Melia Hotels International : Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques Hotel in Madrid, named one of the Best Hotels in Europe at the International Hotel Awards

Three hotels operated by Meliá Hotels International have been recognized as the most outstanding hotels of the year at the 2017-2018 International Hotel Awards, designed to acknowledge excellence among hotel companies and professionals. The Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques was named 'Best Classic/Heritage Hotel in Europe', Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina 'Best Large Hotel in Italy', and ME Milan Il Duca 'Best City Hotel in Italy'.

The three hotels received their awards at a major event held yesterday in London, which has become a key date in the calendar for the European luxury hospitality industry. The jury of the International Hotel Awards consists of a panel of more than 30 hotel experts who employ a long and comprehensive evaluation process to select the leading establishments in each category.

Other luxury hotels operated by the company such as the ME London and ME Ibiza Hotels have won awards in previous editions, being named Best City Hotel in the UK and Best Resort in Europe, respectively. For the Executive Vice President and CEO of the Group, Gabriel Escarrer, 'these important awards confirm that our effort to expanding and positioning our brands in the highest standards of international luxury, is admired and recognized, and that our products compete among the best in the world, without losing our Spanish essence and our values '.

Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques, Best Classic/Heritage Hotel in Europe:

The Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques is located in the heart of Madrid's artistic and historical centre, next to the Palacio de Oriente and the Teatro Real. It was built within what was once the convent of Santo Domingo and the palace of the Dukes of Granada of Ega and Villahermosa, art lovers and passionate collectors of works by Velázquez. That is why the decoration of the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques is based around the legacy of Velázquez, making art one of its most prominent features.

In its first year, the hotel has become one the best three luxury hotels in Madrid according to TripAdvisor. The Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques combines modern flair with original 19th-century details.

Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina, Best Large Hotel in Italy:

Gran Meliá Rome is an urban resort on the banks of the River Tiber and only a 5-minute walk from the Vatican and Castello de Sant Angelo, the unique qualities of which have made it a destination in itself. In addition to the historical heritage of the building, the Villa Agrippina, and its location, the hotel offers 12,000 square metres of impressive gardens and a swimming pool, a My Blend Spa by Clarins, exceptional dining facilities run by the celebrity chef Alfonso Iaccarino, and meeting rooms overlooking the dome of St. Peter.

Each room and suite at the Gran Meliá Rome provides a great range of facilities and exclusive services. Guests can also enjoy the RedGlove or RedLevel service with even more personalized service in the classical and luxurious surroundings of a genuine urban oasis.

ME Milan il Duca, Best City Hotel in Italy:

Alongside the fashion and nightlife attractions of Porta Garibaldi, the ME Milan Il Duca is an avant-garde hotel that represents the hospitable lifestyle in Milan. It is located opposite the Piazza de la Repubblica in a building designed by the famous architect Aldo Rossi that houses 132 rooms, including 34 contemporary designer suites.

The hotel bar and restaurants are open to visitors who understand gastronomy as an experience. Highlights include the Radio Rooftop Milan bar with views over the city skyline, as well as STK Milan, a steakhouse that also offers a bar and DJ sessions. The hotel also provides two modern meeting rooms.

Along with excellent services and a privileged location, ME by Meliá hotels also bring personalized service and a higher-level lifestyle experience for guests, opening up to the city to become genuine epicentres of social life. Since its inauguration, ME Milan il Duca has gradually become one of the coolest icons in the city of Milan.