LOS ANGELES—The 2009/2010 International Restaurant & Hotel Awards (IRHA) are now accepting submissions. In the 2007/2008 awards season, IRHA received submissions from more than 50 countries around the world. The jury reviewed submissions from properties ranging from bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels to six-star luxury resorts, as well as the world’s top restaurants. Top brands and hotel groups that participated in the 2007/2008 awards season include The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott International, Accor Hotels, The Peninsula Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Kor Hotel Group, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels and a host of others. The awards were presented at an awards ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel—home of the Golden Globes—and hosted by Mark DeCarlo, host of the Travel Channel’s “Taste of America.”
To submit their establishment for consideration, hotels and restaurants simply register at www.IRHAS.com and fill out the online form or printable PDF version and send their website address and optional marketing material to The International Restaurant & Hotel Awards headquarters.
The International Restaurant and Hotel Awards recognize the best value, moderate, and luxury travel establishments that go above and beyond industry standards. Restaurant categories include: Best Design, Best Café, Best Views, Most Organic/Sustainable, Best Restaurant Bar, Best New Restaurant of the Year, and International Restaurant of the Year.
Jurors & Advisors
The International Restaurant and Hotel Awards is juried and advised by a board of esteemed hospitality industry professionals with extensive experience in each category field. Representatives include food & travel TV and radio personalities from the Food Network, Travel Channel USA, Travel Channel International, BBC & UKTV Food Network, HGTV Canada, BBC RADIO and CBS Radio including Frank Bordoni, Glenn Austin, Alan Coxon, Eric Lanlard, Carol Selva-Rajah, Glen Peloso, Mark DeCarlo, Anthony Dias Blue and Noel McMeel.
Top representatives from the following organizations and publications are also judging submissions: Fodor’s Travel Publications, Center for Sustainable Design, Hg2 Travel Guides, Cool Hotels, Ecological Hotels, Spa & Wellness Hotels, US & World Green Building Council, Australian Culinary Federation, South African Chefs Association, British Columbia Association of Travel Writers, California Certified Organic Farmers, Environmental Design Research Association, International Spa Association, National Restaurant Association, Robb Report, HSMAI, International Society of Hospitality Consultants, American Spa Magazine, Hospitality Design Magazine, and Boutique Design.
Faculty from the best culinary and hospitality management schools including the Cornell University School of Hotel Management, Swiss Hotel Management School, The Culinary Institute of America, Le Cordon Bleu, Institute of Culinary Education, International University at Bad Honnef—Hospitality Management & Marketing, and Culinary Academy of New York also make up the IRHA jury and board of advisors.
