Sincerely, BLLA
Celebrating Excellence in Boutique Hospitality Worldwide The Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA), the original boutique hotel association...
September 10, 2024 – 5 min read
The Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA), the original boutique hotel association established in 2009, is proud to announce the 2024 BLLA Awards winners. Now in its fourteenth year, the BLLA Awards continue to honor the most daring and innovative achievements in the global boutique hospitality industry, recognizing the world’s finest hotels, visionaries, and partners.
In the Best Boutique Hotel Under 50 Rooms category, Hotel 1928 in Waco, Texas, claimed the top prize, celebrated for its unique charm and dedication to the guest experience. When Chip and Joanna Gaines partnered with AJ Capital Partners to transform a historic early twentieth-century Moorish Revival lodge into a boutique hotel, they meticulously preserved original details like the square rooftop penthouse, unique brickwork, and intricate trim, ensuring that the hotel not only honored its past but also provided a warm, home-like experience for future guests, where hidden treasures like original textured glass and arched doors invite exploration and celebration within its storied walls. The runner-up, The Culver Hotel in Culver City, California, also received recognition for its timeless elegance and cultural significance.
The Best Boutique Hotel Over 50 Rooms award was secured by The Ranch at Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, California. Kurt Bjorkman, COO of The Ranch, shared his excitement, stating, “I am beyond thrilled that The Ranch at Laguna Beach has been selected as the Best Boutique Hotel for 2024! Being recognized by BLLA and the awards committee, comprised of our peers—peers I greatly look up to—is rewarding beyond words.” The runner-up in this category, Montauk Yacht Club in Montauk, New York, was commended for its stunning coastal setting and impeccable service.
In the highly competitive Best Boutique Hotel Design Project category, Dawn Ranch in Guerneville, California, took the top honor. Designed by Bridgeton Studio in collaboration with Brian Smith and Whitney Clark, the project was praised for thoughtfully integrating the resort’s rich history with contemporary design. Atit Jariwala, Founder & CEO of Bridgeton, remarked, “The design of Dawn Ranch is intentional to its location and pays homage to the many lives the resort has lived in its storied history. Thank you to BLLA for continuing to give lifestyle boutiques a platform to promote their authenticity and adventure. We are honored to have been selected as the best Boutique Hotel Design Project and inspired to continue our passion for creating meaningfully designed hospitality spaces.” The runner-up, Otis Harbor Springs in Harbor Springs, Michigan, was also impressed with its innovative design approach.
The Best Boutique Hotel Owner award was presented to Jon Kully, Founder of LEFT LANE, New York, NY. Kully reflected on the recognition, saying, “I am honored to receive this recognition alongside other exceptional category leaders. Together with our teams, we have the rare opportunity to impact hospitality in a meaningful way. I’m looking forward to what’s to come for our Bardo and Recess brands and am grateful to BLLA for embracing us early on in the journey.”
In the Best Boutique Hotel General Manager category, McClinton Heil, General Manager at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado, was honored for his exceptional leadership. Heil expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honored to receive this remarkable recognition on behalf of the entire team at Halcyon. I feel lucky to work in this incredible industry and lead the team at Halcyon – I am blown away by their daily commitment to creating unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experiences for our guests, and it is not without them that this achievement is possible.”
The Best Boutique Hospitality Vendor award was proudly presented to Hyperion Essentials, a company dedicated to providing sustainable hotel amenities. Hyperion Essentials was recognized for its outstanding contributions to enhancing the guest experience through innovative, eco-friendly solutions tailored specifically to the needs of boutique hotels. Their commitment to sustainability and quality has set a new standard in the industry, making them a leader in their field.
The BLLA Awards were established in 2010 to provide a platform to celebrate exceptional efforts in boutique hospitality. Each year, the awards identify and honor the industry’s top performers in hotel design and management, ownership, and operation. The judging process ensures that only the most outstanding entries receive recognition.
Anita Chan, CEO of Compass Edge
Brenda Collin, EVP, Europe of Preferred Travel Group
Doug Olson, President of C2C Designs
Frank Roller, Founder & CEO of Places of Healing
Heleri Rande, Partner of Think Hospitality
Maria Pajares, Managing Director of Mason Rose
Yasmine Mahmoudieh, Principal of Yasmine Mahmoudieh Design
All winners and runner-ups will be celebrated in person during the BLLA Awards Dinner on September 16, 2024, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM PT at the Westlake Village Inn in California. This prestigious event will also mark the midway point of the Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, which will run from September 16-17, 2024, at the same venue.
Celebrate the best in boutique hospitality! Tickets to attend the Awards Dinner are available now. Note: Full Conference registrations include the Awards Dinner. Click HERE to secure your place at the 2024 BLLA Awards Dinner or to register for the entire Boutique Hotel Owners Conference.
For more information about the BLLA Awards and to explore all categories, visit BLLA Awards.
Submissions for the 2025 BLLA Awards will open in early January.
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