Best Hotel Design of the Year

Montcalm Mayfair has been named a finalist for the prestigious Best Hotel Design of the Year award, recognising its extraordinary transformation into a refined sanctuary of contemporary luxury. The hotel exemplifies a seamless balance of heritage and innovation, bringing a sensitive, narrative-led design approach to the heart of Mayfair. 

The hotel’s interiors celebrate British craftsmanship and sustainability with design that features hand-crafted furniture, bespoke floral chandeliers, and a coffered ceiling mural that echoes the surrounding natural beauty. Original Georgian architectural elements are preserved and reimagined, grounding the space in history while enhancing the guest experience.  

Every detail, from the ethically sourced textiles and locally made furnishings to the intelligent lighting and preserved plant installations, contributes to a serene, emotionally resonant atmosphere. The hotel’s open-plan layout effortlessly transitions from day to night, creating an immersive guest experience that feels personal and timeless. 

Montcalm Mayfair is more than a beautifully designed hotel; it is a soulful expression of place, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury. Its selection as a finalist underscores its position as a new design icon in UK hospitality. 

 

voco The Clifton Folkestone hotel is a charming seaside retreat that beautifully marries modern design with classic coastal aesthetics. Located along the picturesque Folkestone coastline, the hotel is an inviting blend of comfort, style, and sustainability. 

The design concept emphasizes a fresh, contemporary look while honouring the building’s heritage, yet seamlessly adding an eclectic mix of contemporary furniture combined with statement refurbished antique pieces repurposed for modern day living. 

The interiors feature a vibrant colour palette inspired by the surrounding beach landscape, incorporating soft blues, sandy beiges, and crisp whites. Layered textures, fabrics, flooring, finishes and wall coverings that add interest, colour, and ambiance to the hotel’s interior. 

Guest rooms are thoughtfully designed to provide a serene escape, equipped with plush bedding made 100% recycled material, along with modern amenities, ensuring a restful stay.  

Common areas include stylish lounges and dining spaces, where guests can enjoy locally sourced cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, embellished with original pieces of art commissioned from Folkestone artists adding a feeling of community,   

The overall experience is one of warmth and hospitality, inviting guests to unwind and connect with the beauty of the Kentish coast, while enjoying the modern comforts of a contemporary hotel.

 

Rewriting the rulebook for breaks by the sea in the UK, SeaSpace is the first coastal lifestyle aparthotel in Cornwall – offering guests all the benefits, service and standards of a quality hotel with all the freedom and flexibility of self-catering. 

Putting freedom front and centre for a new way to stay and play, SeaSpace blends design and comfort with an independent edge. Through its inviting aesthetic and colourful character, this is a space where individual choice meets shared spirit, and community counts; partners, collaborators, guests and locals are all welcomed in, cared for and championed at every opportunity. 

A collaboration between Kay Elliott Architects and Dynargh Design, which has seen a reimagination of the former Sands site on Newquay’s east cliffs, SeaSpace is now hosts families, friends, couples, solo travellers, surfers, digital nomads, work colleagues and more. Individuals and groups seeking a space of their own and sharing an appetite for coastal living, will find their place here. Design-led studios and apartments. Curated food & drink from locally loved brands. Activities and experiences from trusted partners. Gardens, pools, pop-ups, outdoor cinema sessions, impromptu happenings, dawn swims, sunset cocktails on the terrace – it’s about making every moment count. 

 

Located in the heart of the city, room2 Belfast offers a modern, chic, and sustainable hometel experience, combining the best elements of home and a hotel. 100% electric and powered by low-carbon renewable energy sources, room2 strives to reset industry standards and showcase how sustainable hospitality can blend seamlessly with guest experience. The hotel's design concept channels these key principles, including playful expression and local design, to capture Belfast's vibrant pulse and rich history. The interiors are inspired by places, people and Irish culture, and through in-room features and its own art gallery, the hometel ensures that the gifted artists and skilled craftspeople of Belfast are placed at the centre stage of the design process.  

On top of this, seamlessly integrated features set it apart as a pioneer in eco-conscious design, including a stunning welcome desk made with waste from room2 Chiswick, carpets from recycled fishing nets, and top-of-the-line lab rooms equipped with sensors providing real-time data on various environmental factors, such as water usage, air quality and occupancy. Through these features, room2 Belfast stands out for its connection with the environment and with local culture, creating a hometel experience that is both sustainable and authentically Belfast.  

 

Launched in August 2024, The Woodland Suite Experience at The Montenotte is Ireland’s most luxurious outdoor accommodation, blending timeless design with nature. The independently owned property features nine new Woodland Suites and River Suites, along with an exclusive residents-only Clubhouse, a first of their kind in Ireland, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality. The suites have also received a 5-star Classifi cation from Fáilte Ireland.

Each suite is elegantly placed on the hilltop amongst the trees, offering stunning views of the River Lee, Cork City and surrounding woodlands. Curated in collaboration with Róisín Lafferty and Henry J Lyons Architects, the suites refl ect understated elegance and tranquillity, effortlessly integrating into the surrounding woodland. Interior details include Italian travertine, oak timber fl oors, sculptural travertine sinks, freestanding view-focused baths, bespoke furnishings and a sculptural bronzed burnt-red Japanese maple.

Design is grounded in simplicity and nature, with earthy tones, sustainable materials, and near-zero energy building standards. Sedum living roofs on the River Suites and The Clubhouse support biodiversity, while baked timber façades draw on Japanese preservation techniques. The Clubhouse features smoked oak tones, concrete floors, red travertine, and floor-to-ceiling windows and curved red travertine bar with flexible seating