How We Select
Selection comes before participation.
Every property featured by HOTELS WE TRUST must first meet an independent quality standard. Payment cannot purchase, influence or retain eligibility.
A disciplined process with room for professional judgement.
A single guest rating cannot explain the complete hospitality experience. HWT therefore relies on the Amberdwell Index, a structured framework that combines evidence-based assessment with calibrated expert review.
Independent identification
Potential properties are identified through hospitality research, market analysis and publicly available performance information.
Consistent evaluation
The same 150-point structure is applied across markets so strengths and weaknesses are considered on a comparable basis.
Editorial discretion
A score informs eligibility, but HWT also protects the relevance, character and balance of the final collection.
Six dimensions across the complete guest experience.
The framework looks beyond facility count and promotional claims to assess how convincingly and consistently hospitality is delivered.
Digital Experience
How clearly and effectively the property supports the guest journey through its digital presence.
Physical Environment
The quality, condition, comfort and execution of the spaces experienced by guests.
Operational Performance
Consistency and effectiveness across the practical delivery of the stay.
Hospitality Excellence
Service quality, guest care and the human dimension of hospitality.
Design & Identity
The coherence, authenticity and strength of the property's concept and character.
Reputation & Consistency
Guest experience patterns, reputation signals and evidence of sustained performance.
From independent research to an HWT profile.
The process separates quality evaluation from commercial participation so travellers can understand what selection means.
Selection is never for sale.
A property cannot pay for a qualifying score, a higher position or a more favourable evaluation. Commercial participation begins only after independent eligibility has been established.
Selection may be reviewed when material information changes, quality becomes inconsistent or a property no longer aligns with the HWT standard.
Clear answers about HWT selection.
Can a property apply or pay to be selected?
No. A property may share information with HWT, but payment cannot purchase evaluation, eligibility or inclusion.
Does a 130+ score guarantee inclusion?
No. It establishes potential eligibility. HWT retains editorial discretion over invitations and the composition of the collection.
Is HWT a booking platform?
HWT is a discovery and referral platform. Reservations are completed through the property's own website or booking channel.
Can a selected property lose eligibility?
Yes. Selection may be withdrawn if quality, accuracy, relevance or integrity requirements are no longer met.
See the properties that meet the standard.
Discover a focused collection of exceptional hotels and distinctive stays across Europe.