I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the Points-Based Loyalty Programme of Preferred Travel Group, Unveils 2026 Members’ Choice Awards Winners Celebrating the World’s Finest Independent Luxury Hotels Across Four Global Regions Based Entirely on Guest Experiences

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I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the points-based loyalty programme under Preferred Travel Group, has revealed the winners of its 2026 Members’ Choice Awards.

The group oversees hospitality brands and collections including Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Beyond Green, Historic Hotels of America, and Historic Hotels Worldwide.

The annual awards recognise independent hotels and resorts across four international regions. Winners are selected directly by members of the I Prefer programme, based on guest experiences, service quality, and the delivery of distinctive, memorable stays.

“These awards carry special meaning because they come directly from the voices of our I Prefer members – discerning travellers who continue to choose independent hotels and resorts for the authentic experiences, genuine hospitality, and lasting memories they deliver each day,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Travel Group. “To be recognised by those you welcome and care for so thoughtfully is among the highest honours a property can receive. We are proud to celebrate these outstanding properties and the teams behind them for consistently creating memorable stays that inspire loyalty and connection.”

This year’s international hospitality awards have brought renewed attention to the rising influence of independent luxury hotels and resorts across the global travel landscape. Twenty outstanding properties, spread across four major global regions, have been recognised for their consistent excellence in service delivery, guest experience, and authentic hospitality. The selected hotels and resorts represent a diverse mix of destinations, ranging from Singapore in Asia to Scotland and Ireland in Europe, extending further to Italy, the Caribbean island of Jamaica, and the culturally rich landscapes of Japan, as well as leading hospitality markets in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Unlike large hotel chains driven by standardized branding, these independent properties stand out for their individuality. Each winner has developed its own identity, shaped by location, culture, and a strong commitment to personalised guest experiences. This recognition highlights not just luxury in terms of infrastructure or design, but the deeper emotional value of hospitality that resonates with travellers long after their stay.

A Global Benchmark for Independent Luxury Hospitality

The awards serve as a global benchmark for independent hotels and resorts that have managed to maintain exceptional standards in an increasingly competitive travel industry. Spanning four key global regions, the selection reflects a careful evaluation of properties that consistently exceed guest expectations.

What makes these awards particularly significant is their reliance on real traveller feedback. Instead of being determined solely by industry panels or corporate rankings, the recognition is built entirely on guest experiences. This ensures that the winners reflect genuine satisfaction, rather than marketing influence or brand reputation.

In a time when travellers are seeking more meaningful and personalised experiences, independent hotels are gaining prominence. These properties often provide a more intimate atmosphere, where service is tailored, attention is highly detailed, and cultural authenticity is preserved.

Asia and the Rise of Experiential Luxury

In Asia, destinations such as Singapore and Japan continue to redefine modern luxury hospitality. Singapore has positioned itself as a global hub where cutting-edge architecture meets refined service standards. Hotels in the city-state are known for their seamless integration of technology, comfort, and urban sophistication.

Meanwhile, Japan offers a contrasting yet equally powerful interpretation of hospitality. Here, tradition plays a central role. The concept of omotenashi—deep, anticipatory service—shapes every guest interaction. Independent resorts in Japan often blend minimalist design with natural surroundings, offering tranquillity and cultural immersion that appeals to discerning international travellers.

Together, these Asian destinations demonstrate how luxury is evolving beyond material opulence into meaningful, experience-driven stays.

Europe’s Heritage-Driven Excellence

Europe continues to be a stronghold for independent luxury hospitality, with countries such as Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and the United Kingdom playing a defining role.

Scotland’s hospitality landscape is deeply rooted in heritage, with many resorts offering dramatic natural backdrops, historic estates, and refined countryside experiences. Guests are often drawn to the combination of rugged scenery and warm, traditional service.

Ireland, similarly, stands out for its storytelling culture and welcoming atmosphere. Independent hotels here often reflect local history, architecture, and cuisine, creating immersive stays that connect visitors to the land and its people.

Italy continues to dominate the luxury travel sector with its blend of art, architecture, gastronomy, and scenic diversity. From countryside retreats to coastal escapes, Italian resorts emphasise elegance, authenticity, and culinary excellence.

The United Kingdom remains a key player in global hospitality, offering a mix of contemporary urban hotels and historic countryside properties. The emphasis on personalised service and heritage preservation continues to attract international travellers seeking refined yet culturally rich experiences.

The Americas and Caribbean Island Luxury

In the United States, independent hotels and resorts are increasingly focusing on boutique luxury experiences. From urban centres to remote natural settings, properties are differentiating themselves through design innovation, wellness offerings, and curated guest experiences.

The Caribbean destination of Jamaica adds a distinct dimension to the awards. Known for its vibrant culture, music, and natural beauty, Jamaica’s luxury resorts often combine relaxed island living with high-end hospitality standards. The emphasis here is on emotional connection, relaxation, and immersive cultural experiences.

