Best Accommodation

This award recognises excellence in youth and student accommodation in the UK

Submissions in this category are welcomed from accommodation providers across the youth, student and educational travel sector.

Who Can Enter?

We welcome submissions from:

  • Hostels

  • Homestay providers
  • Student residences
  • Accommodation agents
  • Accommodation marketplaces
  • Accommodation brands and groups

Choose How You Enter

Entries can be submitted at either:

  • Brand, group or portfolio level: Showcase excellence across your wider operation, such as a hostel or student residence group operating multiple properties.
  • Individual property level: Focus your entry on the achievements and performance of one named hostel, residence or accommodation property in the UK.

A brand or group can therefore choose to enter its wider portfolio or focus its submission on an individual property.

Please clearly state the scope of your entry at the beginning of your submission. All examples, results, reviews and supporting evidence should relate to the brand, group, portfolio or individual property being entered.

Each of the criteria points below are scored out of 10. Judges are looking for accommodation providers that stand out through quality, innovation and impact across their business. Each response has a character limit.

Please consider showcasing examples of excellence across as many areas of business practice as possible. User-generated reviews and customer ratings will also be taken into consideration.

Judging Criteria

  • Innovation & improvements – including technological innovations used within accommodation locations to support student living
  • Customer care – showcasing a full 360 approach to customer care, including pre, during and post stay customer support
  • Staff engagement & training – examples of how the company supports and enables team members to excel in the workplace. From on-site training to personal development plans and staff engagement events/activities
  • Marketing & communications – best practice examples of multi-platform campaigns that are focused and tailored towards students

  • Wellbeing initiatives – commitment to supporting the wellbeing and physical health of staff and students and showcasing best practices along with a commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion

  • ESG – leading the way in ensuring the local community and wider environment is supported through the work of the company
  • Championing the UK/cities – including any company-led initiatives to showcase the benefits of visiting/residing in the UK

Enter Now

Award Sponsor

Entry Planning Guide

Entry Form