THE Mercure George Washington Hotel’s housekeeping team has been named the winner in a regional industry awards ceremony.
Sandra Hay and her team picked up the Cleanliness Excellence award in the 2026 North East Hotel Association (NEHA) awards.
The hotel beat off entries from across Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and Teesside to claim one of just 11 awards at the event.
Designed to celebrate and recognise stars from across the North East hospitality industry, the awards are presented annually by NEHA, one of the largest hotel associations in the UK.
Founded more than 30 years ago, it comprises around 50 leading hotels from across the region and works to raise the profile of the North East’s hospitality industry, along with showcasing what the region has to offer.
The annual Excellence Awards have become one of the highlights on the Association’s calendar, with winners chosen by a private panel of industry experts and hospitality leaders.
Anna Wadcock, co-chair of NEHA said: “Every year the NEHA awards seems to get bigger and better and 2026 has exceeded all expectations,” said Anna Wadcock Co-chair of the North East Hotel Association.
“The entries this year were exceptional and our panel of judges had a very hard task selecting winners from an incredible mix of hotels and the people which make them shine.
“We are delighted to be able to recognise the stars of this industry and it’s fantastic to see our members all come together to celebrate the wonderful work within this sector and give those who excel and go above and beyond, the credit and praise they so deserve.”
