About the Hotel Design Award

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The prestigious industry award "Hotel Design Award" targets hotels that were completed and opened in Europe within the last one and a half years before the 196+ forum Milan. The prize goes to a hotel which stands out from among its competitors in terms of architecture, design and innovation, no matter whether it is a luxury or a budget hotel, a chain hotel or privately managed, short or long stay, city hotel or holiday resort. 196+ forum Milan regards a homogeneous combination of all the individual aspects to form a winning hotel concept.

The finalists and the winner will be announced during 196+ forum Milan on 20 April 2026.

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Hotel Design Award 2025

Congratulations to Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens for winning the Hotel Design Award 2025!

Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens, Glyfada, Greece

A coastal retreat nestled in the heart of Athens, Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a unique fusion of Brutalist architecture, Greek modernism, and ‘70s coastal resort charm. The hotel not only offers an unforgettable guest experience but also showcases art by 18 contemporary Greek artists, truly establishing itself as a cultural hub. With locally sourced materials and vintage furnishings, it beautifully celebrates Athens' artistic revival while embracing the principles of adaptive reuse. This project embodies the perfect balance of preserving heritage and pushing the boundaries of modern design. Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens is place where creativity, culture, and comfort collide. From its bold design to its effortless blend of history and modernity, this hotel redefines what it means to experience a city.

Other finalists in alphabetical order:

John & Will Silo-Hotel by Guldsmeden, Bremen, Germany

An architectural masterpiece in the emerging Überseeinsel district of Hanseatic Bremen, John & Will Silo-Hotel by Guldsmeden is a place with history unlike any other. Looking back on oil mills on a church pasture, a vibrant working-class district, and decades of cornflakes production, the project transformed 3500 m³ of concrete from former grain silos into distinctive rooms. Blending Nordic minimalism, Balinese warmth, and local touches, the hotel prioritizes sustainability with energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials. Aiming at the vitalization of the Überseeinsel, John & Will foster a sense of community among local residents and guests, presenting Bremen’s only 24/7 Barception, hosting frequent events, and being nestled between trendy gastronomy concepts.

Palazzo Petrvs, Orvieto, Italy

A stunning transformation of a historic residence in medieval Orvieto, Umbria, Palazzo Petrvs blends architectural elegance and cultural heritage with modern luxury. Through the meticulous restoration of a centuries-old building, the hotel balances heritage and contemporary innovation. From its beautifully restored architecture to its thoughtfully curated interiors, every detail tells a story. Its preserved frescoes and modern furnishings honor Orvieto’s history while setting new standards for luxury design. The property celebrates local craftsmanship and embraces sustainability with eco-friendly systems, locally sourced materials, and waste reduction efforts, delivering eco-conscious luxury and setting an example for responsible hospitality. Each of the 8 rooms reflects Orvieto’s spirit, blending bespoke Italian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Custom furniture and locally inspired art immerse guests in an authentic yet sophisticated experience. Palazzo Petrvs prioritizes comfort and well-being through intuitive layouts, refined amenities, and serene spaces. Guests enjoy a harmonious blend of grandeur and intimacy, crafted for ultimate relaxation.

Winner of the Hotel Design Award 2024: The Rome Edition

Winner of the Hotel Design Award 2023: the comodo

Winner of the Hotel Design Award 2022: Hotel Casa Cook Samos

26 hotels from 13 countries have applied for the European "Hotel Design Award 2025"

This year, the Hotel Design Award 2025 has received applications from 26 exceptional hotels across 13 countries, showcasing the rich diversity and innovation within European hospitality. With this prestigious award, we celebrate hotels that stand out for their distinctive design, groundbreaking innovation, and architectural brilliance. The competition was open to newly built properties or those that have undergone significant renovations and repositioning within the past 18 months.

Christian Walter, Global CEO of PKF hospitality and chairman of the jury, on the applicants and the final nominees: “Overall, we had a pool of about 30 very high-quality applications for the Hotel Design Award 2025. At the beginning of the jury meeting, there was one clear consensus amongst the jury members: It would be a really tough decision. However, in the end, the ten nominees all show a distinct interior and exterior design language corresponding with the given surroundings and, in many cases, the existing buildings. Also, strong elements of story-telling were identifiable in all ten cases."

The selection of the finalists was based on a careful evaluation of several key criteria:

USP / Uniqueness
Innovation
Exterior Design
Interior Design
Storytelling

These factors, combined with the hotel’s ability to create a unique guest experience and integrate seamlessly into its environment, ultimately determine which properties make the final cut. The award recognizes those that push the boundaries of hospitality design, setting new standards for the industry.

Nominees Hotel Design Award 2025