The shortlist for the 2019 eviivo Awards has been announced, with 110 independent accommodation providers from across the country being shortlisted as finalists.
The eviivo Awards, now in their sixth year, recognise the best of the UK’s world-class B&Bs, small hotels, guest houses, pubs and restaurants with rooms, serviced apartments and self-catering units.
The revealed shortlist will now battle it out across eight categories including, ‘Outstanding Host’, ‘Quirkiest Place To Stay’, ‘Sweetest Homestay’, and ‘Tastiest Breakfast’, with winners decided by a host of expert judges from celebrity chefs to the UK’s top travel writers, who will also be in attendance on the evening to present the awards.
With staycations on the rise amongst Brits, and a high number of overseas visitors continuing to flock to the UK, travellers can find unique establishments across the country, all with their own signature appeal. The shortlisted properties include a windmill, a treehouse and a hotel built into a cliff, with one property even offering guests the chance to arrive by plane, landing on their own private airstrip!
Over the coming weeks the shortlisted establishments will have their applications reviewed and judged by a panel of industry experts ahead of the awards ceremony in October. eviivo reports that last year’s award winners and nominees have seen a 12% increase in bookings, and 22% in revenue YOY.
Zoë Dawes, leading travel blogger and judge for the Quirkiest Place To Stay category comments: “Running a quirky and characterful B&B, or a collection of modern city centre apartments is demanding and requires multiple skills, hard work and dedication – these awards help to shine a light on and identify the finest businesses within the UK’s hospitality sector.”
Sarah Alexiou of Woolmarket House, Most Beautifully Presented Award Winners 2018 comments: “The interest generated in Woolmarket House since receiving the Most Beautifully Presented Award almost 12 months ago has been remarkable. Winning the award really put us on the map and meant that many more visitors from across the UK and around the world have become aware of our boutique-style country getaway. Combined with the additional publicity from media, this has played a significant part in generating new enquiries and substantially increasing the level of exposure. The award has proven to be a fantastic way to attract new guests.”
The eviivo Awards will take place on the 15th October at The Grand Connaught Rooms on Great Queen Street, London.
Here are the Northern Ireland accommodation providers who made the shortlist:
Bed, Breakfast & Beyond Award
Station B&B, Derry, Londonderry
Ahead of the curve, the owners of this Northern Irish B&B have introduced up to the minute technology to their property including a pioneering launch of Apple TV, whilst sympathetically restoring the historic Victorian building. Keeping in step with current trends in tech hospitality for guests, this B&B is taking Derry into the future – and beyond
Outstanding Host Award
Tracey, All Seasons B&B, Portrush, County Antrim
Tracey always endeavours to go the extra mile for her guests, sometimes literally, when giving guests lifts to town. She’s often found baking a cake for guests’ birthdays or anniversaries, or having guests for afternoon tea as a treat from her. She willingly does laundry and ironing, and even provides homemade cuddly knitted toys for children.
Hidden Gems & Star Amongst Stars Award
- All Seasons B&B – Portrush, Co. Antrim
- Shelleven Guest House – Bangor, Co. Down
- Station B&B – Derry, Londonderry
- Ivanhoe Hotel – Belfast, Co. Down
- Village Cottage – Bushmills, Co. Antrim
