Pictured: 2023 Independent Hotel of the Year Winner - The Headland, Cornwall!

The Independent Hotel Show, taking place on 15-16 October at Olympia London, has unveiled the shortlist for the 12th annual Independent Hotel Show Awards, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts.   

Launched to celebrate excellence in the world of boutique and independent hotels, the awards recognise prominent hotel and promising hoteliers in three categories: Independent Hotel of the Year, Hotel Rising Star and Best Hotel Design of the Year.  

Both Hotel Rising Star and Best Hotel Design of the Year are new awards for this year’s event, introduced to reflect the show’s passion for celebrating innovative hotel design and for nurturing the talent of tomorrow.  

Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA and awards judge, comments: "What an honour it was to sit in a room of industry experts discussing the nominations for Rising Stars, Independent Hotel of the Year and Best Hotel Design of the Year. The standard was as high as ever making it as tricky as ever to choose the very best. Anyone on the shortlist can be very proud of themselves as some truly excellent entries didn’t make the shortlist." 

 The shortlist for the Independent Hotel of the Year category is:

• Galgorm 
• Gilpin Hotel & Lake House 
• Grove of Narberth 
• Homewood 
• LEVEN Manchester 
• Seaham Hall 
• South Place Hotel 
• The Grove 
• The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa 
• Tottington Manor 

Veryan Palmer, Family Director at The Headland, winner of the 2023 award and judge for 2024, comments: “It was a fantastic experience to be part of the judging panel for three prestigious awards presented by the Independent Hotel Show. To see the level of examination and critique that each and every entry undergoes truly means the very best are shortlisted for the final glittering awards.” 

The shortlist for the Best Hotel Design of the Year award is: 

• Hayon Studio – art’otel London Battersea Power Station  
• Isabella Worsley – Wildhive Callow Hall  
• Marie Smyckova – The Leinster  
• The Office of Thierry Despont – The Beaumont  
• Woodhouse and Law – The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa 

Awards judge Su Pecha, Founder, ESP Business Development, commented on the introduction of the hotel design category, saying: “Design is more significant to the fortunes of independent hotels than ever before. Guests expect an experience differentiated by a narrative that speaks of the location, both its history and contemporary culture, as well as of the values of the particular hotel.  

“Design influences the decision to book a stay and then to return. It is also a vital part of the toolbox for owners and developers in adding value to the asset and needs to be understood as a lot more than mere styling. Good design recognises the operational realities of each property and supports staff in delivering the best possible service.” 

The shortlist for the Hotel Rising Star award is: 

• Helen Bishop, Group Head of Sustainability & Engagement, Watergate Bay Hotel 
• Ineska Dabrowski, Creative and Cultural Engineer, Hart Shoreditch 
• Jasmine Peen, Assistant Hotel Manager, LEVEN Manchester 
• Katie Tilson, Food & Beverage Supervisor, Buxton Crescent Hotel 
• Nikola Mazurek, Event Sales Executive, South Place Hotel 

Robert Richardson, awards judge and CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, comments: "It was absolutely joyous to join my fellow judges for the Independent Hotel Show Awards and see what incredible work is being undertaken across the UK by our talented hospitality family. Every entry was of a high calibre, and it was incredibly difficult to select the shortlist, but incredibly inspiring to go through the process." 

The winners of the Independent Hotel Show Awards are determined by a combination of judges' decision and a public industry vote. To cast a vote for your favourite shortlisted brands and individuals, visit independenthotelshow.co.uk/awards. 

To find out more about everything happening at the Independent Hotel Show 2024, taking place at Olympia London on 15-16 October, visit independenthotelshow.co.uk.