About the Hotel Property Award 2026
Established in 2002, the Hotel Property Award is considered one of the most prestigious annual European hospitality real estate awards.
This industry award targets hotels that were completed and opened in Europe between January 2025 - June 2026. The prize goes to a hotel which stands out from among its competitors in terms of architecture, design and innovation, no matter whether it is a luxury or a budget hotel, a chain hotel or privately managed, short or long stay, city hotel or holiday resort.
196+ forum Munich regards a homogeneous combination of all the individual aspects to form a winning, and ultimately economically successful hotel concept as crucial, regardless of the category into which a particular hotel falls.
An independent jury nominates up to ten hotels and shortlists three finalists, which are presented on 7 October 2026 at 196+ forum Munich.
Want to know more? Please find all details on the Hotel Property Award here or contact awards@196plus.com
Hotel Property Award Winner 2025
Congratulations to Hotel Cocoon Munich Theresienwiese for winning the Hotel Property Award 2025!
In the heart of Munich, yet far from the ordinary: The Cocoon Hotel Theresienwiese combines an urban lifestyle with visionary hospitality design. As part of the Cocoon Group, it exemplifies a new generation of boutique hotels that harmoniously unite experience, architecture, and sustainable urban development.
A clear USP is its 24-hour use concept, achieved through the combination of diverse functions – at night, the traditional bakery “Rischart” operates within the building, while during the day, people work, live, and connect there.
The adjoining aparthotel concept, modern co-working spaces (also open to external guests), and the Sundeck terrace featuring the Bulli Bar with panoramic views over Munich transform the property into an urban microcosm.
The Cocoon Theresienwiese thus stands as a model for future-oriented hotel properties – innovative, sustainable, brand-defining, and offering real added value for the city, operators, and guests alike.
Other finalists in alphabetical order
Chiemgauhof-Lakeside Retreat reflects his principle of "Genius Loci" – the spirit of the place – embracing the landscape of Lake Chiemsee rather than competing with it. What once was a traditional lakeside Inn has been transformed into a contemporary sanctuary of calm, built with humility and intention. Using local materials such as larch wood, natural stone, lime plaster, and unbleached linen, Thun has created a space that speaks softly but deeply. His “Zero Design” philosophy is at the heart of the project: architecture and interior design that serve nature, not aesthetics; spaces that breathe with light and life, not clutter. Sustainability is not staged – it is elemental. Low-impact construction, regional craftsmanship, and climate-sensitive materials form the foundation of this new icon. The design embraces passive cooling, minimal artificial lighting, and a timeless aesthetic that resists trend and excess. The Chiemgauhof experience is about slowing down, absorbing silence, and finding luxury in simplicity. Each suite opens to the lake with an unobstructed view – not just of water, but of space, peace, and belonging. It is a place where architecture becomes emotion. Rather than impressing through grandeur, the Chiemgauhof touches through meaning. And in today’s world, that may be the most forward-thinking form of luxury there is.
The DIPS&DROPS is far more than just a hotel - it is a bold new start. Where the bike & ski hotel TAUERNHOF**** used to stand, today a newly conceived place welcomes its guests: sporty, stylish and with an attitude that takes change in alpine regions seriously. The DIPS&DROPS in Flachau is responding to changing tourism needs, climate change and new demands for quality of stay. Instead of nostalgia, the hotel relies on a holistically redeveloped concept that rethinks both summer and winter - and impresses with its architecture, interior design and offerings in equal measures. The extension designed by blocher partners uses bush-hammered exposed concrete, Nagelfluh stone and silver fir to create a dialog between modernity and the region. Three offset volumes with pitched roofs pick up on the Alpine building tradition, while large windows, a pearl beige slatted facade and a permeable floor plan underline the new self-image as an open HUB. Guests can expect not just a stylish sports hotel, but a real home away from home - with a bike and ski hub, rental, community areas and panoramic views. What makes the DIPS&DROPS particularly worthy of an award is the attitude behind it: Sustainable materials, regional cooperation and a clear view of the future of Alpine tourism. It's not just rebuilding here - it's rethinking. And with consistency, quality and a very good feel for design.
Want to know more about the 2025 Nominees?
Hotel Property Award nominees 2025
Previous winners
Hotel Cocoon Theresienwiese, Munich (2025), OLM Nature Escape, Campo Tures (2024), Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon, Tschagguns (2023), Wilmina, Berlin (2022), Ruby Luna Düsseldorf (2021), Grand Park Hotel Rovinj (2020), Schgaguler Hotel, Kastelruth (2019), QO Amsterdam (2018), Bretterbude, Heiligenhafen (2017), Hotel Reichshof Hamburg CURIO Collection by Hilton (2016), Hotel Zoo Berlin (2015), Holzhotel Forsthofalm, Leogang (2014), Radisson Blu, Nantes (2013), Topazz, Vienna (2012), 25hours HafenCity, Hamburg (2011), Roomers, Frankfurt am Main (2010), Lindner Hotel Tierpark Hagenbeck, Hamburg (2009), 25hours by Levis, Frankfurt am Main (2008), Schlosshotel Elmau, Elmau (2007), Daniel, Graz (2006), Colosseo, Europapark Rust (2004), Hotel Amigo Brussels & Accor Suite Hotel Hamburg (2003), Hilton Cologne (2002).
Gallery 2025
© 196+ forum Munich. Hotel Property Award - Tom Brunner
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