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The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, has announced the shortlist for the Independent Hotel Show Awards 2026, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, recognising the outstanding people, properties and design projects shaping the UK's independent luxury hotel sector. 

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, 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, 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.” 

This year's judging panel comprised: 

• Brenda Collin, 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, Editor, Boutique Hotel News 

• Sophie Harper, Editor, Hotel Designs 

• Peter Hancock, Conference & Awards Host 

• Kalindi Juneja, CEO, PoB Hotels 

• Nick Maddox, Head of Risk, James Hallam Hospitality & Leisure 

• Zoe Monk, Managing Editor, Boutique Hotelier 

• Simon Numphud, Managing Director, AA Media 

• Jane Pendlebury, CEO, HOSPA 

• Robert Richardson, 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. To register to attend or find out more, visit www.independenthotelshow.co.uk.