The European Hotel Design Awards returns this month, again celebrating hotel design across Europe.

The impressive hotels shortlisted for this year's awards come from all over Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, England, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Sweden.

This year the 'black tie' awards ceremony, honouring the work of architects, designers and developers, will return to central London for its 13th edition at the Lancaster London. Award-winning TV presenter Clare Balding will play host for this year's ceremony.

One of the BBC's main sports presenters, Clare fronts all its live racing coverage, including the Grand National, Royal Ascot, the Derby and l’Arc de Triomphe, as well as much of the recent Commonwealth Games coverage.

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A regular presenter on Radio 4, she has fronted Saturday Live, Woman’s Hour, Pick of the Week, Broadcasting House, the walking series Ramblings and most recently Britain by Bike. Clare has been awarded for her excellent presentation skills as in 2009 she was praised for "perfect presentation" by the judges of the Broadcast Awards who named the Grand National 2008 as their sports programme of the year. Clare cites her favourite European hotel as being Les Barmes des L’ours in Val D’isere, for its style, amazing service and delicious food.

The Award categories include the best architecture of a hotel, both conversion and newbuild. Interior design categories for various spaces include guestrooms, bar, restaurant and lobby areas. Other awards celebrate innovation, sustainability and the two final awards recognise outstanding contribution to the industry and the European Hotel Design of the Year.

(GK/BMcC)