Awards & Recognition

We receive every award and honour with deep gratitude and humility. For us, these accolades are not the final goal, but a meaningful confirmation of our long-term dedication, personal commitment, and profound respect for a place rich with history and soul. Each one inspires us to continue on the chosen path. These honours belong not just to us, but to our entire team and our guests. They are a shared result of care, trust, and a lasting endeavour to create a place people love to return to.

The Mercury Medal: A Tribute to Miro Slezák and a 35-Year Labor of Love

There are moments that remind us with incredible force that every hour of hard work serves a profound purpose. These milestones prove that such dedication is never invisible and that the values we uphold resonate deeply with others. One such unforgettable moment was the presentation of the Mercury Medal to my husband, Miroslav Slezák, in April 2026. This prestigious honor was awarded by the Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic during its 38th General Assembly.

When Miro first stood before the ruins of Berštejn Castle 35 years ago, he possessed nothing more than a bold dream and a commitment to its stewardship. Today, this award stands as a symbol of resilience—that quiet, unyielding capacity to persevere and move forward, even when the path was steep. The entire restoration of the estate has been a true labor of love, conducted without a single subsidy and funded exclusively by our own resources and the fruits of our daily work. Because of this, we cherish every faithfully restored detail all the more.

Our Philosophy: A Home, Not a Hotel; Friends, Not Servants

Berštejn is our home and an independently owned private estate. If you are looking for gold-plated faucets, uniformed valets, or the impersonal service of anonymous five-star chains, you may be disappointed. Instead of glitter and show, you’ll find peace, authenticity – and us, just as we are.

Guests here are not greeted by a cold reception desk, but are personally hosted by us as the owners. As Miro often says: “Behind every step I take stands the support of my wife, Markéta.” To that, I add with great respect that without his vision, courage, physical toil, and iron will, Berštejn would not be telling its story today.

This recognition also belongs to our entire castle family. We are truly blessed with the team that walks this path with us. The fact that our head chef, Karel Sloup, has been creating this warm atmosphere with us for an incredible 32 years is just as significant a distinction to us as the medal itself.

It is proof that values matter. It is a confirmation that honest entrepreneurship, respect for heritage, and a genuine commitment to people have an irreplaceable place in today’s world.

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A snapshot from the ceremony in Prague (left): The President of the Senate, Miloš Vystrčil, and the Minister of Defence, Jaromír Zůna, presenting the award to Miroslav Slezák. The event was attended by government ministers and distinguished guests.

Photo on the left: Eva Primus Kovandová, Director of the Prague 1 Chamber of Commerce, with the award winner Miroslav Slezák and his wife Markéta Slezák. Photo on the right: Miroslav and Markéta Slezák with the commemorative scroll and the Mercury Medal.

Acknowledgements: Our journey would have been far more difficult without the friends, loyal clients, and partners who believe in us. We deeply appreciate the nomination from the Prague 1 Chamber of Commerce. Our special thanks go to Director Eva Primus Kovandová for her steadfast support.

Thank you to all our guests and friends for becoming part of the story of Berštejn Castle. This honor belongs to you as well.

Awards we also deeply cherish

Berštejn Castle Hotel & Golf Resort has been repeatedly nominated by expert juries for the prestigious Hotel of the Year – Czech Hotel Awards.

• In 2016, we earned the title “Hotel of the Year 2016” in the Congress category as a regional winner.

• In 2017, we successfully defended the title, receiving the “Hotel of the Year 2017” award.

In 2012, Miroslav Slezák was honoured for the reconstruction of Berštejn Castle without the use of subsidies and for his sensitive care of a cultural monument. This award came from the national competition “My Homeland in the Heart of Europe – Know It and Protect It”, announced by the Chamber of Monuments of the Czech Republic together with the Czech Council of Children and Youth (ČRDM) and other entities.

In 2010, our castle hotel was awarded the “Diamond Quality Hotel” title by the Liberec Region. This was our first significant confirmation that we were heading in the right direction, a prize designed to highlight exceptional places within the region.

Certifications & Professional Recognition

Member Since 2026

Since 2026, we have been proud members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic. We see this not only as prestigious recognition of our work but, more importantly, as a confirmation of the values on which our company and Berštejn Castle are built: professionalism, transparency, ethics, and responsibility towards people and our environment.

The Chamber of Commerce is a respected institution that promotes quality and sustainable business.

 

In the Spotlight

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