Award Categories
For the 2026 launch, 17 awards are up for grabs, all of which you can enter at no cost.
The categories span the full spectrum of the branded residence ecosystem - from the best projects across the world, recognising innovators and industry icons, to exciting future concepts, innovative use of technology, excellence in sales, and much more.
Best urban branded residence
Who should enter: Any branded residence, including standalone properties, located in a city that has been open for at least six months.
Judging criteria:
Location and accessibility - evidence of a prime urban location, ease of access to transport, business hubs, and cultural amenities.
Resident experience - description of services, amenities, and community engagement designed to support long-term ownership. Evidence may include resident communications, usage data, retention or resale performance, testimonials, or feedback from rental or hotel-managed inventory, where applicable.
Innovation - evidence of smart home technology, sustainability, or creative urban living solutions that are unique to the property.
Design and architecture - description of exterior and interior design integration with the local environment. Include images and floor plans where possible.
Best resort branded residence
Who should enter: Any branded residence, including standalone properties, located in a resort or leisure-focused destination that has been open for at least six months.
Judging criteria:
Location and environment - evidence of leisure setting, environmental integration, and cultural amenities.
Resident experience - description of services, amenities, and community engagement designed to support long-term ownership. Evidence may include resident communications, usage data, retention or resale performance, testimonials, or feedback from rental or hotel-managed inventory, where applicable.
Innovation - evidence of smart home technology, sustainability, or creative urban living solutions that are unique to the property.
Design and architecture - description of exterior and interior design integration with the local environment. Include images and floor plans where possible.
Best luxury brand affiliation residence
Who should enter: Any branded residence associated with a luxury brand that has been open for at least six months.
Judging criteria:
Brand alignment - demonstration of how the property embodies the affiliated luxury brand’s values.
Resident experience - description of services, amenities, and community engagement designed to support long-term ownership. Evidence may include resident communications, usage data, retention or resale performance, or testimonials where applicable.
Innovation - evidence of smart home technology, sustainability, or creative urban living solutions that are unique to the property.
Design and architecture - description of exterior and interior design integration with the local environment. Include images and floor plans where possible.
Best architecture/ exterior design
Who should enter: Branded residence developers, operators, and architects. Each entry should focus on a single project.
Judging criteria:
Form - description of floor plan, façade, and landscaping. Images recommended.
Functionality - description of how the building’s layout, space programming, and operational planning enhance both resident and operator experience.
Creativity and innovation - examples of design originality or technical innovation.
ESG - evidence of environmentally and socially responsible design.
Product - demonstration of alignment with the original brief and budget.
Best interior design
Who should enter: Branded residence developers, operators, and interior designers. Each entry should focus on a single project.
Judging criteria:
Interior form - description of aesthetics, layout, and alignment with brand identity. Images recommended.
Interior function - description of how the overall design including FF&E, materials and finishes affects both resident and operator experience.
Creativity and innovation - examples of design originality or technical innovation.
ESG - evidence of environmentally and socially responsible design.
Product - demonstration of alignment with the original brief and budget.
Best in-room supplier
Who should enter: Suppliers providing in-room products or services to branded residences, including furniture, linens, technology, appliances, and amenities. Our judges will select a shortlist, and the award will be voted for online by Boutique Hotel News readers.
Judging criteria:
Quality and enhancements - describe the core strengths of the product/service and any upgrades or improvements over time.
Resident experience - examples of positive impact on resident satisfaction. User feedback is recommended.
Operational impact - demonstration of ease of use, integration, and reliability for operators.
Brand awareness and values - evidence of marketing reach, customer growth, sales, and ESG commitments or initiatives.
Innovative use of technology
Who should enter: Technology providers, branded residence operators and developers. Entries can relate to company-wide activity or be specific to a single property/project.
Judging criteria:
Innovation - briefly describe how the product/service is new, different or unique and is helping to resolve a particular challenge.
User experience - description of how the product/service improves the user experience. Consider both resident and operator experience.
Infrastructure - description of how the technology simplifies complex processes and fits within existing systems.
Enhancements - outline further developments, upgrades and integrations to improve the product/service.
Best sales and marketing campaign
Who should enter: Branded residence operators, advisors, agents or consultants. Campaigns must be specific to a single property.
Judging criteria:
Objectives and strategy - evidence of clear, well-defined objectives and overall campaign strategy.
Execution - description of how the strategy was implemented and what made it stand out.
Innovation - evidence of creative approaches that set the campaign apart, including new channels, technologies, experiences, or lifestyle-focused storytelling.
Results and ROI - demonstration of measurable outcomes, including leads and conversions (include actual figures) and why you believe it was a success.
Best broker or sales agency
Who should enter: Any broker, sales agency, or consultancy involved in the marketing and sale of branded residences. Entries must relate to company wide activity. Our judges will select a shortlist, and the winner will be voted for online by Boutique Hotel News readers.
Judging criteria:
Sales performance - evidence of transaction volumes, sales velocity, and success in achieving or exceeding targets.
Client experience - demonstrate excellence in supporting clients and owners beyond routine responsibilities. Testimonials or case studies are encouraged.
