Two Thanet businesses have been announced as winners of the VisitEngland Rose awards.
The awards, this year presented to 100 recipients across the country, puts the spotlight on those accommodation providers across England who provide visitors with the warmest of welcomes.
They recognise the owners, management and employees of establishments that go above and beyond, making customers’ experiences extra special, irrespective of star rating, style or accommodation type.
In the South East category, the two Thanet venues to receive the honour were The Devonhurst in Broadstairs and Manston Court, Manston.
The Devonhurst
The Devonhurst family-run B&B, in Eastern Esplanade, has been trading for 31 years
It is run by the Payne family – Margaret, David, Matthew and Kadriye.
The business was started in 1987 when Margaret and David moved with their family to fulfil the dream of running a guest house.
After 25 years, Margaret and David were joined in the business by youngest son Matthew and his wife, Kadriye.
The family, who have been winners and runners up in the annual Pride in Thanet awards several times, offer guests an award-winning Kentish breakfast usually local produce and also cater for vegetarian, vegan, celiac and other special diets.
Booking is easy as the family have embraced new technology. David said: “We have developed our own online management system to manage bookings, it will also take deposits and final payments from a guest even if you do not have an EPOS machine! It has just been released into the market place for other similar businesses to use.”
Over the years the Paynes have had some 40,000 guests and plan to host many more.
Find out more at www.devonhurst.co.uk
Manston Court Accommodations
The Manston Court Accommodations is made up of three self-catering holiday properties – Well Cottage, Annie’s Cottage and The Chapel on the edge of Manston village.
The historic properties are owned by Suzanne Box and her family.
Find out more at http://www.anniescottage1.co.uk/
VisitEngland Director Patricia Yates said: “From B&Bs in beautiful countryside and glamorous glamping to boutique hotels to quintessentially English pubs with rooms, a range of outstanding accommodation providers right across the country are being recognised today.
“It is the human touch that these people provide that make visitors’ experiences memorable, ensuring repeat business and helping the industry thrive.”
