El Farallon at The resort at Pedregal in cabo San Lucas , mexico , serves a private dinner with the Sea of cortez providing an impressive backdrop .
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Whatever their menus or settings , this year ’ s Great Hotel Restaurants must stand out while complementing the broader hotel environment .
by Ann BAgEL STOrck , mAnAging EdiTOr
When it comes to defining HOTELS ’ 2015 Great Hotel Restaurants , what stands out most is a lack of definition .
This year ’ s honorees share the expected commonalities such as menus featuring the highest-quality ingredients , striking design details and service that goes beyond expectations . Yet in terms of specifics , the latest crop of outstanding F & B destinations serve everything from simply grilled local seafood to authentic Thai cuisine to incomparable sushi . Their spaces range from buildings filled with history to rooms that highlight the great outdoors , and while some exude a formal vibe , others take pride in their relaxed ambiance .
Whatever the details , it is important to note that all this year ’ s winners have accomplished an impressive feat . “ In a hugely competitive environment , with loads of excellent independent restaurants , it is not easy to do a successful hotel restaurant ,” notes MPS Puri , chief executive of Nira Hotels & Resorts and one of this year ’ s judges .
“ First and foremost , a great hotel restaurant has to be a great restaurant in and of itself ,” adds New York Citybased consultant Arlene Spiegel , who also judged this year ’ s entries .
That emphasis on standalone greatness is not new , but Geneva-based consultant and judge Stephane Bellon expands on the point and identifies a future goal for hotel F & B . “ We have kept escaping the fact we were in hotels to create great restaurants ,” Bellon says . “ Now , I believe we will create great restaurants proud to be in a hotel . The greatest hotel restaurant doesn ’ t deny being in a hotel , but there is a subtle , balanced ballet between the two .”
HOTELS and Villeroy & Boch are proud to continue the tradition of honoring these Great Hotel Restaurants .
22 HOTELS September 2015 www . hotelsmag . com