Independent Hotel Show London, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, returned to Olympia London on 5-6 October, bringing together the boutique and independent hotel community for two days of product discovery, expert insight and industry celebration.
From AI and automation to tourist levies and changing guest expectations, the show’s seminar programme tackled the issues shaping hotel businesses, while exhibitors showcased products and services to enhance interiors, support teams and elevate the guest experience.
Visiting hoteliers discovered products across design, technology, F&B and guest experience, with exhibitors including Bridgman, CHRISTY, BC Softwear, Access Hospitality, Agilysys, ADA Cosmetics and Bottleproof Cocktails.
The event also celebrated exceptional hotels and hospitality professionals through the Independent Hotel Show Awards, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and announced a new wellbeing destination for its 2027 edition.
Rafi Bejerano, Managing Director, Sopwell House, commented: “This year the Independent Hotel Show was fantastic with a fresh new layout, more space, better food, even more glamorous stands, and an impressive increase in the quality of exhibitors. It was bigger, better, and more polished than ever, and without doubt remains the number one show in the UK for independent hoteliers.”
Expert insight into hospitality’s opportunities and challenges
Across the event’s three stages, hoteliers, designers, and industry specialists shared practical advice on navigating technological change, responding to guest expectations and building resilient businesses.
The seminar programme explored how AI and automation are reshaping hotel operations, changing guest expectations, building loyalty through personalised service and local partnerships, trends shaping luxury travel, and the potential impact of tourist taxes.
Discussions took place on the Hotel Business Stage, in partnership with eviivo and designed by Merav Bustan Design, and the Innovation Stage, in partnership with Agilysys and designed by Obradov Studio, while the Social Business Space, in partnership with Zennio and designed by Design Command, provided a setting for networking and exchanging ideas.
TUNTU, led by Kirsi Ihalainen, designed the Members Suite, adding a further distinctive space to the show with an immersive, tech-focused VIP experience.
Jack Hoare, Managing Proprietor of Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, commented: “As we prepare to open The Residence, our new extended-stay apartments, alongside the hotel next year, the show was the perfect place to test our thinking. The sessions on AI and the changing guest were outstanding, and the people we met will shape what we build next.”
Sanjay Dhrona, Managing Director, Woodley Hotels Limited, added: “I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Independent Hotel Show and will definitely be back again next year. I arrived with a very specific shopping list of products, suppliers and ideas I wanted to explore, but left with so much more than that.”
Celebrating excellence at the Independent Hotel Show Awards
The Independent Hotel Show Awards, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, recognised outstanding hotels, emerging talent and exceptional design across the independent hotel sector. The awards were supported by the industry more than ever, with over 3,400 votes being received across the four public categories.
The Grand, York, won Independent Hotel of the Year – Over 50 Rooms, while Cromlix took the title in the Under 50 Rooms category.
Charlotte Smiley and Kim Hanks won Hotel Design of the Year for The Old Bell Hotel, and Isaac Arikawe, Welcome Host at Grantley Hall, was named Hotel Rising Star.
Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Media, received the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award. Presenting the recognition, Event Director David Todd said: “Simon’s passion for the industry shines through everything he does. He is rarely in the spotlight but always working behind the scenes to advocate for the sector and champion hospitality professionals.”
Supporting the wider hospitality community
Alongside its commercial and educational offering, the show welcomed charity partners Furnishing Futures, Hospitality Action and Room to Reward, giving visitors opportunities to connect with organisations making a positive difference.
Neil Kedward, Chief Executive Officer, Seren Collection, said: “The Independent Hotel Show is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and peers from across the UK. The show is so well supported and has become a genuinely important part of the industry calendar. We rarely miss it and there are always things to take away and think about.”
Looking ahead: Wellbeing by IH launches in 2027
Building on this year’s event, Wellbeing by IH will launch in 2027, exploring how physical, mental and emotional wellbeing can be embedded throughout the guest experience.
The new destination, which is already 60% sold out, will broaden the conversation beyond spas and gyms, bringing together products, ideas and expert insight covering sleep and recovery, lighting, room design, food and drink, movement, mental wellbeing, biophilic design, air and water quality, personal care and technology.
From strategic investments to smaller, considered changes, the feature will provide inspiration that independent hoteliers can adapt to their own properties, guests and budgets.
David Todd, Event Director, said: “Wellbeing plays an important role in the choices guests make, but delivering a more restorative and considered hotel experience does not necessarily require a large spa or major capital investment.”
Alison Gilmore, Founder of OMM Connection, will support the feature’s development as a Founding Ambassador, bringing extensive experience across the international luxury travel sector.
Independent Hotel Show London returns to Olympia London on 5-6 October 2027. To find out more, visit www.independenthotelshow.co.uk.
