The Celtic Collection has made history after becoming the first Welsh hospitality company to be named AA Group of the Year. Recognising the Collection’s exceptional hotels, guest experiences and continued growth, the prestigious accolade was presented at the AA Hospitality Awards at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House on Monday 21st September.
The Celtic Collection Makes History as First Welsh Winner of Prestigious AA Award
A Milestone Achievement
More than 800 industry professionals gathered to celebrate excellence across the UK hospitality landscape with the AA Hospitality Awards recognising the very best of British hospitality, shining a spotlight on the businesses and people that deliver outstanding guest experiences, exceptional service and genuine passion for their craft.
Born from the legacy of the world-renowned Celtic Manor Resort, The Celtic Collection has grown to become Wales’ largest independent hotel group. Encompassing 13 hotels and venues across South Wales, the Collection offers a diverse range of experiences from the flagship resort to luxury city centre stays, coastal retreats, convention facilities including ICC Wales, and the Tŷ Hotel brand.
The Parkgate Hotel opened in Cardiff in 2021 in partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union and has quickly established itself as one of the capital’s finest luxury hotels, earning the title of AA Hotel of the Year for Wales in 2024.
Further strengthening its presence across Wales, The Celtic Collection manages St Brides Spa Hotel in partnership with the Port of Milford Haven. Following a multi-million pound refurbishment programme, the coastal retreat in Pembrokeshire was named AA Hotel of the Year Wales in 2025, reinforcing the Collection’s commitment to excellence.
The flagship Celtic Manor Resort has also received significant industry recognition, being voted Best UK Hotel at the Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards for the 12th time last week, demonstrating the consistency of the guest experience at The Celtic Collection.
The Tŷ Hotels brand has continued to expand with properties in Magor, Milford Waterfront and Newport, the latter opening in 2024 as Wales’ largest all-electric Hotel. The Collection also operates the International Convention Centre Wales in a joint venture partnership with Welsh Government.
In addition to its owned and managed properties, The Celtic Collection is dedicated to championing hospitality excellence and showcasing the very best of Wales to visitors from around the world through strategic partnerships. This includes consultancy and support services for The Retreats Group, operator of the acclaimed Twr y Felin Hotel, Roch Castle, and Penrhiw Priory on the St Davids Peninsula.
Alongside investment in its hotels and venues, The Celtic Collection is focused on its people, communities and environmental performance. In 2026, it received ISO 14001 certification across its entire group, building on more than two decades of sustainability initiatives while its teams have been recognised for extensive community and volunteering programmes across South Wales.
With a growing portfolio and continued focus on investment, partnerships and guest experience, The Celtic Collection remains committed to strengthening its position as one of the UK’s leading hospitality groups.
“To be named AA Hotel Group of the Year, against strong competition from hotels around the UK, is an exceptional honour and a proud moment for everyone at The Celtic Collection.
This award recognises not only the quality of our hotels and venues, but also the passion, warmth and dedication of the people who bring them to life every day.
As our portfolio continues to grow, we remain committed to delivering outstanding guest experiences while staying true to the values of authentic hospitality. This accolade is a testament to the hard work of our teams across the group, and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment to excellence”
Julie Hammond – Group Chief Executive Officer at The Celtic Collection
