, half-timbered hostelry, part of which was once a bakery and latterly an artist’s pottery studio.

It’s honesty bar, fresh flower arrangements, bespoke toiletries and quirky guest amenities make it stand out for praise and recognition by the discerning GHG readership.

In addition, Swan House’s commitment to the environment and it’s standing in the local community, serving local produce wherever possible, have helped it retain it’s winning formula.

Kevin Boorman, manager of 1066 Country Marketing, the private/public sector partnership responsible for promoting the area, added :- “This is brilliant news for Hastings and 1066 Country; all credit to Brendan, Lionel and their team at Swan House. It is an incredible achievement to be named the Good Hotel guide’s ‘B&B of the Year’, and shows just how special Swan House is.

“Awards like this, which are recognised nationally and internationally, benefit the whole of 1066 Country, as they really help put us on the map. I would like to add my sincere congratulations to Brendan, Lionel and their colleagues on winning this tremendous award. They are fantastic ambassadors for this area.”