Certified Independent HotelLogo Design Contest

Truly independent hotels are one-of-a-kind small businesses that operate without the backing of a Big Chain (like Marriott or Hilton). However, these big chains are now introducing hotels where the brand-association is hidden -- mimicking independent hotels -- because travelers prefer that unique experience.

We're creating a seal that only truly independent hotels can use to proudly display their chain-free status. Similar to how Brewers Association has created an Independent Craft Brewer Seal.

The audience is avid travelers who seek something special when they travel, vs more chain-hotel-sameness.

This logo will live on a really wide range of hotel websites and marketing collateral.
It's important to us that a version of it can exist in a single color .png file (black or white, likely) for maximum flexibility.
We're not opposed to a color option, as long as it CAN exist in B/W.

https://www.stashrewards.com/hotels -- On this page you can find the really basic V1 of this logo and some of the copy that describes the essence of what we're looking for. We like the clarity of it, but it lacks originality and something unique.

We have a bias for simplicity.

What we don't want: Overused hospitality cliches like a front desk service bell. Please no service-bells.


Here's some similar seals that we like.
https://www.brewersassociation.org/independent-craft-brewer-seal
https://livecertified.org/sites/default/files/logos/CRC_LOCKUP_Vert.svg
https://livecertified.org/sites/default/files/logos/0654-LIVE-Master-Logo-cropped.svg
http://wildoats.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Organicvsnongmo.jpg
https://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/themes/cmab/assets/images/logo.svg