A dual-branded Marriott hotel in Steamboat Springs and a Boulder-based hospitality procurement firm earned recognition at the 2026 Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design, with the Colorado hotel taking home a top honor and Benjamin West contributing to multiple winning projects.
One of the most prestigious accolades in the hospitality design field, the Gold Key Awards recognize outstanding design from across the globe in 24 categories—from standout hotel spaces spanning all sectors to restaurants, wellness-focused venues, and other hospitality settings. Additional categories include Design at Sea (cruise ships and yachts) and Next-Gen Housing (for senior living, multifamily, co-living, etc.)
SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites by Marriott Steamboat Springs won in the Guestroom Budget/Select Service category
The project team included Tomball, Texas-based STUDIO a28, Salt Lake City-based The Richardson Design Partnership, purchasing firm Innvision Hospitality and client Serac Capital Partners.
Boulder-based Benjamin West also had a strong showing at this year’s awards, contributing to multiple winning hospitality projects outside Colorado.
The firm served as the purchasing partner for Hyatt Place Bozeman Yellowstone Airport in Montana, which won in the Hotel Budget/Select Service category. The project team also included Dallas-based Studio 11 Design and Springfield, Missouri-based BRP Architects.
Additionally, Cincinnati’s Fidelity Hotel earned two awards, winning in both the Guestroom Upscale and Suite categories. Benjamin West handled purchasing for the project, working alongside interior design firm Looney & Associates, PWWG Architects and client NuovoRE.
Founded in 1998, Benjamin West specializes in furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) and operating supplies and equipment (OS&E) procurement for the hospitality industry. The company is headquartered in Boulder and maintains additional offices across the United States and in London.
Denver also had representation among this year’s finalists. Uchiko Denver was shortlisted in the Restaurant Casual Dining category, with Denver-based architecture firm Semple Brown. The award ultimately went to Super Peach in Los Angeles.
The 46th annual 2026 Gold Key winners were announced on November 9 at an awards ceremony in New York.
