Celtic Collection Crowned AA Hotel Group of the Year

The Celtic Collection — A prestigious family of business and leisure destinations in the UK•
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The Celtic Collection, has made history after becoming the first Welsh hospitality company to be named AA Group of the Year. Recognizing 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.

More than 1,000 industry professionals gathered to celebrate excellence across the UK hospitality landscape with the AA Hospitality Awards recognizing the very best of British hospitality.

Born from the legacy of the world-renowned Celtic Manor Resort, The Celtic Collection has grown to become Wales’ largest independent hotel group with 13hotels and venues across South Wales.

The accolade follows a period of significant recognition and investment across the Collection’s prestigious portfolio of business, leisure and lifestyle destinations. This has been expanded through a combination of new developments, management agreements and strategic partnerships.

The Group of the Year triumph follows on from previous success at the AA Hospitality Awards where Collection properties The Parkgate Hotel and St Brides Spa Hotel have been crowned Hotel of the Year for Wales over the past two years.

The flagship Celtic Manor Resort has also received significant industry recognition, being voted Best UK Hotel at the Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards for a 12th time.

Julie Hammond, Group CEO at The Celtic Collection said: “To be named AA Group of the Year, against strong competition from hotels around the UK, is an exceptional honor and a proud moment for everyone at The Celtic Collection.

“This award recognizes 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. This accolade is a testament to the hard work of our teams across the group and their commitment to excellence.”

Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Hotel & Hospitality Services said: “Congratulations to The Celtic Collection on being named Group of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2026. Our annual Awards celebrate the businesses and people that set the standard for the industry across the UK, and The Celtic Collection is a brilliant example of a team that delivers true hospitality for their guests.

“Their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences is exactly what these awards set out to celebrate. A truly deserved recognition of their hard work, commitment and love for what they do.”