Historic Hotelier of the Year 2026: International Recognition for Britannia Hotel 

We are delighted to share that our Managing Director, Arild Sjødin, has been named Historic Hotelier of the Year 2026 by Historic Hotels Worldwide. Presented on 15 October in Williamsburg, Virginia, this prestigious international accolade celebrates exceptional leadership and a distinguished commitment to the heritage and traditions of the world’s historic hotels.

For Britannia Hotel, this recognition holds particular significance. It is a tribute not only to our dedication to preserving the hotel’s rich heritage while shaping its future, but also to the remarkable people who bring the Britannia experience to life each day. Through their genuine warmth, meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to the art of hospitality, our team creates the exceptional moments and lasting memories that define a stay at Britannia.

When our Managing Director, Arild Sjødin, was presented with the Historic Hotelier of the Year award, it was his colleagues he wished to honour above all.

“It is a great honour to receive this award. At the same time, it feels somewhat unusual to receive an individual accolade in an industry where no one succeeds alone. It is my colleagues who make these moments possible. Delivering five-star hospitality requires dedication, meticulous attention to detail and a genuine warmth in welcoming every guest, consistently, day after day. That is what makes Britannia Trondheim’s leading hotel,” said Sjødin during the awards ceremony.

His words capture the very essence of hospitality at Britannia: a shared commitment to creating exceptional experiences and lasting memories that stay with our guests long after their departure.

The story of Britannia Hotel as we know it today began with a dream held by a 15-year-old boy more than six decades ago.

As a young boy, Odd Reitan would visit Britannia with his family on special occasions. Even then, he dreamed of one day owning the historic hotel in the heart of Trondheim. In 2015, that dream became a reality when Reitan acquired Britannia Hotel and embarked on an extensive restoration, guided by a vision to preserve its rich heritage while transforming it into a five-star hotel of international distinction.

When Britannia reopened its doors in 2019, it marked the beginning of a remarkable new chapter in the hotel’s history.

During the awards ceremony, Sjødin reflected on the story behind Britannia’s transformation:

“We all had dreams when we were 15. The difference is that Reitan remembered his. And perhaps that is what those of us entrusted with historic hotels have in common: we do not simply preserve history. We give it a future,” said Sjødin.

Since 1870, Britannia Hotel has welcomed guests from near and far to the heart of Trondheim. Across generations, the hotel has been a cherished meeting place, a setting for memorable occasions, personal milestones and moments that become lasting memories.

This rich heritage remains at the heart of Britannia’s identity. Yet carrying its legacy forward is about more than preserving historic architecture and time-honoured traditions. Above all, it is about the people who bring the hotel to life each day, and the new stories that continue to unfold within its walls.

As Arild Sjødin reflected during the awards ceremony:

“History provides us with a wonderful backdrop, but it is the people who bring it to life. Every day, new stories are created within these walls. That is what makes it so special to be part of Britannia,” said Sjødin.

He concluded his acceptance speech with a heartfelt tribute to his colleagues and the hotel’s owners:

“I accept this award with great pride, but I do so on behalf of everyone who makes Britannia the hotel it is. And to our owners: thank you for your vision and for believing in a 15-year-old’s dream,” said Sjødin.

The award was presented at the 2026 Historic Hotels Annual Conference, held at Williamsburg Lodge in Virginia, USA. The gathering brought together owners and leaders of historic hotels from around the world to exchange perspectives on heritage preservation, the art of hospitality and the future of travel.

During the ceremony, Lawrence Horwitz, Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, paid special tribute to Britannia Hotel and Arild Sjødin.

“We are delighted to honour Arild Sjødin and Britannia Hotel with this prestigious award. Selected from a distinguished group of nominees and evaluated across several categories, they represent the very finest in historic hospitality and hotel leadership worldwide,” said Horwitz.

He also highlighted the dedication of those who preserve the traditions and spirit of the world’s historic hotels.

“We celebrate the passion and commitment of the people who work at these iconic and legendary historic hotels. It is through their dedication that the stories of the past remain alive, transforming every stay and special occasion into an experience guests will remember,” said Horwitz.

The Historic Hotelier of the Year award is presented by Historic Hotels Worldwide in recognition of exceptional leadership and a distinguished commitment to preserving and shaping the future of historic hotels.

The organisation represents more than 350 hotels across over 46 countries, including former castles, palaces and monasteries. To qualify for membership, a property must be at least 75 years old, hold historical significance and be recognised by a national heritage organisation.

For Britannia Hotel, this prestigious accolade is a meaningful recognition of our commitment to honouring the hotel’s rich heritage while embracing the finest traditions of contemporary five-star hospitality. Above all, it is a tribute to the people who carry Britannia’s legacy forward each day, creating exceptional experiences and lasting memories for our guests.