Time for award season
Selected by RG Awards 2021
It is finally time to once again hand out my Selected by RG Awards. This is an annual thing (ok, this is the second time I am doing this since I started this blog) where I look back at the year that has just come to an end and highlight my favorite hotels among the ones I have stayed at. I have decided to present a front runner in nine different categories.
Considering the ongoing pandemic I am amazed that we still managed to move around (a little) during the year. We grabbed the opportunity between the different waves to stay at some of the many interesting hotels I have on my extensive wish list. And here are the ones that really stood out to me.
My favorite alpine hotel of 2021…
…and the winner is: Milla Montis, Italy
This is such a well rounded hotel. It kind of has everything: beautiful architecture, stunning location, great service, amazing food, comfy beds, contemporary but still timeless design. Just go there and see for yourself.
Link to my blog post about Milla Montis
My favorite rural hotel of 2021…
…and the winner is: Maison Ceronne, France
In rural Normandy, in the middle of nowhere you’ll find this great hotel. It is crazy to think that this was first a vacation home before the owners, Vincent-Louis and Clement, decided to let others experience the magnificent place they have created by turning this into a country hotel. Great design with so many interesting elements. Great food and service!
Link to my blog post about Maison Ceronne
My favorite hotel by water of 2021…
…and the winner is: La Maison Plûme, France
Hotel by water doesn’t only refer to hotels located on a sunny beach somewhere in the world. This category also extends to hotels like this one, La Maison Plûme that is right by the mighty Seine river in rural France. This hotel is a small boutique hotel owned and run by Simon and Jeanne and their two kids. A lot of love and passion has gone in to creating this hotel and it shows.
Link to my blog post about La Maison Plume
My favorite historic hotel of 2021…
…and the winner is: La Bandita Townhouse, Italy
In Pienza, a cute little Tuscan village (that is almost too cute) you’ll find this fantastic hotel. It is called La Bandita and this used to be an old convent that has carefully been transformed into this beautiful, authentic hotel. It is a true art form to be able to connect the past and present like it has been done here.
Link to my blog post about La Bandita
My favorite urban hotel of 2021…
…and the winner is: Redchurch Townhouse, UK
This hotel has everything I look for in an urban hotel: a high energy vibe, interesting people lounging in the lobby, great restaurant and unique design. I love when an urban hotel feels like a sanctuary where you can retreat after having explored a city (like in this case London) the whole day. This hotel belongs to the Soho House chain but compared to most of their other properties this one is open to us normal folks which I am so happy for.
Link to my blog post about Redchurch Townhouse
My favorite B&B of 2021…
…and the winner is: La Scuola, Italy
Off the beaten track in the Veneto Region in Italy there is a tiny village called Lusiana. It is sitting a at the edge of the Alps so on a clear day you can see all the way to Venice. It is here you’ll find this little gem, La Scuola. This used to be the old village school that has been turned into a cosy B&B after sitting abandoned for many years. I love everything about this place and can’t wait to go back.
Link to my blog post about La Scuola
My favorite budget design hotel of 2021…
…and the winner is: Supernova, Netherlands
Few things makes me happier than to find unique design hotels that doesn’t force you to take out a second mortage on your home by staying there. Supernova Hotel in Rotterdam is one of those hotels where you’ll get a lot of design for your buck (or Euro to be precise). Cool, edgy and colorful design that leaves a lasting impression. Just like the great service. And the food…
Link to my blog post about Supernova
My favorite sustainability focused hotel of 2021…
…and the winner is: Can Marti, Spain
I don’t think I need to say more than here you share the (chemical free) pool with the cutest small frogs. But if you want to read more about this amazing place and how Can Marti takes circularity seriously you can just click the link below.
Link to my blog post about Can Marti
And the final one, the Selected by RG’s Unique Award of 2021…
…and the winner is: Piet Hein Eek Hotel, Netherlands
Some hotels are just too unique to fit into any one category. That is for sure the case with Piet Hein Eek Hotel in Eindhoven. This project has been in the making for several years and finally opened in 2021. A hotel that has a rich heritage having been an old factory, modern unique design, a forward thinking aesthetic and a relaxed attitude and service. This is just a really great and unique hotel.
Link to my blog post about Piet Hein Eek Hotel
If you are curious to read about which hotels stood out to me in 2020 you can find that post here.
As we close 2021 I once again look forward to what will hopefully be a new, good hotel year! I hope you will join me as I continue to explore more hotels!
//RG
