Award Categories
We have nine awards available to enter at no cost.
All entries will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts. They will be looking for high-quality, evidence-based entries. Please ensure your submission is entered into the relevant category and provides sufficient detail.
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 lifestyle amenities.
Resident experience - description of services, amenities, and community engagement, including guest feedback or satisfaction data.
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 lifestyle amenities.
Resident experience - description of services, amenities, and community engagement, including guest feedback or satisfaction data.
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, including guest feedback or satisfaction data.
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 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 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.
World’s best branded residence
Who should enter: Any branded residence worldwide that has been open for at least six months. Our judges will select a shortlist, and the award will be voted for online by Boutique Hotel News readers.
Judging criteria:
Design and architecture - evidence of high-quality, thoughtful, and visually compelling design, both exterior and interior, aligned with the brand identity.
Resident experience - examples of exceptional service, amenities, and lifestyle offerings, supported by feedback or satisfaction data.
Market impact - evidence of the property’s reputation, exclusivity, or success in attracting residents and enhancing the brand’s presence in its target 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 the branded residence. This includes leaders who have shaped the industry, inspired others, or set long-term benchmarks for excellence and innovation.
This shortlist is selected by the judging panel. The award will be voted for online by Boutique Hotel News readers.
Craft compelling entries using our industry-led awards guide
Read our guidance and tips to support a clear, polished, and impactful submission.