Smith launches first global boutique hotel awards

 

Will it be QT Sydney's sleek design? The Upper House's mouth-watering restaurant? Or Crosby Street Hotel's coolest bar? Globe-roving boutique hotel experts Mr & Mrs Smith are celebrating 10 years in travel with the launch of their own stylish hotel awards, and they're inviting boutique hotel fans around the world to participate.

 

For the first time, Smith is putting the hotels in their curated collection head-to-head in 12 innovative award categories, including the Greatest Outdoors, Above and Beyond service, and the Sexiest Bedroom in the World.

 

The new awards mark Smith's 10-year anniversary, and applaud the development of the boutique hotel movement around the world. From now until 9 October the boutique hotel-loving public can help shortlist their favourite hotels by voting in each of the categories at www.smithhotelsawards.com/2013

 

By participating, voters also give themselves the chance to win a five-night stay at the property awarded Best Smith Hotel 2013 - not a bad result for sharing your opinion!

 

There is no cost for hotels to enter, and no nominations - the awards are based on a public vote. The 900+ Smith hotels in the collection can get involved by encouraging their visitors, guests and fans to vote for any of the prestigious award categories, via emails or social media.

 

Hotel winners in each category will be picked from a shortlist by a team of specialist judges from the worlds of travel, fashion, food and beyond. Judges include tastemakers like interior designer Ilse Crawford; The Sartorialist Scott Schuman; and burlesque beauty Immodesty Blaze.

 

The winners will be announced on 7 November at a special awards event to be held in London, with the Best Smith Hotel winner to be announced via webcast globally.

 

"During the past decade, hundreds of people have asked us what our favourite boutique hotel is, and we thought it was about time we answered them," said James Lohan CEO and co-founder of Mr & Mrs Smith.

 

"But we couldn't make the final decision without help from boutique hotel lovers worldwide. We want travellers around the world to contribute to the ultimate hot list of favourite places to stay."

 

Smith Awards Categories

• Best Newcomer

• The Eco Award

• Best Hotel Restaurant

• Best for Families

• Sexiest Bedroom in the World

• The Greatest Outdoors

• Best Spa Hotel

• Hottest Hotel Bar

• Best-Dressed Hotel

• Best Budget Boutique Hotel

• Above and Beyond

• Best Smith Hotel 2013

 

Key dates for Smith Hotel Awards 2013

• 11 September - voting opens.

• 9 October - voting closes at 12 midnight.

• 10 October - judging begins.

• 7 November - winners announced at an awards ceremony in London.

• 8 November - winners published online at smithhotelawards.com.

 

Smith Hotel Awards Website: smithhotelawards.com/2013/

Twitter: #smithawards

 

About Mr & Mrs Smith

 

Mr & Mrs Smith is an award-winning hotel website, booking service and travel club, specialising in finding the world's most inspiring boutique and luxury hotels. Founded in 2003, Smith has published nine coffee-table guidebooks and, at mrandmrssmith.com, maintains a collection of more than 900 of the most stylish and intimate places to stay around the globe. Membership is free, entitling members to life-enhancing extras (from free champagne to complimentary spa treatments) and money back when they book, plus exclusive offers on hotels, luxury shopping brands and more.

 

For further information please contact Amira Morgan or Alexandra Rutman at Mr & Mrs Smith:

e: amira.morgan@smithhotels.com / m: 852 5929 8986
e: alexandra.rutman@smithhotels.com / p: 61 3 9419 6671