The owners of Penally Abbey Hotel were dancing with delight this week after being named Welsh hotel of the year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2023 - hosted by Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman.

The 2023 awards ceremony was held at Grosvenor House in London on Monday, September 25.

After scooping the award in the ‘AA Hotels of the Year’ category, the establishment run by husband and wife team Lucas and Melanie Boissevain who have been at the helm the 18th century property since 2014 with their family, posted on Facebook: “Last night was pretty special…and not just because we met Claudia!

“We’ve been running Penally Abbey for the past 10 years and last night we were mazed to win 'AA Hotel of the Year Wales' 2023/24 at the AA Hospitality Awards.

“Creating Penally Abbey has been such a unique and special experience for us all and it was lovely for this mad adventure for our family to be recognised last night…and with Claudia, no less.

“This award is really for our incredible team, who over the years have made the hotel the special place that it is. Thank you for your hard work, your commitment to us and for working alongside us through lockdowns, a fire and everything in between.

“And thank you to YOU, for following, eating, staying, drinking and being part of the adventure,” they added.

Penally Abbey Hotel award
Penally Abbey Hotel was named 'Hote of the Year' for Wales (Penally Abbey Hotel/Facebook)

Writing on Penally Abbey Hotel, the ‘AA Hotels’ Inspector's view stated: “Perched on the hill overlooking Carmarthen Bay, near Tenby, Penally Abbey sits on a monastic site and was also once the home to the Irish whiskey distillers, Jameson.

“The 12th-century ruins of the original chapel can still be seen in the grounds today. The hotel has been fully restored by the owners and a warm welcome is assured from the personable team.

“The distinct Gothic windows frame the sea views from many of the spacious bedrooms. A number of the Coach House rooms accept dogs. Dining is in the award winning Rhosyn restaurant from highly seasonal modern menus in a small plates format.”

Last year, Penally Abbey picked up ‘Best Hotel in Wales’ award by The Good Hotel Guide.

It’s another major boost for the premises after it was unable to open throughout the summer of 2020 (following the pandemic lockdown) after a fire broke out at the building that June.