Image: 2024 Independent Hotel of the Year winners Grove of Narberth

Entries are now open for the Independent Hotel Show Awards 2025, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, celebrating innovation, excellence, and rising talent across the UK’s independent hospitality sector. 

This year’s award ceremony will take place on the first day of the Independent Hotel Show, 6 October 2025, at Olympia in London, and will spotlight hotels, individuals and teams that go above and beyond to deliver outstanding guest experiences and contribute meaningfully to the industry. 

Now in their 13th year, the awards feature three dynamic categories recognising the future stars of the sector, outstanding hotel design, and excellence in independent hotelkeeping. 

Independent Hotel Show Event Manager Glenn Wallace comments: “We’re thrilled to open entries for the 2025 edition of the Independent Hotel Show Awards. The calibre of innovation and talent within the independent hotel sector continues to impress year after year, and we look forward to recognising those who are pushing boundaries and delivering truly memorable guest experiences.” 

The 2025 award categories are: 

Hotel Rising Star 

This award celebrates the future of hospitality by recognising emerging talent within hotel teams. Open to employees at any level and working in any role in a hotel, it shines a light on individuals who display early leadership qualities, passion for the industry, and a drive to learn and grow. 

Hotel Design of the Year 

 A prestigious accolade honouring excellence in hotel design and architecture. From stunning new builds to thoughtful refurbishments of heritage properties, this category recognises hotels that blend functionality, guest experience and visual impact, and is open to design projects from the past two years.  

Independent Hotel of the Year 

The flagship award celebrates a hotel that truly embodies the spirit of independence. Judges will be looking for a business that champions excellence, innovation, and community engagement while consistently delivering high-quality guest experiences. 

Karen de Koning, General Manager of 2024 Independent Hotel of the Year Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire, said of the accolade: “It was a great honour for the whole team and we couldn’t be prouder to have been named Independent Hotel of Year, especially when you consider the incredible selection of other hotels also shortlisted for this award. The award means the world to all of us as it highlights and rewards all the dedication and care the team put in to looking after our incredible guests every single day.” 

In addition to the three award categories, the ceremony will include a special recognition for one individual’s outstanding contribution to the independent hotel sector, which in 2024 was awarded James Thomson, Owner of Prestonfield House and The Witchery. 

Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality and 2025 awards judge, comments: “Judging for the Independent Hotel Awards is an absolute privilege. Hearing about the vital work our hospitality family does for its teams, business, and local communities is nothing less than inspiring, and every year is better than the last.” 

Brenda Collins, Executive Vice President Europe at Preferred Hotels & Resorts, adds: "It is a privilege to once again serve on the judging panel for the Independent Hotel Show Awards. I am continually impressed by the exceptional standards demonstrated across the independent hotel sector, and it is an honour to recognise and celebrate such excellence. I look forward to reviewing this year’s submissions.” 

The Independent Hotel Show Awards will be presented on Monday 6 October 2025 at Olympia, as part of the annual Independent Hotel Show. Entries are free of charge and must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 12 June 2025. 

Find out more and submit your entry at: independenthotelshow.co.uk/awards