Across these regions, the common thread is a commitment to individuality. Rather than conforming to global hotel chains, these properties celebrate their local identity while delivering world-class comfort.

Guest Experience at the Core of Recognition

What truly distinguishes this year’s award recipients is their unwavering focus on guest satisfaction. Every winning property earned its recognition based on consistent positive feedback from travellers who have personally experienced their services.

This approach places real customer experience at the centre of evaluation. Guests highlighted factors such as personalised service, attention to detail, seamless check-in experiences, culinary excellence, and memorable interactions with staff.

In many cases, travellers emphasised how these hotels made them feel valued rather than simply accommodated. This emotional aspect of hospitality has become a defining factor in modern luxury travel.

The Future of Independent Hospitality

The recognition of these 20 independent hotels and resorts signals a broader shift in global travel trends. Travellers are increasingly seeking unique, authentic, and emotionally engaging experiences rather than standardised luxury.

Independent properties are well-positioned to meet this demand. Their flexibility allows them to innovate quickly, adapt to guest preferences, and maintain a strong sense of place. This agility is becoming a key advantage in the evolving tourism industry.

As global travel continues to recover and expand, the importance of personalised hospitality is expected to grow even further. Hotels that prioritise authenticity, cultural connection, and guest-centric service are likely to lead the next phase of luxury tourism.

This year’s awards offer a clear reflection of how luxury hospitality is evolving on a global scale. By recognising 20 independent hotels and resorts across Singapore, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the awards highlight the growing importance of individuality and guest-driven excellence.

Ultimately, these properties are not just places to stay—they are destinations in themselves, defined by their ability to create meaningful, lasting memories for travellers from around the world.

The complete roster of winners for the 2026 I Prefer Members’ Choice Awards has been officially announced, showcasing outstanding independent hotels and resorts across multiple global regions. These properties have been recognised for delivering consistently exceptional guest experiences, high service standards, and distinctive hospitality that reflects the values of the I Prefer Hotel Rewards programme.

North America

In North America, several iconic properties have earned recognition for their excellence in luxury hospitality and heritage-driven experiences. The list includes Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, part of the L.V.X. Collection and Beyond Green; Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts, affiliated with the Legend Collection and Historic Hotels of America; The Alfond Inn in Winter Park, Florida, representing the L.V.X. Collection; the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida, also part of the L.V.X. Collection; and Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont, which belongs to both the L.V.X. Collection and Historic Hotels of America.

Europe

Europe’s winners highlight a strong blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury. The Grand York in York, United Kingdom, recognised under the L.V.X. Collection and Historic Hotels Worldwide, leads the list. It is joined by The Londoner in London, part of the Legend Collection; Grand Hotel Tremezzo located on Lake Como in Italy, which is associated with both the Legend Collection and Historic Hotels Worldwide; the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland, UK, also in the Legend Collection; and Dromoland Castle in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland, which carries multiple affiliations including Legend Collection, Preferred Residences, Beyond Green, and Historic Hotels Worldwide.

Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa

The Asia Pacific region, along with the Middle East and Africa, showcases a strong presence of luxury hospitality leaders. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore stands out, recognised under the Legend Collection and Historic Hotels Worldwide. It is joined by The Fullerton Hotel Sydney in Australia, also part of the Legend Collection and Historic Hotels Worldwide, along with The Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore under the Legend Collection. Artyzen Singapore adds to the city-state’s growing reputation in luxury hospitality, also listed under the Legend Collection. Completing the region’s winners is THE THOUSAND KYOTO in Japan, which belongs to the L.V.X. Collection.

Caribbean, Central and South America

In the Caribbean and Latin American region, a diverse selection of luxury resorts has been honoured. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is recognised under the Legend Collection. Pink Sands Resort in Harbour Island, Bahamas, is included in the L.V.X. Collection and Preferred Residences. Rancho Santana in Tola, Nicaragua, also part of the L.V.X. Collection and Preferred Residences, joins the list. Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is recognised under the Legend Collection, Preferred Residences, and Historic Hotels Worldwide. Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club in Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla, completes the regional winners, with affiliations to the L.V.X. Collection and Preferred Residences.

About the Programme and Membership

All of these award-winning hotels and resorts are part of the I Prefer Hotel Rewards programme, a global points-based loyalty platform that connects travellers with independent hospitality experiences worldwide. With more than six million members, the programme allows guests to earn points on eligible stays, which can later be redeemed for cash-value Reward Certificates and other exclusive benefits.

Membership in the programme is free, and members also gain access to tiered status levels, including Titanium status, along with additional privileges designed to enhance their travel experiences. With a portfolio of more than 700 participating hotels and resorts across the globe, I Prefer continues to strengthen its position as a leading loyalty programme focused on independent luxury hospitality.