York Marriott opened in 2001, in a building with a rich history in the hospitality trade.

Built in 1876 as a home for the Close family, then renamed The Hollies, the house overlooking Knavesmire and York Racecourse was transformed into The Harkers Hotel in 1927 before being renamed the Chase Hotel in 1948, soon becoming a landmark and earning the title of the gateway to York.

York Marriott is carrying that tradition forward, offering a customer-focused welcome at one of the most well-known venues in the city.

The hotel is now hoping for success in the Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year and Best Sustainable Travel categories in The Press Business Awards.

Director of sales Colin Swanston said: “A great stay at the York Marriott starts before our guests even arrive at our hotel. We have an online system, Virtual Concierge, that generates an email five days before the guest’s arrival to check any last minute requests and once they are here with us, all our staff are empowered to deal with any issues to make the customer experience a positive one. Repeat business is marketed from the moment an initial event or stay concludes. Our Marriott Rewards scheme is one of the best in the hospitality industry.

‘‘It allows customers to earn and redeem points from their meetings, events and hotel stays that bring them individual benefits of their choice.

‘‘We realise that every area of investment, even if it is not directly customer-facing, can have an effect on consumer satisfaction and our business levels. We are planning nearly £500,000 on projects in 2013.

The hotel encourages its staff to join its cycle-to-work scheme and has teamed up with York Cycle Challenge to provide help and support.

The hotel has also been recognised as a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence winner. This prestigious award places York Marriott in the top-performing ten per cent of all businesses worldwide on the travel site and that is in addition to accolades from VisitEngland and Welcome to Yorkshire.