Russian Hospitality Awards: free audit and media breakthrough for hotels

What the Russian Hospitality Awards are

The Russian Hospitality Awards (RHA) is an annual competition that has been gathering entries from hotels and restaurants across Russia since 2014. Over the years it has become one of the most reliable ways to get an objective assessment in the hospitality sector. Organisers present it as an alternative to awards that rely solely on glossy photographs: here real performance metrics, a transparent methodology and independent feedback matter.

How the assessment works: a multi‑stage process

Entering RHA costs nothing, but the selection process is thorough. First, a hotel submits an application and prepares materials according to the chosen nomination. Then a series of independent checks begins:

1. Digital footprint – analysis of reviews and ratings in the TrustYou system, taking into account both the volume and the quality of guest comments.
2. Expert review – a jury of industry professionals examines the submitted projects, financial data and operational indicators.
3. Secret‑guest visits – specially trained inspectors check into the hotel incognito, recording service level, cleanliness and adherence to the claimed standards.

All results are vetted by the audit firm DRT, which guarantees correct calculations and no conflicts of interest. The jury does not include representatives from competing companies, so bias is eliminated.

What winners and finalists receive

Taking part in the award brings several tangible benefits right away:

• Free external audit. At each stage the hotel gets an independent assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. Such an outside view usually costs a fortune, but RHA provides it for free.
• Media support. The best practices of participants regularly appear in themed round‑ups on the award’s social channels and in industry publications. That raises brand awareness and draws new guests.
• Access to a professional community. The competition serves as a gateway to a club of hoteliers, where cross‑promotion, joint gastronomic events and management‑experience exchange happen.

For hotels stuck in a tough season these perks are especially valuable: the free audit quickly spots problem areas, and the PR boost brings an extra flow of customers without extra spend.

How to apply

Applications open on August 1 and run until August 21. Everything is handled on the official award website – https://hospitalityawards.ru. Registration is straightforward: create a profile, pick a nomination and upload the required documents. Because participation is free, there are no hidden fees.

Why now is the right time to think about RHA

This year the hotel market faces rising competition and higher guest expectations. In that climate, independent expertise is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. With an objective audit in hand, an owner can tweak service, streamline processes and, most importantly, strengthen reputation.

The award’s media component also helps break out of the local market. Posts on social networks and in trade magazines give the property exposure to travelers from other regions, while membership in the professional community opens doors to joint projects and best‑practice sharing.

What’s new this season

The competition has broadened the list of formats eligible for entry. Last year, for the first time, glamping sites were allowed to apply, provided they passed a mandatory classification. That shows the award’s flexibility and its willingness to embrace new industry trends.

It’s also worth noting that restaurants operating inside hotels and serving breakfast are now judged within the hotel competition rather than in a separate restaurant category. This simplifies the application process for mixed‑use properties.

Summary and next steps

For several years Russian Hospitality Awards has attracted more than 700 entries each cycle, a clear sign of its popularity. Joining the contest is a chance to get an independent audit, boost brand visibility and become part of a vibrant professional community.

If your hotel is looking for ways to raise service quality and wants to make a splash on the national stage, now is the moment to submit an application. Discover new possibilities, receive honest feedback and gain support from industry experts.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.