A family business is delighted after winning a prestigious award for its "world class" customer service.
The VisitEngland ROSE (Recognition Of Service Excellence) Awards aim to showcase accommodation providers that provide visitors with the warmest of welcomes.
Only 100 ROSE awards are given out nationally each year. and they celebrate the establishments where the staff provide outstanding experiences for customers, irrespective of star rating, style or type of accommodation.
The Hyde at Upton Grange in Dorchester was this year's only Dorset winner.
The business offers six self catering cottages in Ringstead which have been converted from the original historical tithe barn of Upton Farm.
Kerrie Webster is the daughter of the business owner Graham Smith. She shared her great delight that one of their cottages has won such a prestigious award.
She said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen for the award. For us customer service is really important.
"We have lots of guests visit us on a regular basis which is a testament to the product and service that we offer.
"We're a family run business and have been in tourism for over forty five years now. We look forward to welcoming more people."
The ROSE Award winners were nominated by VisitEngland’s quality scheme assessors and selected from assessor comments and online feedback from overseas and domestic visitors.
Recipients of the awards include all types of accommodation from B&Bs/guesthouses, self-catering and hotels to parks, glamping sites and hostels and cover a range of ratings from three to five stars, as well as accredited properties.
Last year's awards were a big success for Dorset with eight different businesses picking up prizes.
READ MORE: Dorset winners of the VisitEngland ROSE Awards 2023
Andrew Stokes, director of VisitEngland said: “The ROSE Awards recognise the accommodation providers in England who deliver a fantastic welcome, provide outstanding customer service and make magical memories for their visitors.
"They create the bedrock on which tourists build their holiday memories, encouraging them to discover more of the area and driving tourism spend across local communities.
“There is a place to stay to suit all tastes and budgets in England with the awards highlighting the amazing diversity on offer.”
See the full list of ROSE Award 2024 winners go to https://www.visitbritain.org/business-advice/get-quality-assessed#rose-awards
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