eviivo Awards 2019
Hidden Gem USA
The eviivo Awards is the industry event for independent accommodation, and for the first time this year we are looking for a Hidden Gem winner from the USA.
The Hidden Gem USA Award is for brilliant businesses that leave all their guests demanding an encore (after all Diamonds are Forever…). Our decision will be based on a combination of indicators (performance online, guest reviews, etc.) and information from the property about what makes them unique. We ask properties to tell us their story, about why they should be a winner and what makes them unique and special, the kind of place that once people find them, they never want to leave.
The awards are open to the entire independent accommodation sector – whether you run or own a two-room guest house, seaside inn, or portfolio of self-catering units. And we will fly the winner over to the UK so they can attend eviivo Awards night to collect their award, this year taking place at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London, England. To follow are this year’s inaugural shortlisted properties.
Shortlisted Properties
Alpine Haus Bed & Breakfast Inn
Vernon, New Jersey
This historic 1885 Federal style home, along with its carriage house, was one of the original farms in Vernon, NJ. Unwind on the porch with a bottle of wine from a local winery and admire the views of Vernon Valley and the Pochuck Mountains. With antique furnishings and beautiful bucolic surroundings, this B&B provides a restful oasis.
Sage Hill Inn & Spa
Kyle, Texas
Perched atop a hill on an 88-acre estate, this inn and spa has sweeping views and offers spectacular sunsets. Guests have many miles of hiking trails, a large pool, a luxury hot tub, and beautiful gardens to enjoy and explore at their own leisure. And the best part? The night sky is unimpaired by city lights, so visitors can see an uninterrupted view of the stars.
Hawthorne Inn
Concord, Massachusetts
This historic property was built in the 1860s and has been functioning as a B&B for more than 40 years. Drawing inspiration from the literary and revolutionary history of Concord and the property itself, there are nods to the Transcendentalism movement throughout, honoring writers and philosophers, such as Emerson and Thoreau.
Queen Anne Bed & Breakfast
Nevada, Iowa
This quirky B&B is unique because of the gorgeous papier-mâché ceilings. Each room has a different pattern and there is beautiful woodwork throughout, with cozy spaces for guests to relax in. Queen Anne Bed & Breakfast was built in 1879 and is listed on the National Historical Register, so you’ll get a little slice of history when you stay at this charming place.
The Inn at Abeja
Walla Walla, Washington
Located on a beautifully restored century-old farmstead in the foothills of the Blue Mountains near Walla Walla, Washington, this 38-acre site is home to the celebrated Abeja winery and this inn. Each room reveals a unique story about the rich history of the property, while providing guests a one-of-a-kind experience of sought-after Walla Walla Valley wines.
Berkeley House
Staunton, Virginia
An old mansion was converted to make this elegant bed and breakfast, which offers excellent hospitality and historic Victorian lodging in a fabulous Blue Ridge location. Beautifully decorated with authentic “true to era” antiques, this B&B transports guests to a golden era of luxury and class while boasting modern amenities such as full ensuite bathrooms.
The Canyon Villa
Paso Robles, California
Offering California wine country at its finest, The Canyon Villa is a luxury culinary and wine destination. Whether it’s admiring the glowing sunset from the front terrace of this Italianate villa, or enjoying a glass of wine and conversing with a local winemaker, while taking in the pastoral views of the 11 acre estate, the guest experience here is sublime.
Ebel's Voyageur Houseboats
Orr, Minnesota
There is no more authentic way to experience Voyageurs National Park than in a houseboat. Be your own captain on miles of waterway, once used by the French Canadian voyageurs. Guests can fish, swim or just relax aboard their floating hotel, but should keep an eye out for wildlife, such as deer, moose, otters, bald eagles and black bear to name a few.
Skaneateles Boutique Hotel & Suites
Skaneateles, New York
Comprising of a boutique hotel, holiday bungalows and apartment rentals, this multi-property business has something for everyone. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, the Skaneateles properties make the perfect base for visiting the Finger Lakes. The modern rooms are comfortable and well-equipped – some even have jet bathtubs!
The White Birch Inn
Clayton, Georgia
Owners of The White Birch strive to give their guests the unique experience of “luxury in the mountains”. Whatever activity guests dream of doing, whether it’s fly fishing, ziplining, whitewater rafting, horseback riding or boating, it can be arranged. They’ll even arrange picnic lunches and spa services for when guests are tuckered out from mountain exploring.
Hidden Gem USA Award judging criteria
- We will use data about the property’s performance online and review scores to decide.
- Judges will look at what makes the property unique and special.
- We would like to know how the property came to be guest accommodation and how did the hosts get into the wonderful world of hosting.