Louise Potter, 52, who owns and runs the Old Hall Hotel in Buxton, Derbyshire, was selected from six finalists and presented with the award at a ceremony in Birmingham.
She was nominated by the chief executive of the Heart of England tourist board for transforming the disused hotel, which she bought 20 years ago, into a thriving business.
Mrs Potter said the award is down to sheer hard work.
Driven woman
"I work very, very hard, but I do love my work and the Old Hall and Buxton is a very special place.
"I am very honoured that I have had this recognition."
Her daughter Sally, who works in the dining room, says: "It is a wonderful achievement.
"She works so hard and has always been an inspiration to me."
One attraction of the hotel is the bedroom where Mary Queen of Scots stayed when she came to Buxton.
Mrs Potter said "I like things done well and I always want to be improving all the time... I am driven by my customers.
The money raised by the competition goes to the Winged Fellowship, a charity that provides holidays for people with physical disabilities.
Mrs Potter hopes her award and her hotel will help win back visitors to Buxton and help re-establish it as a spa resort.
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