Published on
October 31, 2025
Historic hotels from eight nations were celebrated in Seattle for preserving culture, architecture, and timeless hospitality at the 2025 Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards.
A glittering evening in Seattle marked a grand tribute to the world’s most exceptional heritage properties and hoteliers as Historic Hotels Worldwide announced the winners of the 2025 Annual Awards of Excellence. Held at the legendary Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle, a landmark dating back to 1924, the event honored the remarkable achievements of hotels that continue to preserve, protect, and promote the world’s rich architectural and cultural legacies through excellence in hospitality.
The ceremony, attended by over 200 global leaders, owners, and executives from the hospitality and tourism sectors, concluded the 2025 Historic Hotels Annual Conference, which ran throughout the week of October 27. As the spotlight shone on a century-old venue listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the gathering underscored how heritage and modern luxury continue to coexist in the world’s finest destinations.
A Global Celebration of Heritage and Hospitality
The 2025 awards recognized ten categories of excellence, each highlighting the passion, innovation, and stewardship of historic hotels and their leadership teams. From Europe’s grand city palaces to the serene resorts of the Caribbean and Asia, the winning properties exemplified the art of preserving history while creating unforgettable guest experiences.
From more than 200 nominations submitted by historic hotels, industry leaders, and preservation advocates, a select committee evaluated and chose the winners who best embodied the values of authenticity, sustainability, and timeless service. These prestigious honors not only celebrate individual achievement but also spotlight the collective commitment of hoteliers across the world to safeguard living history.
Honoring Excellence Across Continents
The winners of the 2025 Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence reflected the diversity and richness of the global hospitality landscape:
Historic Hotels Worldwide New Member of the Year
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney (1874), Sydney, Australia
Recognized for its outstanding engagement and swift contribution to the Historic Hotels community, this Australian icon blends colonial heritage with modern sophistication in the heart of Sydney.Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Social Media of a Historic Hotel
Grand Hotel Tremezzo (1910), Tremezzina, Italy
Honored for creatively using digital storytelling to share its century-old legacy and lakeside glamour with audiences worldwide.Historic Hotels Worldwide Sustainability Champion
Half Moon (1954), Montego Bay, Jamaica
Celebrated for pioneering eco-conscious practices and demonstrating that historic preservation is inherently sustainable, blending luxury with environmental responsibility.Historic Hotels Worldwide Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers of the Year
The Nitter-Walaker Family at Walaker Hotell (1640), Solvorn, Norway
A family legacy spanning centuries, this Norwegian gem remains a beacon of traditional hospitality and cultural continuity.Historic Hotels Worldwide Best City Center Historic Hotel
Raffles London at The OWO (1906), London, England
Recognized for transforming a storied British landmark into one of the world’s most elegant contemporary luxury hotels while preserving its regal character.Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Historic Resort
Losby Gods (1744), Finstadjordet, Norway
Honored for its tranquil atmosphere and authentic guest experiences that celebrate the estate’s centuries-old heritage.Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in Europe
Hilton Paris Opera (1889), Paris, France
Rewarded for capturing the essence of Belle Époque Paris with modern refinement, making it a timeless European landmark.Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in Asia/Pacific
Hotel New Grand (1927), Yokohama, Japan
Commended for its deep connection to Japanese history and impeccable dedication to traditional hospitality.Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in the Americas
Fairmont Empress (1908), Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Recognized for preserving its Edwardian elegance while offering world-class service in one of North America’s most beloved heritage hotels.Historic Hotels Worldwide Historic Hotelier of the Year
Garrett Turta at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (1922), Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Celebrated for outstanding leadership and vision in preserving the history and character of one of Canada’s most iconic mountain resorts.Preserving the Spirit of the Past for Future Generations
The awards not only highlight architectural and service excellence but also reaffirm the essential role of historic hotels as living museums of global culture. Each property serves as a storyteller, weaving together the narratives of art, design, politics, and community that have shaped their identities over centuries.
These hotels stand as timeless examples of how heritage can thrive through reinvention—by integrating sustainable innovation with a profound respect for the past. From 17th-century estates in Scandinavia to grand European palaces and Asian landmarks, every recipient reflects an unwavering commitment to authenticity and guest engagement.
A Global Legacy of Inspiration
The 2025 Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence continue to elevate the importance of cultural preservation in the modern hospitality industry. The celebration in Seattle not only recognized achievement but also reaffirmed a shared global mission—to ensure that the stories, architecture, and spirit of these remarkable properties endure for generations to come.
As the world’s travelers seek meaningful and immersive experiences, these award-winning hotels stand ready to offer journeys that transcend time, inviting guests to live history—not merely visit it.
