Enjoy an award-winning holiday in Hungary

Be it films, music or holidays, awards offer a glowing recommendation for the winner, allowing the cinema-goer or holidaymaker to sort the wheat from the chaff.

Earlier this year, the national tourist board in Hungary launched the country's own awards ceremony for tourism, and the spring-time announcement of the winners means holidaymakers planning a trip in Hungary can now take advantage of some award-winning services.

The Hungarian Tourism Quality awards dished out plaudits to a number of Hungarian hotels and restaurants, for their high levels of service and value for money.

The Flamenco Congress Park Hotel was among the victors, receiving special attention for its well-equipped wellness suite.

During a visit to the Flamenco in Budapest, holidaymakers can treat themselves to massages, the gym, a solarium, a break in the beauty salon or a dip in the pool.

The Flamenco also received recognition for its gentle, leafy surroundings, which provided a welcome, yet nearby, break away from the bustling city centre.

Elsewhere in Budapest, the hungry can enjoy traditional, award-winning Hungarian cuisine at Gundel.

Being handed a top restaurant award by Hungary's tourist board was no new experience for Gundel, which has in the past been listed in the top ten restaurants in the world.

With guinea-fowl sweet-dishes, veal dishes and much sought-after Hungarian goose liver, it is a meat-eater's paradise. And with the average meal costing between €20 and €30, it represents very good value for money as well.

However, you do not need to go to Hungary's capital to enjoy an award-winning holiday.

In Tapolca, perhaps take a break in the Hotel Pelion, which is ideally situated next to the town's famous caves. As well as making for a spectacular sight, the caves are also said to cure ailments, such as respiratory diseases, making it great for a wellness break.

Other winners at the awards included the restaurants La Mareda in Gyor and Aranykacsa in Pecs, as well as the hotels Gróf Apponyi Mansion in Hogyesz and Hotel Taverna in Budapest.

For more information on the Flamenco Congress Park Hotel, visit www.danubiushotels.com

For more information on Gundel, visit www.gundel.hu

To read about the Hotel Pelion, visit www.hunguesthotels.hu

See www.taverna.hu for information about Hotel Taverna. XXX