AA Hotel & Hospitality Services has unveiled the finalists across six major categories for its 2026 AA Hospitality Awards, with winners set to be announced on Monday 21 September at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.
Now in its 29th year, the annual awards recognise the individuals, teams and businesses helping to set standards across the UK hospitality sector. Categories celebrate excellence in guest service, sustainability, wellness, housekeeping and hotel team performance.
This year’s ceremony will also celebrate 70 years of the AA Rosette award, one of the industry’s most established markers of culinary achievement.
Following a detailed judging process, finalists were selected for their quality, innovation and continued commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences over the past year.
Simon Numphud, managing director of AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. They represent the passion, innovation and dedication that make the UK hospitality sector so extraordinary.
“There is exceptional work happening across our industry, with individuals, teams and businesses continually raising standards to deliver memorable guest experiences, often in the face of significant challenges. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of those who have not only raised the bar but also inspire others to do the same.”
AA Housekeeper of the Year
Sponsored by Sealy Beds, the award recognises housekeepers who consistently go above and beyond to maintain high standards and enhance the guest experience.
The finalists are:
- Fernanda Lewis, The Goring, London
- Katarzyna Celinska, The Bloomsbury, London
- Joanna Przybysz, Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool
AA Rising Star Award
Sponsored by Caterer.com, the Rising Star Award celebrates emerging talent across front and back-of-house, management and support roles.
The finalists are:
- Danielle Lorne, The Reserve at Chester Zoo, Chester
- Isaac Arikawe, Grantley Hall, Yorkshire
- Ilona Harris, Cromlix, Stirling
AA Sustainable Award
The Sustainable Award spotlights hospitality businesses demonstrating environmental responsibility, innovative practice and a long-term commitment to reducing their impact.
The finalists are:
- Pan Pacific London
- Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, nationwide
- The Hari, London
AA Spa Hotel of the Year
Sponsored by Clockwork Marketing, this category recognises spa hotels offering exceptional wellness facilities, service and guest experiences.
The finalists are:
- Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
- The Scarlet Hotel, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
- Seaham Hall, Seaham, County Durham
AA Large Hotel Team of the Year
Sponsored by Worldpay, the award celebrates large hotel teams delivering consistent service, teamwork and operational excellence.
The finalists are:
- Boringdon Hall Hotel, Plymouth
- St Ermin’s Hotel, London
- The Biltmore Mayfair, London
AA Small Hotel Team of the Year
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Sponsored by Umbrella Training, this category recognises smaller teams delivering distinctive hospitality, warm service and memorable stays.
The finalists are:
- Knockendarroch Hotel & Restaurant, Pitlochry
- Congham Hall, King’s Lynn, Norfolk
- Wildhive Callow Hall Hotel, Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Further accolades will be announced on the night, including the winner of the AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year award, regarded as one of the sector’s most prestigious culinary honours. The overall UK winners of the AA B&B Awards will also be revealed during the ceremony.
