9:00pm Monday 15th October 2007
By Phil Hill
TAUNTON'S Castle Hotel has been upgraded from a three to a four star rating with a silver award in the Quality in Tourism rankings, compiled as part of the VisitBritain initiative.
The silver award it signifies that The Castle consistently achieves standards in areas such as service and cleanliness that are above the standard four-star rating.
The award follows The Castle's retention of its Michelin star for this year and its restaurant's listing among the country's top 30 in the 2008 Good Food Guide.
Director and general manager Kevin McCarthy said management and staff were delighted with the enhanced rating.
He said: "To even be in the running for five stars, which is the ultimate, we would have to have facilities such as a swimming pool or a spa, which we haven't got.
"So, it's very gratifying that we are seen as being at the very top of our particular category.
"This all speaks very highly of the dedication and above all the consistency shown by our staff, whichever area of the business they are employed in.
"It will be as gratifying for them as for us to know that their efforts have been recognised with such a prestigious listing."
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