Preferred Hotels & Resorts Announces 2026 'Awards of Excellence' Winners at Global Conference

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest independent hotel brand, announced the winners of the "2026 Awards of Excellence", "GIFFTS Pineapple Awards", and the "GIFFTS Legacy Leadership Award". The awards ceremony was held during the closing session of the "2026 Preferred Global Conference" at "The Cooper" in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. These awards honor independent member hotels that demonstrate outstanding achievements, innovative initiatives, and a commitment to the highest standards of luxury hospitality. From Japan, "Hotel New Otani Tokyo Executive House Zen and The Main" won the Hotel Partner of the Year for the Asia Pacific region in the Awards of Excellence. Furthermore, GIFFTS stands for Preferred Hotels & Resorts' social contribution program, "Great Initiatives for Today’s [Tomorrow’s] Society".

"Every year, these awards provide a valuable opportunity to honor exceptional independent hoteliers who continue to pioneer the future of luxury hospitality," said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. "We are thrilled to celebrate such incredible hotels and their dedicated teams. Their passion, leadership, and commitment to excellence consistently raise the industry's standards. This year, as we mark the 20th anniversary of GIFTTS, we feel a special significance in recognizing the ongoing contributions our member hotels bring not only to the industry but also to their local communities."

The closing ceremony of the 2026 Global Conference was held at "The Cooper", a newly opened luxury hotel on the Charleston riverfront (and a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts' Legend Collection). Over 560 independent luxury hoteliers and hospitality industry leaders from around the world gathered, including Jan Freitag, National Director of Hospitality Analytics for CoStar Group, and Sophie Morgan, who spoke on inclusivity beyond accessibility in hospitality and travel.

During the ceremony, CEO Lindsey Ueberroth and President Michelle Woodley recognized the winners of the 2026 GIFTTS Pineapple Awards honoring the social contribution program, and introduced the inaugural "GIFTTS Legacy Leadership Award". Subsequently, the "2026 Awards of Excellence" were announced, honoring member hotels that achieved outstanding results in various categories, such as New Hotel Partner of the Year, I Prefer Hotel Partner of the Year, and the Shiji ReviewPro Award in Online Reputation Management.

2026 GIFFTS Legacy Leadership Award

Established to commemorate the 20th anniversary of GIFTTS, this award honors hotel partners who have continually engaged in community contributions, philanthropy, and responsible initiatives over many years, globally shaping the values of GIFTTS. The 2026 winner is Wynn Resorts.

2026 GIFTTS Pineapple Awards

Every year, as part of the GIFTTS program, Preferred Hotels & Resorts honors member hotels that have undertaken outstanding initiatives in philanthropy, sustainability, and social responsibility, extending true hospitality into their local communities. This year, there were over 60 entries across 5 categories. The winning hotels are as follows:

• Philanthropy
The Alfond Inn (Winter Park, Florida, USA) – L.V.X. Collection

• Sustainability (Preferred Hotels & Resorts)
President Hotel (Cape Town, South Africa) – Lifestyle Collection

• Sustainability (Preferred Hotels & Resorts & Beyond Green Dual Member)
Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur, California, USA) – Legend Collection

• Overall Hotel
Grand Hotel Huis t