PRIVATELY owned Ynyshir Hall, Machynlleth, is the 2001 AA Hotel of the Year for Wales. Chief hotels inspector, David Young, said, "Rob and Joan Reen run Ynyshir Hall with flair, commitment and attention to detail. "Add to that the Reens' passion for ensuring the highest calibre of cuisine and you have the perfect formula." In a year fraught with difficulties for the tourism trade, and as the foot-and-mouth crisis continues to affect the leisure industry, hoteliers and restaurateurs attending the awards yesterday were all familiar with the hard work and dedication needed to run a successful business. Rob and Joan Reen have turned their artistic talents into making the country house in Eglwysfach, a warm, intimate and friendly hotel, complete with tastefully decorated rooms offering a tranquil retreat. Famous guests, including actors Richard Gere, Julia Ormond and newsreader Trevor McDonald, have all stayed here and praised the way the hotel is run, with its informal atmosphere and warm hospitality. In a presentation lunch at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, the husband and wife team were presented with the trophy by rugby legend Ray Gravel and the director of AA Publishing, John Howard. The top culinary award, Restaurant of the Year for Wales, went to Da Venditto in Cardiff. "A breath of fresh air for the capital" is how AA inspectors described it. The award recognises Da Venditto as offering "contemporary Italian cooking which hasn't previously been evident in Cardiff." This year a new award, Welsh Pub of the Year, honours the best in all-round hospitality, good, imaginative food and a high standard of management. It was given to The Bear at Crickhowell. It has been in the same family for 25 years. Current owners Stephen and Judith Hindmarsh are proud to have created a pub which is at the hub of the community, with a thriving good pub atmosphere, comfortable, antique-furnished bedrooms and superb hospitality. | 
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