Galgorm Resort in Co Antrim has become the latest Northern Ireland hotel to be awarded five-stars by the AA.

The upgraded rating was confirmed in London on Monday night, where the Galgorm Collection also took home the AA Hotel of the Year in Northern Ireland for The Old Inn Crawfordsburn.

Around 1,000 industry leaders attended the AA Hospitality Awards at JW Marriott Grosvenor House.

Gillies restaurant at Galgorm was also presented with an AA Rosette on Monday night.

Galgorm Resort now joins four other Northern Ireland hotels rated five-star by the AA: The Lough Erne Resort in Co Fermanagh; The Merchant Hotel; Fitzwilliam Hotel and Grand Central Hotel, all in Belfast.

Galgorm Collection’s chief executive, Colin Johnston, said the awards reflect the extensive investment across its portfolio over the past 18 months, where more than £5 million has been invested at its flagship resort in Ballymena.

“Our ongoing investment in product quality, guest experience, employee wellbeing, and sustainability continues to deliver tangible results,” he said.

“Our mission is to provide more than a stay – offering guests exceptional hospitality while minimising environmental impact. These recognitions motivate us to continue raising standards.”

Tourism NI also operates a voluntary quality grading scheme in the north, which alongside hotels, recognises a number of bed & breakfasts, self-catering and guest accommodation properties with five star status.

The publicly funded tourist body currently includes The Fitzwilliam Hotel; The Merchant Hotel; Lough Erne Resort; The Culloden Estate & Spa; and Dunluce Lodge on its five star hotel list.

Both The Galgorm and The Grand Central Hotel are currently rated four star by Tourism NI.