We say a huge thank you to American Express and to our other sponsors namely Avis B 'n B Sure, Sealy and the IDC

On this website you will find information in the 2009 awards results about 277 establishments. Our main categories of hotels, lodges, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering and game lodges have semi finalists, finalists, highly commended establishments and winners who have achieved this status based on consumer feedback verified by a visit from a trained AA assessor. Within any one category there can only be one winner. hotels, lodges, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering chalets, cottages or resorts and game lodges which are just about on a par with the winner attain the status 'Highly Commended'.

Because a bed and breakfast with 3 rooms offers a totally different experience from a guest house which has a restaurant we have many categories. This way similar establishments are compared. As convenors it is interesting to observe how some categories become fashionable and then fade.

We also have our gold achievers who have been voted by the travel trade - these are the top 30 establishments in the land who cater mainly for corporate and overseas guests.

In the Hall of Fame are establishments who were winners in their categories 3 years in a row. After 2 years in the Hall of Fame they may stay there as long as they enter again and their scores are of a sufficiently high standard.

We are delighted to see so many traditional establishments in the programme. And this year our winners from the past are all in the Hall of Fame so we have 3 fresh winners in these categories.

Many hotels, lodges, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering and game lodges strive to improve themselves on many fronts. Those who are consistent achievers in the programme are acknowledged as steady stars. We also acknowledge greatly improved properties, great teams and individuals who go the extra mile.

Congratulations to all our achievers. Just to be a semi finalist is a huge achievement. With over 10 000 establishments in South Africa the collection on this website represents the top 2.5%.

Thank you to over 35 000 diligent travellers who sent us their feedback for this awards programme.

Thank you too to AA South Africa and to the superb team at AA Travel Guides who make it appear effortless (it certainly isn't!) to operate the programme and publish this website, now that they have been doing it for so many years.

We welcome your feedback. Please be consumer conscious and email us at feedback@accommodationawards.co.za or select the establishment you want and you can key in your feedback in such a way that we will put it live with the listing for that establishment.

We wish you happy travels in 2009 and 2010 and may the experience you have on arrival match your expectations.

Vanessa Sand and Vanessa Weltman
Convenors