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Meet the Hotel Design of the Year finalists for 2026
The Hotel Design of the Year award celebrates the UK’s most innovative hotel design and architectural projects, recognising exceptional new developments and transformative refurbishments.
This year’s five shortlisted projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can give historic buildings new relevance, connect guests more closely with their surroundings and create memorable hospitality experiences.
Members of the industry can vote for their winner until 18 September, with the result set to be announced at the Independent Hotel Show Awards on 5 October 2026.
Miiro Templeton Garden Hotel, Holland Harvey, Thurstan and garden designer Rupert Muldoon
Created from a terrace of seven Victorian townhouses in Earl’s Court, Miiro Templeton Garden Hotel has been comprehensively reimagined to balance its historic setting with a contemporary approach to hospitality. Holland Harvey led the architectural refurbishment, including a new extension inspired by the form and rhythm of a Victorian orangery. Interiors by Thurstan use a warm and understated palette, with expanded dining and lounge areas establishing the ground floor as the hotel’s social heart. Reworked lightwells draw daylight deeper into the building and create visual connections with the garden, designed by Rupert Muldoon. The result is a layered urban retreat in which architecture, interiors and landscape work together to create a strong sense of place.
Penmaenuchaf, Nicola Harding & Co
Surrounded by 21 acres of gardens and woodland in Eryri, Penmaenuchaf has undergone a four-year transformation led by Nicola Harding & Co. The design takes its cues from the North Wales landscape, introducing palettes of sage green, rust, soft pink and other natural tones across the Victorian property. Original details including timber panelling, stained glass and staircase balustrades have been retained, while antique and contemporary furniture, patterned fabrics and carefully chosen artwork give each room its own character. Rather than imposing a uniform identity on the building, the project celebrates its architectural irregularities and long history. The finished hotel feels comfortable, collected and deeply connected to its setting, offering a contemporary expression of Welsh country-house hospitality.
Cromlix, Suzanne Garuda of Garuda Interior Design
Working closely with owner Kim Murray, Suzanne Garuda has transformed Cromlix into a vibrant reinterpretation of the traditional Scottish country house. The design moves beyond the neutral palettes and predictable tartans often associated with the category, instead embracing bold colours, contemporary artwork, floral patterns and individually styled spaces. The latest phase has introduced three new bedrooms, two restaurants and the Woodland Retreat, a former estate storehouse converted into an intimate wellness space with input from architect Fergus Purdie. The Garden Room uses extensive glazing to connect diners with the grounds, while the more intimate Cradle creates a contrasting experience. Together, the new and refurbished spaces capture Cromlix’s “elegance, undone” philosophy, combining five-star comfort with warmth, playfulness and personality.
Calcot Manor & Spa, Blue Forest
Designed and built by Blue Forest, the new Treehouses at Calcot Manor & Spa immerse guests in the hotel’s rewilded Cotswold estate. Elevated within the woodland and overlooking open countryside, the structures have been carefully positioned to minimise their impact on existing trees and habitats. Untreated timber, natural finishes and sensitive lighting allow the buildings to sit quietly within the landscape, while interiors by Cathy Birtles draw on the colours and textures of the surrounding countryside. Each treehouse includes a main bedroom, loft-style twin room, living space and private deck with its own sauna. Binoculars, rewilding maps and locally sourced treats encourage guests to engage with the estate, demonstrating how playful accommodation can also support a wider story of nature, wellbeing and environmental stewardship.
The Old Bell Hotel, Charlotte Smiley and Kim Hanks
At The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury, more than 800 years of history provide the foundation for a bold and imaginative design identity. Charlotte Smiley and hotel owner Kim Hanks have combined original architectural details with rich colour, statement artwork, patterned fabrics and playful antiques, allowing the Grade I listed building to retain its age and character without feeling like a museum. The hotel’s individually styled bedrooms and suites sit alongside distinctive public spaces, including Abbey Row restaurant with its ceiling of thousands of hand-painted stars. Locally produced wallpapers, Cotswold stone and carefully sourced furnishings strengthen the relationship between the interiors and the surrounding area. The result is a joyful interpretation of heritage hospitality that celebrates the building’s past while giving guests something unexpected and memorable.
Voting for the Hotel Design of the Year award closes on 18 September. Cast your vote and help decide which shortlisted project will be named the 2026 winner.
The winner will be revealed at the Independent Hotel Show Awards from 17:00 on 5 October at Olympia London.
The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, takes place on 5–6 October 2026 at Olympia London. Register for your free trade ticket at independenthotelshow.co.uk.
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