This year’s awards introduce a significant new development, with the flagship Independent Hotel of the Year award now split into two categories: Over 50 Rooms and Under 50 Rooms.
The new format reflects the breadth of the independent hotel market, ensuring hotels are recognised alongside peers of a similar scale while continuing to celebrate excellence across the industry.
The winners will be announced at the Independent Hotel Show Awards during Independent Hotel Show 2026, taking place at Olympia on 5–6 October 2026.
David Todd, Event Director of the Independent Hotel Show, commented: “The Independent Hotel Show Awards celebrate the businesses and individuals setting new standards for independent hospitality.
“Introducing separate categories for hotels over and under 50 rooms allows us to better reflect the diversity of today’s independent hotel sector and recognise excellence at every scale. Congratulations to all of this year’s shortlisted finalists, whose innovation, dedication and passion continue to inspire the industry.”
Independent Hotel of the Year – Over 50 Rooms
Another Place
The Lake Horwood House
The Grand, York
The Newman
The Tempus
Independent Hotel of the Year – Under 50 Rooms
Calcot & Spa
Cromlix
Foxhill Manor
The Cavendish at Baslow
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Hotel Rising Star
Isaac Arikawe, Welcome Host, Grantley Hall
Nicole Johnson, Head of Marketing, The Newman
Sandia Scott, Head of People and Culture, The Newman
Sophie Morgan, Wedding and Events Coordinator, Morgans Hotel
Hotel Design of the Year
Calcot Manor & Spa, Blue Forest
Cromlix, Suzanne Garuda, Garuda Interior Design
Miiro Templeton Garden Hotel, Holland Harvey, Thurstan and garden designer Rupert Muldoon
Penmaenuchaf, Nicola Harding & Co
The Old Bell Hotel, Charlotte Smiley and Kim Hanks
The Independent Hotel Show Awards celebrate the exceptional people, hotels and design projects that continue to raise standards across the independent hospitality sector. Judged by a panel of leading industry experts, the awards recognise innovation, outstanding guest experiences and the individuals making a lasting impact on the UK’s hotel industry.
“Independent hotels continue to set the benchmark for creativity, authenticity and exceptional guest experiences, and this year’s shortlist is a testament to the talent driving the sector forward,” said Brenda Collin FIH, Executive Vice President, Europe, Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “We are proud to support the Independent Hotel Show Awards and congratulate all finalists on this well-deserved recognition.”
Simon Numphud FIH, Managing Director of AA Media and awards judge, commented: “The standard of this year’s entries has been exceptional, making the judging process both inspiring and incredibly competitive.
“Across every category, we’ve seen independent hospitality at its very best, hotels and individuals demonstrating innovation, authenticity, outstanding guest experiences and a genuine commitment to their people, communities and sustainability. Congratulations to every shortlisted finalist; this recognition reflects not only excellence today, but the continued strength and future of our industry.”
Robert Richardson FIH Hon DLitt who is a 2026 Awards Judge added “I’m absolutely delighted to be returning as an Awards Judge this year. As a former hotelier, I know just how much hard work and dedication goes into creating outstanding hospitality experiences… It’s fantastic to see such amazing work being done across the hospitality profession as a whole. A huge congratulations to the shortlisted finalists. I’m very much looking forward to hearing thestories behind this year’s entries.”
This year’s judging panel comprised:
Brenda Collin FIH, Executive Vice President of Europe, Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Dean Culpan, General Manager, Templeton Garden
Petra Clayton, CEO, CUSTARD
Sarah Duncan, ESG Consultant and author of The Sustainable Business Book and The Ethical Business Book
Jade Evans, Editor, The Hotel Magazine
Eloise Hanson AIH, Editor, Boutique Hotel News
Sophie Harper, Editor, Hotel Designs
Peter Hancock FIH, Conference & Awards Host
Kalindi Juneja FIH, CEO, PoB Hotels
Nick Maddox, Head of Risk,
James Hallam, Hospitality & Leisure
Zoe Monk, Managing Editor, Boutique Hotelier
Simon Numphud FIH, Managing Director, AA Media
Jane Pendlebury FIH, CEO, HOSPA
Robert Richardson FIH Hon DLitt, CEO, Institute of Hospitality
The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, is the UK’s only business event dedicated exclusively to the needs of luxury, boutique and independently owned hotels. Bringing together hotel owners, general managers, designers and senior decision-makers, the show provides an unrivalled opportunity to discover innovative suppliers, gain expert insight and build valuable industry connections.
Independent Hotel Show 2026 takes place on 5-6 October at Olympia London. Register to attend or find out more here.
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