Luxury hotel and country estate, Matfen Hall, has received a prestigious AA Five-Star rating, becoming the first and only five-star hotel in Northumberland.
The exclusive country hotel impressed in a recent inspection and now boasts the coveted five-star rating, as it continues to drive forward its distinctive brand of hospitality.
Grade II-listed Matfen Hall has recently undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, which included extensive renovations and upgrades to its Great Hall, dining areas, bars and bedrooms.
As part of the redevelopment, the building’s Great Hall has been meticulously restored to its former glory, while a new bar with a mezzanine has been created, in addition to significant investment in The Cloisters Restaurant and Bar and state-of-the-art kitchens.
The estate also features a 27-hole Championship golf course, spa and fitness suite, which are set for further investment and development over the coming months, as part of the continuous improvement by owner, Walwick Estate Group.
Now, Matfen Hall has been officially recognised for the highest levels of quality by receiving the top accolade in a recent visit from AA hospitality inspectors. It becomes the closest Five-Star hotel to Newcastle.
The inspectors reported: “Matfen Hall is a luxurious and elegant stately home set in 300-acres of beautiful Northumbrian countryside.”
AA Five-Star ratings are awarded only to hotels which provide luxurious accommodation and public areas, where guests are greeted at the hotel entrance. Along with the highest standards of food and drink, hotels must also demonstrate a host of extra facilities and a multilingual service.
James O’Donnell, Head of Commercial Development at Matfen Hall said: “We’re delighted to receive such a prestigious accolade which is testament to all of the hard work by the whole team at Matfen Hall.
“This is also a great acknowledgement of the vision and investment by Walwick Estate Group, and its dedicated focus on achieving the very highest level of quality, setting us apart as a leading luxury venue.
“The AA Five-Star rating is regarded universally as a key benchmark of quality and we look forward to ensuring we exceed expectations as part of a programme of continuous improvement that will see further significant investment, including the golf and spa offer.”
Matfen Hall now joins sister property, Chester Stables, in nearby Hexham, (also owned by Walwick Estate Group) as an AA Five-Star destination. Chester Stables, a collection of luxurious self-catering stable suites, was also awarded a Five-Star rating in the Self Catering Accommodation category earlier this year.
