A LUXURY award-winning hotel and spa in North Yorkshire has been named one of the top hotels in the British Isles.

The AA has awarded the The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa, in Helmsley, with a rare four red star rating for its accommodation, classing it as one of the most outstanding examples of four-star hotels in the country.

The Feversham Arms has recently won a series of awards following a £5.5 million investment to transform the hotel from a 17-bedroom three-star coaching inn to a 33-room hotel, with a newly developed spa, reception area, new library and private dining room.

Roddy Whiteford, the director at the Feversham Arms, said: “We are delighted that the hotel has been honoured after the hard work and development that has taken place over the last few years.

“We consistently strive to maintain the highest standards of service and this rating is proof that the training and investment was truly worthwhile.”

The hotel said it was especially popular as it was dog friendly and is set in beautiful countryside. It also has a cocktail bar and a heated outdoor swimming pool for use all year.

Among other accolades, its restaurant has also been awarded 3AA rosettes, which is only presented to ten per cent of the establishments in the AA Restaurant Guide.

Mr Whiteford was thrilled with the recognition. He said: “Going from two rosettes to three is a massive achievement and one which we feel is thoroughly deserved. Our restaurant is an integral part of the hotel and these accolades are testament to our brilliant staff and their hard work.”

The Feversham Arms has previously been awarded the award for Independent Hotel Of The Year at the 2011 Catey awards, described as the hospitality industry Oscars, the award for the best luxury resort spa in the UK at this year’s World Luxury Spa Awards and the AA Hotel Of The Year for 2009 to 2010.