Why We Chose to Support FemEng Botswana 2026
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The Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Hotels 2026 list is out. This celebrates properties around the world that consistently deliver exceptional guest experience. What’s special about this list is that it’s entirely based on genuine guest reviews, not judges or industry panels.
As we looked through the UK rankings, we couldn’t help but notice some familiar names. 10 freetobook customers had been recognised across multiple categories.
That made us wonder: what do these exceptional businesses have in common?
Big congratulations to all the award-winning properties across Tripadvisor’s 7 categories. The hospitality industry is harder than ever, so it’s great to see dedicated property owners getting the flowers they deserve.
As we scrolled through the UK rankings, we noticed some familiar names. 10 properties across multiple categories use freetobook’s online booking system. In fact, more than one-third of finalists in the B&Bs and Inns UK category use freetobook! We’re so proud to support independent properties across the country, from Scarborough to Bosham.
We were curious about what makes these properties so exceptional, so we asked a few of them. Although every business has its own story, the same themes kept coming up:
Jane from The Bosham Boathouse (B&B and Inns UK #16) perfectly summarises what we kept hearing:
“Attention to detail in every stage of the guest’s interaction with us…anticipating guests’ needs.”
Chris from Fossil Tree Hotel (Small & Boutique UK #6) also shared some advice that stuck with us:
“Understand what type of guests you want to attract and build your business operations and marketing around the expectations of that tribe.”
They’re simple ideas that evidently create unforgettable stays.
Of course, exceptional hospitality can’t be coded by software. It’s created by the passionate property-owners who care about every guest’s stay. This is what unites all the unique properties on Tripadvisor’s list.
But we were also curious about the tools these award-winning businesses rely on behind the scenes. While every property is different, we noticed some common trends:
Over a series of blogs, we’ll explore these lessons in more detail, sharing practical ideas from award-winning properties and looking at how the right tools can help support their shared principles. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you as much as they’ve inspired us.
Congratulations once again to every property recognised. We’re incredibly proud to be part of your story.
Scroll on to see this year’s freetobook winners! 🏆
Small and Boutique UK:
B&B and Inns UK:
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