The Hotel Cateys remain one of the most respected nights in the calendar – a chance to recognise excellence and celebrate the individuals and teams who keep raising the bar across UK hospitality.
This year’s ceremony once again highlighted the leadership, innovation and generosity that define the very best of our industry.
🥇 Outstanding Contribution: Danny Pecorelli
A huge congratulations to Danny Pecorelli, managing director of Exclusive Collection, who received the Outstanding Contribution Award.
Few hoteliers have shaped the modern landscape quite like Danny. From championing progressive workplace culture to pushing environmental responsibility long before it was fashionable, his influence stretches far beyond his own group. Exclusive Collection becoming the first UK hotel group to achieve B Corp status set a benchmark for what responsible hospitality can look like.
As Sue Williams put it: “Once in a generation a hotelier comes along who enriches the sector for all of us – and for me this is Danny.”
🥇️ Extra Mile Award: Celtic Manor Resort
The Celtic Manor Resort was honoured for its remarkable community work through the Newport Place Programme. With nearly all 900 team members volunteering their time, the impact has been both meaningful and long-lasting.
A brilliant example of hospitality as a driver of social change, not just economic value.
🥇 Celebrating excellence across the sector
The night also recognised outstanding teams and individuals from across the country:
- Red Carnation Hotels took home two awards for exceptional service
- The Montague on the Gardens won Front of House Team of the Year
- Jack Bond (Cottage in the Wood) was named Hotel Restaurant Chef of the Year
- Paul Bates (Hilton London Metropole) and Douglas Balish (Grove of Narberth) won the Chef of the Year categories
- The Headland in Cornwall was named Sustainable Hotel of the Year
- Benoit Raffi, Kimpton Fitzroy, took home Revenue Manager of the Year
- Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee earned Hotel Restaurant Team of the Year
- And Franck Arnold received the prestigious Hotelier of the Year
Why this matters
Awards like the Hotel Cateys shine a light on something we see every day in recruitment: great hospitality is built on people who care deeply about their craft.
Behind every award is a kitchen pushing for consistency, a front-of-house team chasing excellence, or a leader who sets the tone for culture and growth.
It’s a reminder that even in challenging times, the sector continues to produce world-class talent – and that investing in people is still the most powerful way to strengthen a business.
Congratulations to every winner and finalist! You’re the reason the UK remains one of the most dynamic hotel markets in the world!