Piešťany, September 25, 2024 – The Historic Hotels of Slovakia Association (HHS) is celebrating its significant 15th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the 38th General Assembly of its members was held at Zuckmann Villa Piešťany, which included a review of HHS activities over the past period, a proposal for marketing activities for the October 2024 – September 2025 period, and the election of the president, vice president, and general secretary. Mr. Jan Svoboda, who is also the president of Heritage Hotels of Europe, will lead the Historic Hotels of Slovakia Association for the fifth time. He retained the trust of the members, as did vice president Peter Janíček (Château Gbeľany) and general secretary Ing. Michal Čuridlo.
Since its founding in 2009 by seven founding members, the association has grown to 20 unique historic hotels across Slovakia. Together, they have become an integral part of the prestigious Heritage Hotels of Europe organization. “We are very proud that over the past 15 years, we have managed to establish ourselves not only on the domestic but also on the international stage. Our hotels represent Slovakia’s unique cultural and historical heritage and are synonymous with high quality and exceptional experiences,” says Jan Svoboda, president of the Historic Hotels of Slovakia.
In recent years, hotels affiliated with the association have won several prestigious awards in the Heritage Hotels of Europe Awards competition. In 2023, awards were won in the categories of “Heritage & Culture” for Palace Art Hotel in Pezinok, “Heritage & Wellness” for Grandhotel Praha in Tatranská Lomnica, which won the award for the fourth time in a row, and “Heritage & Romance” for Château Bela in Belá. Additionally, Château Gbeľany won the award for “Heritage & Hospitality” and second place in the “Heritage & Design” category. In 2022, Hotel Elizabeth in Trenčín won the award for “Heritage & Design,” and Boutique Hotel Hviezdoslav in Kežmarok took second place in the “Heritage & Culture” category. Château Bela and Castle Hotel Galicia Nueva in Halič won first and second place in the “Heritage & Romance” category.
Over its 15-year existence, the association has successfully established itself as a recognized institution that supports and promotes Slovak tourism at the European level. The founding of the association in 2009 in Piešťany was a crucial step toward unifying and supporting these unique hotels. It is no surprise, then, that the 15th-anniversary gathering is being held in Piešťany, where the entire history of HHS began.
“It is a great honor for us to return to the place where it all started and celebrate our achievements as well as the challenges that lie ahead,” adds Jan Svoboda.
About the Historic Hotels of Slovakia Association
The Historic Hotels of Slovakia Association brings together hotels of historical and cultural significance that guarantee authentic experiences and superior services. Each member of the association prides itself on its unique history, architecture, and unmistakable atmosphere, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past while providing all modern conveniences.
For more information about the Historic Hotels of Slovakia Association and its members, visit historichotelsofslovakia.com.