Hotel 1928 in Waco, Texas, has claimed the top award for boutique hotels with fewer than 50 rooms in the annual Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) Awards. Presented by BLLA since 2010, BLLA Awards honor the most daring and innovative achievements in the boutique hospitality industry, recognizing the world’s finest hotels, visionaries, and partners.
Waco’s Hotel 1928 received the top honor in the Best Boutique Hotel Under 50 Rooms category. Celebrated for its unique charm and dedication to the guest experience, Hotel 1928 was transformed from a historic early 20th-century Moorish Revival lodge by Chip and Joanna Gaines, along with AJ Capital Partners. They meticulously preserved original details, including the square rooftop penthouse, unique brickwork, arched doors, intricate trim, terrazzo floors, and textured glass. The original ballroom, built for galas and soirees, was modernized and made beautifully accessible for all, while a storage room for coal was transformed into a two-story library—considered the crown jewel of the building. Hotel 1928 features 33 guest rooms, three F&B outlets, more than 6,600 square feet of meeting and event space, and a rooftop terrace.
Other winners of the 2024 BLLA Awards are: The Ranch at Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, Cali., Best Boutique Hotel Over 50 Rooms; Dawn Ranch in Guerneville, Calif., Best Boutique Hotel Design Project; Jon Kully, founder of LEFT LANE, New York City, Best Boutique Hotel Owner; McClinton Heil, general manager at Halcyon hotel in Cherry Creek, Colo.; and Hyperion Essentials, Best Boutique Hospitality Vendor.
Hyperion Essentials provides sustainable hotel amenities. According to the BLLA website, Hyperion Essentials was recognized for its “outstanding contributions to enhancing the guest experience through innovative, eco-friendly solutions tailored specifically to the needs of boutique hotels. Their commitment to sustainability and quality has set a new standard in the industry, making them a leader in their field.”
BLLA Awards were established in 2010 to provide a platform to celebrate exceptional efforts in boutique hospitality. Each year, the awards identify and honor the industry’s top performers in hotel design and management, ownership, and operation. Submissions for the 2025 BLLA Awards will open in January.
