Leading Tour Operator Presents Edinburgh Luxury Hotel With Prestigious Award

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND--(Marketwire - Feb 20, 2013) - Taking pains to exceed guest expectations, a four-star hotel near Edinburgh, has been chosen to receive the prestigious Award of Excellence from CIE Tours International by tour customers who recognize Dalmahoy, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club as an outstanding United Kingdom destination.

One of four UK hotels selected for this prestigious honour, Dalmahoy was recognized recently in an announcement by Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar during a reception held in the National Gallery of Ireland. Located just seven miles from Edinburgh's city centre, Dalmahoy provides guests with a resort setting that features luxury hotel rooms, a grand Baronial Manor and two golf courses inside 1,000 acres of stunning parklands.

CIE Tours International is Ireland's largest in-bound tour operator and utilizes the Award of Excellence to "pay tribute to the hard work of those working in the tourism sector," according to Brian Stack, managing director of the tour company which celebrated 80 years of operation during 2012. Noting that award winners are chosen by an independent evaluation of feedback surveys completed by over 22,000 customers who experienced over 400 suppliers around the UK and Ireland, Stack added, "We closely monitor all feedback to ensure our customers enjoy their visit and feel that we have provided value-for-money."

"It's a massive honour for the hotel to receive this award, particularly in light of the fact that it's voted for by guests themselves," said Craig Irving, director of sales and marketing at the Marriott's distinctive golf resort in Edinburgh, Scotland. "It's testament to the hard work which all of the staff here at the hotel put in to ensure we exceed our guests' expectations and make sure they leave the hotel having experienced excellent levels of customer service. To be one of only four UK hotels recognised with this award is certainly something which we're very proud of."

Recognition of this pristine destination comes as CIE Tours and other popular attractions welcome visitors to "The Gathering Ireland," a spectacular year-long celebration that will draw millions of Irish descendants from around the world to the area in celebration of all that it means to be Irish. Whether reuniting with relatives, tracing ancestry or simply creating a new kinship with the country, The Gathering Ireland lends plenty of opportunity for enjoying festive events and extraordinary vacationing opportunities in the process.

About Dalmahoy, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club 

Dalmahoy, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club is a remarkable Scottish retreat offering guests the comforts of lavish guest rooms, spacious suites, attentive services and opulent amenities so they can rest comfortably whether travelling for business or leisure. Recreational pleasures include two golf courses, a newly refurbished leisure complex that includes a sparkling indoor pool and well-equipped fitness centre with complimentary classes and special guest privileges. A relaxing offering of spa treatments are also available on-site at Beauty Essentials and the hotel features three restaurants including the AA Rosette recognized Pentland Restaurant.