Greek hotels have won top spot in two categories of the 2018 Historic Hotels of Europe Awards. The prestigious prizes honour properties that offer luxurious stays in a unique cultural and historical context.

Allegory Boutique Hotel in Rhodes Town took out the Historic Hotel ‘With a Story to Tell Award’, and Kyrimai in Gerolimenas (Mani), won the coveted Historic Hotel Gourmet Award.

Beating 400 hand-picked luxury retreats across the UK and Europe, Barbara Avdis, Chair of Historic Hotels of Europe, told Neos Kosmos: “The winners of these awards represent an inspiring group of hoteliers with exceptional historic properties and utmost dedication to authentic hospitality spanning Europe”.

Award-winners, as voted by guests, in the other six categories included hotels in Scandinavia, Italy, Portugal, and Germany. The winning properties were announced at the awards ceremony in Dublin.

Ms Avdis, who is also the president of Yades Historical Hotels of Greece, added: “I take great pride in the fact that two remarkable Greek properties won in what were very competitive categories. They represent the very best of the best – extraordinary hotels offering sublime cultural experiences along with six-star service.”

Allegory Boutique Hotel opened in 2015, fast becoming a favourite for visitors wanting a pampered experience in Rhodes. Known for its luxuriously elegant bedrooms and personalised service, Allegory owes its accolade as a hotel “with a story to tell” from its owner Anastasia Chiotaki-Mastromina, whose artistic vision underpins its philosophy.

The Gourmet prize for the Kyrimai Hotel in Mani gives more deserving recognition to its acclaimed young chef Stavriani Zervakakou. Zervakakou’s cuisine – traditional Maniot dishes with an adventurous modern twist – has become key to Kyrimai’s ever-growing popularity, with Greek and overseas visitors flocking to this far-flung Peloponnese retreat for a taste of her creations.