FOR the first time, AA assessors have handed out four stars to a hotel in Malvern.

The accolade has gone to the Malvern in Grovewood Road, Malvern Link, which is part of a health spa development.

Lynsey Kettlewell, general manager at the Malvern, said: “We are delighted to be recognised with the four AA star status. We are the first hotel in the area to receive four AA stars and it is thanks to our loyal and dedicated team, which is committed to giving our guests an unforgettable experience, that our four-star status has now been officially recognised.

“Our head chef Steve Rimmer was also awarded an AA rosette for culinary excellence. Steve uses the finest locally sourced and organic produce to create dishes bursting with flavour.”

The hotel has 32 Italian-styled, en suite bedrooms and guests can relax amid 200-year-old olive trees in the Italian-styled grand salon or in the post treatment relaxation suite.

The spa has a 35°C indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool filled with Malvern spring water.

The Malvern also has a state-of-the-art 50 station gym and a studio.