Independent Hotel Show Awards reveals 2026 shortlist

The Independent Hotel Show has announced the shortlist for its Independent Hotel Show Awards 2026, recognising the outstanding people, properties and design projects shaping the UK’s independent luxury hotel sector.

 

This year’s awards see 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, said: “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.”

 

The awards are judged by a panel of industry experts comprising 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 and 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 and Robert Richardson, CEO, Institute of Hospitality.

 

Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Collin said: “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.”

 

Independent Hotel Show Awards shortlist 2026

 

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