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Rockliffe Hall has retained AA Five-Red Star ‘Inspectors Choice’ status for 2025, marking the eleventh consecutive year!
As we celebrate Rockliffe Hall’s fifteenth anniversary, we reflect on what it takes to achieve and retain this coveted award, the highest achievable accolade for UK hotels.
What is an AA Red Star award?
The AA Five Red Star award is considered one of the highest awards in the hospitality industry with only a few properties each year receiving the accolade.
The AA states: “Red Star hotels stand out as the very best in the UK, regardless of style. They offer excellent levels of quality, and outstanding levels of hospitality and service throughout. These hard-earned accolades are a reliable sign that a hotel is not just great, but exceptional.”
In England there are only 22 hotels outside of London, that have achieved the AA’s Five Red Star status.
When did Rockliffe Hall first achieve five AA red stars?
Rockliffe Hall was awarded Five Black Stars by the AA in 2010, just months after initially opening. However, it wasn’t until 2013 when the resort achieved Red Star ‘Inspectors Choice’ status for the first time.
Rockliffe Hall had to undergo several thorough assessments by undercover AA inspectors and meet a strict range of criteria as the star ratings, from one to five, are used to assess the standard of the quality guests can expect from hotels.
New Red Star winners are selected in recognition of excellence and success within their award category, having shown improvement during the preceding 12 to 18 months and proving their dedication to raising
Are stars are awarded on an annual basis?
Yes, once a hotel achieves AA ‘Star’ status the hotel is reinspected each year.
The undercover inspection is meticulously conducted and covers each element of the guest experience from the moment of booking right until departure. The assessment is scored across all areas including hospitality, service, bedrooms, bathrooms, cleanliness and food and beverage. The hotel is only notified after the inspector has checked out.
Has Rockliffe Hall retained its Red Stars?
We are incredibly proud that Rockliffe Hall has retained the AA Inspectors Choice Five Red Star status every year since 2013.
The most recent awards were held on 23rd September 2024 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, and Rockliffe Hall was confirmed to have retained its Red Stars for the eleventh consecutive year.
Has Rockliffe Hall won any other AA awards?
In 2023 the resort was given a special ‘Best UK Spa’ award in a new AA Spa Awards scheme, with the AA stating: “The AA Best UK Spa designation signifies a commitment to exceptional quality, impeccable service, and a holistic approach to rejuvenation. These establishments exemplify excellence in spa services, setting the standard for outstanding wellness experiences.”
Rockliffe Hall’s Executive Housekeeper Diane Payne was named as the AA Housekeeper of the Year in 2022, following exceptionally high cleanliness scores achieved on multiple inspections.
What about AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence?
The Orangery restaurant at Rockliffe Hall achieved and retained 3AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence between 2010 and 2024 (rising to 4AA Rosettes in 2017 and 2018).
Rockliffe Hall closed The Orangery for dinner service in June 2024 following the appointment of James Close, former chef-patron of the 2 Michelin-starred Raby Hunt in Darlington, as the resort’s culinary director.
Nu Sana, the resort’s Spa restaurant, has achieved and retained 1AA Rosette for culinary excellence since 2022.
What are the future plans for dining at Rockliffe Hall?
Earlier this month Rockliffe Hall unveiled plans for a multimillion-pound refurbishment of the Old Hall and the addition of a new flagship restaurant that promises a world-class, immersive dining experience under the direction of Culinary Director, James Close.
Pending approval, renovations are set to begin in February 2025, when the Old Hall will close for work. However, the New Hall accommodation, golf course, The Clubhouse, spa, and TERRA restaurant will all remain operational.
TERRA began as a summer residency for James Close and has been extended until 21st December. From January 2025, TERRA will become the main resort restaurant with a team of experienced chefs that Close has appointed to lead the kitchen while he continues to develop the culinary direction across the resort.
The Old Hall restoration is due to be completed in October 2025 and the new flagship restaurant build, in December 2025.
James Close, Culinary Director at Rockliffe Hall, said: “This project is focused on creating a world-class dining destination and is the perfect progression of everything we developed and achieved before joining Rockliffe Hall. Using our experience, our global travel influences, and the opportunity that the new build offers us, we are looking to create something really special for the north east that will be recognised and enjoyed locally and internationally.”
Read more about Rockliffe Hall’s multimillion-pound refurbishment plans below.
Latest Awards Articles
Rockliffe Hall shortlisted in the North East England Tourism Awards. We are thrilled to announce Rockliffe Hall has been shortlisted as ‘Large Hotel of the Year’ in the North East England Tourism Awards 2025 for the third consecutive year.
We are delighted to announce Samantha Smith, Food and Beverage Supervisor has won the Service Excellence award at the North East Hotels Association (NEHA) Excellence Awards.
Rockliffe Hall has been named as a finalist in the Large Hotel of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for the second year running.
The winners of this prestigious tourism accolade will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on Wednesday 5th June at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.
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