Market knowledge and strategy - evidence of deep understanding of the branded residence market, innovative approaches to sales, and effective positioning of properties.
Brand alignment – demonstrate adherence to brand standards and enhancing the brand’s presence and credibility in the market.
Innovator of the Year
Who should enter: Individuals working in the branded residence sector who demonstrate innovation, creativity, and leadership. Both personal submissions and colleague nominations are welcome. Our judges will select a shortlist, and the award will be voted for online by Boutique Hotel News readers.
Judging criteria:
Innovation - evidence of introducing new ideas, products, or ways of working that have advanced the branded residence sector.
Leadership - demonstration of influence, decision-making, and the ability to drive change within an organisation or across the wider industry.
Impact - measurable contribution to business performance, resident experience, or industry standards at a local, regional, or global level.
Industry Icon
Who qualifies: Individuals with a lifetime contribution to branded residences. This includes leaders who have shaped the industry, inspired others, or set long-term benchmarks for excellence and innovation.
Judging criteria:
Passion - demonstrate commitment to personal and/or professional development and future ambitions.
Leadership - demonstrate a clear understanding of business and financial planning.
Impact - evidence of contribution to the branded residence market on a domestic, regional or global scale.
This shortlist is selected by the judging panel. The award will be voted for online by Boutique Hotel News readers.
Future concept award
Who should enter: Developers, operators, architects, designers, or brand partners can submit upcoming or conceptual branded residence projects. The project should showcase innovation in design, services, lifestyle, or sustainability, and may be at the planning, design, or pre-launch stage. Our judges will select a shortlist, and the award will be voted for online by Boutique Hotel News readers
Judging criteria:
Vision and creativity – how original and forward-thinking the concept is, including innovative design, service offerings, or lifestyle experiences. Renderings and other visual material are mandatory.
Lifestyle and resident appeal – how the concept enhances future living and community experiences. Renderings and other visual material are mandatory.
Sustainability and innovation – demonstration of environmentally responsible design, technology integration, or operational innovation.
Brand potential – brief description of how well the concept aligns with a branded residence model and its potential to set new standards in the sector.
The Americas: Best Branded Residence
Who should enter: Any branded residence, including standalone properties, located within the relevant region that has been open for at least six months.
Judging criteria:
Location and market relevance - evidence of positioning within the local or regional market, including accessibility and lifestyle appeal.
Resident experience - description of services, amenities, and community engagement designed to support long-term ownership. Evidence may include resident communications, usage data, retention or resale performance, testimonials, or feedback from rental or hotel-managed inventory, where applicable.
Design and architecture - evidence of high-quality and visually compelling design, both exterior and interior, aligned with the brand identity.
Innovation - evidence of smart home technology, sustainability, or creative urban living solutions that are unique to the property.
Europe: Best Branded Residence
Who should enter: Any branded residence, including standalone properties, located within the relevant region that has been open for at least six months.
Judging criteria:
Location and market relevance - evidence of positioning within the local or regional market, including accessibility and lifestyle appeal.
Resident experience - description of services, amenities, and community engagement designed to support long-term ownership. Evidence may include resident communications, usage data, retention or resale performance, testimonials, or feedback from rental or hotel-managed inventory, where applicable.
Design and architecture - evidence of high-quality and visually compelling design, both exterior and interior, aligned with the brand identity.
Innovation - evidence of smart home technology, sustainability, or creative urban living solutions that are unique to the property.
Middle East & Africa: Best Branded Residence
Who should enter: Any branded residence, including standalone properties, located within the relevant region that has been open for at least six months.
Judging criteria:
Location and market relevance - evidence of positioning within the local or regional market, including accessibility and lifestyle appeal.
Resident experience - description of services, amenities, and community engagement designed to support long-term ownership. Evidence may include resident communications, usage data, retention or resale performance, testimonials, or feedback from rental or hotel-managed inventory, where applicable.
Design and architecture - evidence of high-quality and visually compelling design, both exterior and interior, aligned with the brand identity.
Innovation - evidence of smart home technology, sustainability, or creative urban living solutions that are unique to the property.
Asia-Pacific: Best Branded Residence
Who should enter: Any branded residence, including standalone properties, located within the relevant region that has been open for at least six months.
Judging criteria:
Location and market relevance - evidence of positioning within the local or regional market, including accessibility and lifestyle appeal.
Resident experience - description of services, amenities, and community engagement designed to support long-term ownership. Evidence may include resident communications, usage data, retention or resale performance, testimonials, or feedback from rental or hotel-managed inventory, where applicable.
Design and architecture - evidence of high-quality and visually compelling design, both exterior and interior, aligned with the brand identity.
Innovation - evidence of smart home technology, sustainability, or creative urban living solutions that are unique to the property.
World’s best branded residence
All winners of the following categories will be considered for this award.
Best urban branded residence
Best resort branded residence
Best luxury brand affiliation residence
The Americas: Best branded residence
Europe: Best branded residence
Middle East & Africa: Best branded residence
Asia-Pacific: Best branded residence
The Boutique Hotel News team will select the overall winner.
Craft compelling entries using our industry-led awards guide
Read our guidance and tips to support a clear, polished, and impactful submission.