NEW YORK—Preferred Hotels & Resorts has revealed the winners of its annual Preferred Awards of Excellence and GIFTTS Pineapple Award initiatives. These awards recognize independent hotels and individual hoteliers represented within the brand’s worldwide portfolio that went above and beyond in their commitment to delivering meaningful travel experiences and selfless acts of genuine hospitality to their guests and local communities in 2019.
“We are thrilled to recognize the incredible efforts of these member hotels and their strong leaders for continuously demonstrating a steadfast belief in travel and setting new standards for the global travel community in how to deliver the best of the best in independent hospitality,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO. “While we had planned to announce these awards at our annual global conference in November, which we ultimately rescheduled to take place next year, there is no time like the present to celebrate the successes of those who inspire us and help spark renewed appreciation for the lasting, positive impact travel has on society.”
According to the brand, the Preferred Awards of Excellence recognize remarkable hotels and hoteliers across the company’s global network that excel in championing the Preferred Hotels & Resorts brand promise, Believe in Travel, and shine in their passion for both providing superior service and creating unique, memorable experiences that connect travelers to the authentic spirit of their chosen destination. Each hotel honoree ranks among the top in their respective regions as part of the bespoke Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance program—which takes into account the results of a professional on-site inspection and real-time guest feedback from the world’s top consumer review sites.
The 2020 Preferred Awards of Excellence winners are:
- Hotel of the Year Overall: Windsor Court Hotel (New Orleans)
- Hotel of the Year – Asia-Pacific: The Fullerton Bay Hotel (Singapore)
- Hotel of the Year – United States & Canada: Hotel Californian (Santa Barbara, CA)
- Hotel of the Year – Latin America: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel (Cusco, Peru)
- Hotel of the Year – Mexico & Caribbean: Galeria Plaza Reforma (Mexico City)
- Hotel of the Year – Europe: Hotel Regina Louvre (Paris)
- Hotel of the Year – India, Middle East & Africa: The Leela Palace New Delhi (India)
- New Hotel of the Year – Resort: Lelewatu Resort Sumba (Sumba Barat, Indonesia)
- New Hotel of the Year – City Center: Amerikalinjen (Oslo, Norway)
- I Prefer Hotel of the Year – Co-Winners: Galeria Plaza Reforma (Mexico City) and Royal Plaza on Scotts (Singapore)
- Hotelier of the Year: Sally Beck, General Manager, Royal Lancaster London (London)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Rajiv Kaul, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts (India)
11th Annual GIFTTS Pineapple Awards
Each year, Preferred Hotels & Resorts also recognizes member hotels that take the meaning of genuine hospitality beyond their front doors by showcasing an outstanding commitment to philanthropy and sustainability as part of its GIFTTS (Great Initiatives for Today’s [Tomorrow’s] Society) program. With more than 80 properties nominated for their exemplary efforts throughout 2019, the winners of the 11th annual GIFTTS Pineapple Awards are:
- Philanthropy Winner: Sopwell House (St. Albans, UK)
- Sustainability Winner: NJV Athens Plaza (Athens)
- Inspiring Newcomer Award: Villa Copenhagen (Copenhagen)
- Most Consistent Commitment: Wynn Resorts (United States/International)
- Overall Corporate Social Responsibility Program Winner: Gondwana Game Reserve (Mossel Bay, South Africa)