RACHEL PINDER Napier's County Hotel is celebrating after becoming the first hotel outside of Auckland and Wellington to be awarded five-star status by Qualmark. The County is one of just 12 hotels in New Zealand to be classified as five-star with Qualmark - an independent quality assurance agency for the tourism industry. CountyHotel owner Chris Barons said the five-star rating had been an ambitious aim for the hotel that has taken five years to come to fruition. "The refurbishment of the hotel included adding eight new suites, upgrading the existing 10 rooms, the restaurant and bar. "It is a long and expensive process to gain a Qualmark but well worth the investment. "Our guests have known for some time that we are a five-star experience but it is now official. "We would like to thank everyone who has supported The County Hotel, Chambers Restaurant and Churchill's Bar over the past five years," Mr Barons said. Hawke's Bay Inc chief executive Tom Hamilton said having a five-star hotel in the region was a huge coup. "It is fantastic news that we now have a five-star hotel in Hawke's Bay. Congratulations to The County Hotel. "It is becoming increasingly important for tourism operators working in the international market to receive a Qualmark," Mr Hamilton said.
