The International Restaurant & Hotel Awards gala ceremony will be hosted by Mark DeCarlo of the Travel Channel at the home of the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills, California on November 16th, 2008.

In the tradition of the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards, the International Restaurant & Hotel Awards is the world's most prestigious awards recognizing the best value, moderate and luxury travel establishments in the industry.

Recipients, nominees and judges from countries around the world will gather with the elite of the hospitality industry to pay tribute to the year's most outstanding hotels and restaurants and the 2008 Irha Award Honorees.

Hosted by Mark DeCarlo of the Travel Channel

Celebrate the International Restaurant & Hotel Awards 2008 Irha Award Honorees, Recipients and Grand Award Restaurants & Hotels

Lifetime Achievement
Nina and Tim Zagat

Achievement in Wine
Robert Mondavi

Achievement in Design
Philippe Starck

Achievement in Food & Dining
Carlo Petrini of Slow Food

Visionary of the Year
Costas Christ

Achievement in Travel
To Be Announced May 20th

Achievement in Hotels
To Be Announced May 20th

Humanitarian of the Year - Spotlight On New Orleans
The Cvitanovich Family & Drago’s Seafood Restaurant

IRHA will honor all Humanitarian of the Year nominees
Chef Paul Prudhomme, Cat Cora & Chefs for Humanity, Best Western for a Better World & Emeril Lagasse

IRHA AWARD RECIPIENTS

Travel/Dining Publication of the Year
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel

Editor of the Year
To Be Announced May 20th

Marketing Campaign of the Year
To Be Announced May 20th

Traveler's Vote Awards: Best of Travel & Dining in TV, Radio, Web or Film
Nominees Announced in August 2008

GRAND AWARDS

International Value Restaurant of the Year
International Moderate Restaurant of the Year
International Luxury Restaurant of the Year
International Value Hotel of the Year
International Moderate Hotel of the Year
International Luxury Hotel of the Year

Best New Value Restaurant of the Year
Best New Moderate Restaurant of the Year
Best New Luxury Restaurant of the Year
Best New Value Hotel of the Year
Best New Moderate Hotel of the Year
Best New Luxury Hotel of the Year

Additional categories to be highlighted include the Green Award for eco-friendly hotels, Best Spa, Most Organic/Sustainable, Best Wine List and more.

For additional information on the Irha Award Honorees & IRHA Grand Awards click Here

2008 AWARDS SEASON OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS

In the 2007 awards season, IRHA received submissions from over 50 countries around the world. The Jury reviewed submissions from bed & breakfasts, top restaurants, major chains, six-star luxury hotels, boutique hotels and independent restaurants and hotels in April & May of 2008. Top chains and hotel groups that participated in the 2007 awards season include The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott International, Accor Hotels, The Peninsula Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Kor Hotel Group, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels and a host of others.

It is simple to submit your establishment for consideration. Until September 15th, 2008 submit your restaurant or hotel for consideration (2009 gala ceremony) and receive an early bird discount of 15% off submission fees. Register and fill out the online form or print the PDF and send your website address and optional marketing material. Click Awards for more information on how to submit to IRHA. Click Gala for ticket & VIP inquiries.

All participating hotels and restaurants are considered for citywide, regional, countrywide and worldwide recognition.