Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), renowned for its independently minded portfolio of boutique properties, has announced the winners of its 2025 SLH Awards, recognising 12 exceptional properties and individuals from across its global collection. Categories included Hotel of the Year, Considerate Hotel of the Year, and the inaugural Hilton Honors Award, with winners celebrated at a ceremony held on Friday 17 October at Conrad Tokyo.
Hosted by BBC Travel Show presenter Carmen Roberts, the evening brought together 250 guests following SLH’s biennial Global Conference in Japan’s capital. The event marked a milestone year as SLH celebrates 35 years of championing independently spirited hotels, with its portfolio now comprising more than 650 boutique properties in 90+ countries.
The 2025 SLH Awards highlight the pinnacle of boutique luxury, shining a spotlight on the properties and people who embody SLH’s values of independence, exceptional service and going above and beyond. Winners were determined through a rigorous combination of guest feedback, mystery inspector Quality Assurance reports, sustainability credentials, brand engagement and industry recognition. The resulting lineup serves as the ultimate small, luxury hotel inspiration for travellers in 2026 and beyond.
Awardees include Dusseldorf’s Breidenbacher Hof, named Hotel of the Year for its astute balance of rich heritage, local integration and effortless luxury. Ouarzazate’s Dar Ahlam, a traditional Moroccan Kasbah, was recognised as Considerate Hotel of the Year for its extensive and forward-thinking regenerative hospitality experiences. Bali’s Desa Hay, celebrated for its refined elegance and serene eco-sanctuary received the title of winner Resort Hotel of the Year. Meanwhile, Stein Eriksen Residences, Utah was honoured as Country House Hotel of the Year for its exceptional vistas and indulgent alpine living. These are just some of the outstanding qualities that distinguished the dozen exemplary properties selected from across the globe.
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2025 SLH Award Winners
- SLH Spirit Award
Awarded to a property that deeply embodies the spirit of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand
Tokyo Station Hotel, Tokyo, Japan - The Club by SLH Award
A combination of guest survey feedback and top booking data from SLH Club, SLH’s loyalty programme
Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen, Denmark - The Mystery Inspectors’ Excellence Award
Voted on by SLH’s expert mystery inspectors and awarded to a hotel that exceeds the highest standards of review
Punta Tragara, Capri, Italy - The withIN Award
Reflecting the most-booked and highly recommended property by withIN agencies, SLH’s preferred travel agent programme
Forestis, Brixen, Italy - City Hotel of the Year
Recognising the hotel that stands tall as the ultimate urban retreat in 2025
Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong - Country House Hotel of the Year
A celebration of the hotel that has redefined the country escape in 2025
Stein Eriksen Residences, Park City, United States - Resort Hotel of the Year
Awarded to a getaway epitomising unforgettable settings, effortless service and unique experiences
Desa Hay, Bali, Indonesia - Most ‘Liked’ Hotel
Presented to the hotel whose posts on SLH’s channels captured the most love over the past year
The Retreat Koh Chang, Trat, Thailand - Considerate Hotel of the Year
For a property that embraces sustainability with elegance while also continuously raising the bar
Dar Ahlam, Ouarzazate, Morocco - Hilton Honors Award
Based entirely on guest feedback, recognising an SLH hotel part of the exclusive Hilton partnership, with the highest volume of 100% Hilton Honors reviews
The Terrace Club Wellness Thalasso at Busena, Nago, Japan - Hotel Hero Award
Recognising an on-property team member who sets the benchmark for excellence, going above and beyond in the SLH spirit
Germain Duchanaud, Concierge – Grand Hotel du Palais Royal, Paris, France - SLH Hotel of the Year
For a hotel that embodies what it means to be part of SLH: independent, exceptional, unforgettable
Breidenbacher Hof, Dusseldorf, Germany
Richard Hyde, Chief Operating Officer of SLH, said: “This year’s award winners represent the very best of our collection: standout performers who embody individuality, excellence and an unwavering commitment to unforgettable guest experiences. These hotels and people not only shine in their own destinations but set a benchmark for boutique luxury on the global stage. It is an honour to celebrate them at such a significant moment in SLH’s history.”
