The Belfry wins Independent Hotel of the Year award at The Cateys 2026

The Belfry Hotel and Resort, in the Midlands, has been crowned ‘Hotel of the Year – Independent’ at the industry-leading awards The Cateys 2026, securing its place among the best of the best UK independent hotels.

The hotel, located in Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, was named winner at a glittering awards ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on July 7.

The venue impressed judges with its robust financials and genuine people-centric approach at the awards which celebrate the finest operators in hospitality.

Judge Andrew McKenzie, from the Donnington Group, described The Belfry as a “standalone hotel which has excelled in its class” and he praised it as “innovative and very well-run” - adding: “It has regained its iconic status.”

One of the UK’s most celebrated resort destinations and renowned for its rich sporting heritage, world-class hospitality and vibrant mix of leisure, golf, wellness and business experiences, The Belfry has recently completed a transformative £85m-plus expansion that has almost doubled the resort in size.

The development has modernised and elevated the resort with the addition of 149 stylish new bedrooms, The Masters Suite – a state-of-the-art events and conference venue, The Club – a cutting-edge fitness and leisure centre, and Woodland Adventures, an outdoor play space for younger guests.

Highlighting why it clinched the top spot at the awards which recognise the pioneering businesses and exceptional individuals setting new standards across the industry, judge Neil Kedward, from Seren Collection, said The Belfry is “a hotel that has had an extraordinary journey in recent years under excellent leadership”.

He also praised its “significant investment and a genuine focus on people have created an exceptional resort that delivers for its customers, financials, its people and true community”.

The resort was also praised for its commitment to supporting long-term careers in hospitality, with numerous apprenticeship schemes, training programmes and professional development courses in place, and a comprehensive wellbeing and benefits package for all staff. Credit was also given for The Belfry’s dedication to creating experiences as sustainable as they are luxurious, with the resort achieving an EarthCheck Silver award and a BREEAM Excellence rating for The Club.

Chris Eigelaar, managing director at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, said of the win: “This is an incredible honour and one that means so much to everyone at The Belfry.

“The award is a testament to the passion, dedication and care shown by our entire team every single day, and to the culture we've worked hard to build together.

"Over the past few years, we've invested in both our facilities, and our people and the experiences we create for every guest who walks through our doors.

“We’re grateful to the many guests who choose to return to us time and again, and whether someone is joining us for a family break, a championship golf experience, a spa retreat or a business event, our ambition is always the same – to create moments that stay with our guests long after they leave by bringing together exceptional hospitality, unforgettable experiences and a warm, personal service.”