Recognised for its luxurious style and charm, Akademie Street Boutique Hotel, situated in the heart of Franschhoek has been announced as the World’s Best Boutique Hotel, 2017. The announcement took place at the World Boutique Hotel Association’s annual awards ceremony in Merchant Taylors’ Hall, London. The event brought together an array of niche hotel owners, travel and lifestyle press, as well as travel industry influencers from all four corners of the world.

Hotel owner, Paul Kinney, received the top award of the night from this year’s keynote speaker, Wladimir Klitschko, two-time world champion boxer and newly turned boutique hotelier. Paul acknowledged being humbled by the recognition of their business, “I’m honoured to accept this award amongst a family of hotel owners who are committed to providing an extraordinary experience for their guests. ​On​ ​behalf​ ​of​ ​all​ ​our​ ​team​ ​in​ ​South​ ​Africa, we’re grateful to be here and​ ​​are inspired​ ​to​ ​be​ ​as different​ ​and​ ​unique,​ ​as you​ ​all​ ​are.”

Akademie Street was selected from over 600 nominees in over 80 countries. With South Africa’s top restaurants on its doorsteps, Akademie Street has eight themed suites, five private buildings and four heated pools. Judges praised the hotel’s characterful buildings, stunning Orangerie, and carefully curated furniture and collectibles from world famous designers. The judges commended the hotel’s dedication to detail in every aspect; from the sumptuous breakfast made using ingredients sourced from local food artisans to the evening piano recitals, during cocktail and wine hour. Above all, the Awards look for hotels whose staff deliver emotional warmth to guests without​ ​compromising​ ​a​ ​world-class​ ​level​ ​of​ ​service.​ ​Akademie​ ​Street​ ​Boutique​ ​Hotel​ ​perfected​ ​this​ ​balance.

The World Boutique Hotel Awards is the​ ​first​, and​ ​only​ ​international​ ​awards​ ​organisation​ ​exclusively dedicated​ ​to​ ​recognising​ ​unique​ ​excellence​ ​among​ ​boutique​ ​hotels. The awards ceremony, now in its seventh year prides itself on recognising trailblazing hotels that give a unique personal touch. What makes these evaluations unique is that each property is visited by an expert judge, ensuring nominations are based on first-hand experience of dining and entertainment, design, facilities, location, service and overall emotional impact.

For more information on Akademie Street Boutique Hotel visit their website at www.aka.co.za.