European Hotel Awards 2025 — The Institutional Press Dossier

A Rare Gathering for European Hospitality

Every year, the European Hotel Awards press pause on time itself: an evening dedicated to celebrating hotel excellence in Europe with institutional precision and understated elegance. Since 2018, these awards have become an independent benchmark, blending rigorous standards, prestige, and humanity—far from mechanical rankings and impersonal lists.

What gives them their strength? The fusion of institutional rigor, European elegance, and media visibility. A delicate balance that transforms each winner into an ambassador of refined living and each sponsor into a partner in a network that matters.

Philosophy & DNA

The European Hotel Awards rest on a simple belief: hospitality is above all a human experience. Awards are not determined by an algorithm but by the sensitive and expert judgment of a professional Board. Each distinction is a unique title, tailor-made to resonate with the DNA of the establishment or individual honored.

Guest experience plays a central role: what the traveler perceives, feels, and takes away becomes a key criterion. The European Hotel Awards don’t just crown properties; they honor a vision, an atmosphere, and the noblest sense of hospitality.

Measured Elegance

The event deliberately limits attendance to 120–140 guests. This controlled size ensures confidentiality and preserves elegance: no loud crowds here. Black-tie attire, a club-like atmosphere, and meaningful encounters set the stage for respectful and impactful exchanges.

2025 Edition: Vilnius, Elected Capital of Elegance

On Monday 17 November 2025, the European Hotel Awards will take place at the Grand Hotel Vilnius — Curio Collection by Hilton, nestled in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Selecting Vilnius highlights our desire to showcase European destinations still under the radar for their refined hospitality.

“I am honored to preside over the 2025 edition. The European Hotel Awards celebrate those who advance hotel excellence in Europe.”
Michel Stalport, 2025 President

2025 Laureates — Official Winners List

Below is the official list of the 26 laureates selected for the European Hotel Awards 2025 edition in Vilnius.
Each title is unique and tailored to the DNA of the establishment or personality honoured.

Track Record & Legacy

Since 2018, the European Hotel Awards have honored 90 winners across 23 countries. Each distinction is conceived as an editorial tribute: never numbered, never just a list, but a recognition of a singular title embodying the soul of a venue or the journey of an individual. Over the years, the Awards have woven an emotional map of European hospitality.

Italy

Italy stands out for its distinction. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como was named Hotel of the Year, embodying Italian hospitality. In Milan, the legendary Ezio Indiani, General Manager of Principe di Savoia, was honored as General Manager of the Year. Further south, the Santa Rosa Monastery in Conca dei Marini transformed into a luxury hotel and claimed the title Hotel of the Year.

France

France dazzles with its heritage and creativity. Mr. François Delahaye, Chief Operating Officer of Dorchester Collection, was named Chief Operating Officer of the Year. The Shangri-La Paris was awarded Palace of the Year, a symbol of timeless elegance. In Nice, Hôtel Le Negresco, a Riviera jewel, was named Legend Hotel of the Year. In 2023, Michel Morauw (Hyatt Paris Étoile, Paris, France) was named General Manager of the Year, and Villa Loiseau des Sens (Saulieu, France) was honored as Hotel-Spa of the Year..

Germany & Austria

In Germany, the Restaurant Aqua at the Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg and its chef Sven Elverfeld, holder of three Michelin stars, received the title Hotel Restaurant of the Year. In Berlin, Sly Berlin was celebrated as Urban Hotel of the Year. In Austria, the Hotel Bristol Salzburg and chief concierge Florian Muigg epitomized human excellence, earning Chief Concierge of the Year.

Switzerland

Switzerland collected several top honors. The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof won the Grand Prestige Award of the Year. The Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva was recognized for its environmental commitment with the Green Award of the Year.

Netherlands & Belgium

In the Netherlands, Hilton Amsterdam was named Urban Lifestyle Hotel of the Year, with its esteemed John & Yoko Suite (No.702). The Skylounge Amsterdam was awarded Hotel Bar of the Year, and the Quality Lodgings group received Hotel Group of the Year. In Belgium, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp claimed Heritage Luxury Hotel of the Year.

United Kingdom & Ireland

In London, The Beaumont was honored as Luxury Art Deco Hotel of the Year, a tribute to Art Deco refinement and discreet service. In Killarney, The Europe Hotel & Resort received Hotel Spa of the Year, for its indoor/outdoor pools and signature treatments overlooking the Lakes of Killarney.

Spain

Spain showcases diverse hospitality. In Mallorca, St Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort was named Luxury Resort of the Year. In Barcelona, Grand Hyatt Barcelona took Design Hotel of the Year. On the Costa Brava, Hostal La Gavina in S’Agaró was honored as Iconic Hotel of the Year, and Casa Fuster was celebrated as Vintage Boutique Hotel of the Year.

Eastern Europe

In Lithuania, Grand Hotel Vilnius — Curio Collection by Hilton was named Historic Hotel of the Year. In Croatia, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel received Historic Hotel of the Year. In Poland, Polonia Palace in Warsaw was honored as Heritage Luxury Hotel of the Year. In Estonia, Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa claimed Historic Hotel of the Year.

Nordics

In Denmark, the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen, masterpiece by Arne Jacobsen, was named Luxury Historic Design Hotel of the Year. Nordic talents in cuisine, F&B, and hospitality have also been celebrated in past editions.

“It is a true honour for our hotel to host the European Hotel Awards 2025. We look forward to welcoming the most inspiring names in hospitality, and to sharing the cultural richness of Vilnius with them.”
Sigita Rudzevičienė, General Manager, Grand Hotel Vilnius

European Hotel Awards Media and Reach

References Hôteliers Restaurateurs International (since 2001) and the European Hotel Awards (since 2018) form a consolidated ecosystem of influence in European hospitality. Our platforms reach a highly qualified B2B audience: general managers, owners, F&B directors, designers, investors and specialised media.

• ✦ European Hotel Awards Media and Reach

Acknowledgements & Future Outlook

On behalf of the European Hotel Awards Committee, we extend our warmest congratulations to all our 2025 laureates. Your unwavering commitment to excellence, creativity, and hospitality shines a spotlight on European quality around the globe.

To the media and press agencies who partner with us, thank you for your invaluable support and editorial rigour. Your coverage helps make this event a cornerstone of the hospitality calendar.

Together, let us continue to champion responsible, innovative, and profoundly human hospitality. We look forward to gathering once more on 17 November 2025 in Vilnius to celebrate the art of welcoming at its finest.

“Hospitality is an art, and you are its finest ambassadors.”
The European Hotel Awards Committee