"The World's 50 Best Hotels"
THE LIST
Aman Venice. Photography © Aman Canal Grande Hotel, Venice, Amanresorts.
A Global Celebration of Exceptional Hospitality
The World’s 50 Best Hotels celebrates the best hotel experiences across the globe. Pooling the organiser’s years of experience as a global market leader in providing the most reliable expert-curated lists of restaurants and bars, The World’s 50 Best Hotels is an annual ranking of the best venues across the globe as voted for by a panel of 580 global industry experts.
The list is created by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, an influential group of 580 anonymous leaders in the hotel industry, each selected for their expert opinion and background in the hotel scene. The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy comprises nine voting regions, each headed up by an Academy Chair
As 50 Best is about celebrating the wider hospitality ecosystem and showcasing the best possible experiences to consumers, The World’s 50 Best Hotels was a natural next step. 50 Best acknowledges the many levels on which hotels operate as well as the people behind them – recognising and celebrating the most outstanding establishments and the individuals who bring them to life.
Passalacqua. Photography by Ruben Ortiz.
Raffles Singapore. Photography © Raffles Singapore.
The list features hotels from 35 different destinations across six continents. Europe dominates with 21 of the top 50, while Asia follows with 18. London, Paris, and Bangkok each have four properties on the list, while New York and Marrakesh have two.
Badrutt's Palace. Photography © Badrutt's Palace.
Le Sirenuse Hotel. Photography by Brechenmacher & Baumann.
Although large hotel groups and luxury brands predominate, some independent venues have earned recognition. Notably, the family-owned Passalacqua hotel in Italy was awarded the top spot, despite opening only a year ago. This boutique hotel on Lake Como impresses with its historic charm, meticulously restored interiors, and beautiful gardens, making it feel more like a private home than a hotel.
Other hotels on the list share this blend of historic ambiance, idyllic settings, and intimate hospitality. Examples include Le Sirenuse, an 18th-century villa in Positano, Italy; Aman Venice, housed in a 16th-century Venetian palace; and historic establishments like Badrutt's Palace in St. Moritz, Raffles Singapore, and Claridge’s in London, which have retained their legendary status through a balance of old-school splendor and contemporary luxury.
Hotel Esencia. Photography © Hotel Esencia.
NIHI Sumba. Photography by Read McKendree.
In contrast, Dubai's Atlantis The Royal offers opulent excess, featuring 800 rooms, numerous restaurants, and an abundance of swimming pools. Tropical resorts like One&Only Mandarina in Mexico and Hotel Esencia in Tulum offer low-key luxury amid lush surroundings. NIHI Sumba in Indonesia provides beach-chic luxury with bamboo-and-teak villas and stunning ocean views.
For urban escapes, hotels like Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens, The Siam in Bangkok, and The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra provide havens of luxury amidst the city bustle. The Upper House in Hong Kong, situated high above the city, offers minimalist luxury and breathtaking views.
One&Only Mandarina. Photography by Rupert Peace.
Atlantis The Royal. Photography © Atlantis The Royal.
The Siam. Photography © The Siam
In summary, The World's 50 Best Hotels list stands out for its unique methodology, featuring a diverse array of exceptional hotels from around the world that excel in offering guests remarkable experiences, whether through historic charm, idyllic settings, or urban luxury.
NoMad London. Photography by Simon Upton.
Four Seasons Astir Palace. Photography © Four Seasons Astir Palace.
