Luxury self-catering Cotswold cottages with personal hotel concierge service

UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 18, 2019 / STARTUP COTSWOLD HOLIDAY COMPANY SCOOPS TOP AWARD

Cotswold Cottage Gems wins national award recognising the UK’s best independent hosts and hoteliers

At just 18 months old, Cotswold Cottage Gems, run by Gemma Elizabeth Conway, has scooped the Multi-Property Wizard Award at the prestigious eviivo Awards, Britain’s premier hospitality awards which recognise and reward the best independent hosts and hoteliers across the UK.

Cotswold Cottage Gems began with just one cottage in May last year, but now owns six luxurious cottages located across the Cotswolds, plus The Lansdowne, a 14-bedroom boutique guesthouse which serves breakfast, in Bourton-on-the-Water.

It was the company’s beautiful cottages and rooms with a personalised, hotel level of service that really impressed the judges: “This multi-property wizard manages to bring a personal touch to its luxurious accommodation – even having little surprises waiting for guests, such as fresh flowers, biscuits and Easter Egg hunts at Easter. The reviews for this business rave about the incredibly high standard of accommodation and are peppered with praise for the friendly hosts.”

The luxury holiday company has enjoyed a hugely successful summer with occupancy rates exceeding ninety per cent across all locations and has achieved numerous 10/10 customer reviews on listing sites.

Gemma Elizabeth was thrilled to accept the award, commenting that it was the bespoke concierge service that really set them apart from the competition.

“We’re thrilled to win the award which is a testament to all the hard work of our super team of local suppliers and colleagues.

“Our bespoke concierge service is there for guests ensuring they have a fabulous stay in the Cotswolds and has included arranging personal chefs to cook meals at the cottages; make local bookings; and I have even been known to drive guests to local pubs and collect them at the end of the evening. Perhaps the oddest request was for me to look after a guest’s dog at my home for the duration of her stay, and ensure it only drank bottled water. All part of the service!”

Gemma Elizabeth oversaw the development of the properties using local Cotswold trades, and created their distinctive look of which she says “think of a luxury home from home and that’s us. And if you think of something else, just ask.”

“It has taken a huge amount of effort to get to where we are in such a short space of time, but I believe it’s the personal touches that make all the difference. I’m often to be found tweaking the cottages just moments before guests arrive, adding fresh flowers, fruit and ensuring that any special requests they’ve made have been met to ensure the best possible experience.

“It’s hard work and long hours but it’s all been worthwhile and really shows what a group of individuals who are passionate about hospitality can achieve in just over a year’s trading.”

The eviivo awards are now in their sixth year and highlight the very best of Britain’s world-class and world-famous independent accommodation – from bed and breakfasts and guest houses to vacation rentals and inns.

Note to journalists

Cotswold Cottage Gems has two cottages and The Lansdowne guesthouse in Bourton-on-the-Water; plus cottages at Cold Aston, Lechlade-on-Thames, Stow on the Wold; and Moreton in Marsh.

Gemma Elizabeth Conway is available for interview to discuss setting up a successful company; how to make a success of leisure property rental, and Cotswold tourism.