)
Independent Hotel Show Awards 2026 open for entries
Entries are now open for the Independent Hotel Show Awards 2026, 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, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, on 5 October 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 14th year, the awards feature three categories recognising the future stars of the sector, outstanding hotel design, and excellence in independent hotels.
Event Director David Todd comments: “The Independent Hotel Show Awards are a key moment to recognise the people and businesses shaping the future of the sector. Each year we see an exceptional standard of entries from across the UK, reflecting the creativity, resilience and ambition that define independent hospitality. We look forward to celebrating those who continue to raise the bar in 2026.”
The 2026 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.
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.
The Independent Hotel Show Awards will be presented on Monday 5 October 2026 at Olympia London, as part of the annual Independent Hotel Show. Entries are free of charge and must be submitted by Friday 19 June 2026.
Find out more and submit your entry at independenthotelshow.co.uk/awards){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}