Birmingham’s most female-friendly hotel scoops major awards

Birmingham’s ‘Maiden Voyage accredited’ Hotel du Vin were big winners at this year’s Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards. Not satisfied with scooping the General Manager of the Year Award in 2016, they returned this year to scoop Midlands Best Boutique Hotel and Midlands Best Sommelier for HdV’s Nico Ante.

On the award wins this year, General Manager, Tony Elvin had this to say “It was a lovely moment to pick up the GM award last year, but Boutique Hotel of the Year was the one we’ve been after, it’s the one that gives your whole team that big pat on the back they deserve. Winning GM of the Year last year couldn’t have been done without them so for them all to be recognised this year is special. Every year there is more and more competition in Birmingham so it is fantastic for my team and for Hotel du Vin to be recognised in this way. As for my Head Sommelier Nico … he deserves every accolade coming. He was up against tough opposition from some amazing venues but he oversees an unrivalled wine entertainment programme here, he has assembled probably the best wine list in the City and most importantly loves sharing his knowledge with our guests and his colleagues. He is one of the nicest people you could ever meet and I know, as did everyone who saw him collect the award, just how much this meant to him.”

Tony added, “We have just renewed our membership with Maiden Voyage. Traveller safety, exceeding guest expectations and providing a more engaging experience than just somewhere to rest your head away from home are values that are fundamental to both Hotel du Vin and Maiden Voyage. I am convinced that working with Maiden Voyage and those shared values has helped us in our quest for award success.”

To achieve female-friendly status, hotels must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the lone female traveller. In order to determine if a hotel is up to standard, Maiden Voyage inspects for essential features such as double-locking doors and round the clock reception staff, as well as in-room touches of comfort such as make-up mirrors and a personal toiletry set.

Carolyn Pearson, CEO of Maiden Voyage, said, “We adore working with Tony and the team at Hotel du Vin Birmingham. Their commitment to supporting female travellers is outstanding and they have implemented additional safety features in order to meet our stringent certification criteria. The warm and friendly service permeates the whole experience, it’s a real home from home for solo travellers!”