“The World’s 50 Best” has historically published rankings of the world’s best restaurants and the world’s best bars, and the rankings have always been highly respected by their respective industries and the public.
In 2023, the organization started publishing annual rankings of the world’s best hotels. While I don’t usually put too much weight into these kinds of rankings, it’s still always interesting to take a look, and the latest list has just been published.
“The World’s 50 Best Hotels” list for 2026
“The World’s 50 Best Hotels” list has just been released for 2026. Here’s the full list, and next to each of the 50 winners I noted how the hotel was ranked in 2025, if at all:
- Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong (2025: #1)
- Capella Bangkok, Thailand (2025: #3)
- Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Thailand (2025: #2)
- Atlantis The Royal Dubai, UAE (2025: #6)
- Passalacqua Lake Como, Italy (2025: #4)
- Rosewood São Paulo, Brazil (2025: #24)
- Mandarin Oriental Qianmen Beijing, China (2025: #14)
- Upper House Hong Kong, Hong Kong (2025: #10)
- Chablé Yucatán Chocholá, Mexico (2025: #8)
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand (2025: #7)
- Aman Tokyo, Japan (2025: #25)
- Four Seasons Florence, Italy (2025: #9)
- Claridge’s London, United Kingdom (2025: #16)
- Hôtel de Crillon Paris, France (2025: #23)
- Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Dubai, UAE (2025: #20)
- Capella Sydney, Australia (2025: #12)
- Raffles Singapore, Singapore (2025: #5)
- Casa Maria Luigia Modena, Italy (2025: #18)
- Le Bristol Paris, France (2025: #19)
- Cheval Blanc Paris, France (2025: #21)
- Desa Potato Head Bali, Indonesia (2025: #18)
- San Ysidro Ranch Santa Barbara, United States (2025: not ranked)
- One&Only Mandarina Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (2025: #39)
- Bulgari Tokyo, Japan (2025: #15)
- Las Ventanas al Paraíso Los Cabos, Mexico (2025: #44)
- Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco (2025: #13)
- Four Seasons Astir Palace Athens, Greece (2025: #17)
- Raffles London at The OWO, United Kingdom (2025: #31)
- Copacabana Palace Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2025: #11)
- The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai, India (2025: #38)
- The Peninsula Istanbul, Türkiye (2025: not ranked)
- Bulgari Rome, Italy (2025: #22)
- Patina Osaka, Japan (2025: not ranked)
- Mount Nelson Cape Town, South Africa (2025: not ranked)
- Nihi Sumba, Indonesia (2025: not ranked)
- Badrutt’s Palace St. Moritz, Switzerland (2025: not ranked)
- Park Hyatt Kyoto, Japan (2025: not ranked)
- Hôtel du Couvent Nice, France (2025: #27)
- Portrait Milano, Italy (2025: not ranked)
- Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco (2025: #36)
- Plaza Athénée Paris, France (2025: not ranked)
- Hotel Sacher Vienna, Austria (2025: #49)
- Estelle Manor Witney, United Kingdom (2025: #47)
- Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc Antibes, France (2025: not ranked)
- Amangiri Canyon Point, United States (2025: not ranked)
- The Peninsula Hong Kong, Hong Kong (2025: not ranked)
- Maroma Riviera Maya, Mexico (2025: #33)
- Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Thailand (2025: not ranked)
- The Connaught London, United Kingdom (2025: #29)
- San Domenico Palace Taormina, Italy (2025: not ranked)
As you can see, 14 properties on the list weren’t ranked last year, but were ranked this year. That also means that 14 properties fell off the list in 2026. Here are the properties that fell off the list in 2026, along with their 2025 rankings:
- Hotel Il Pellicano, Porto Ercole, Italy (2025: #26)
- Soneva Fushi, Maldives (2025: #28)
- La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco (2025: #30)
- The Emory, London, United Kingdom (2025: #32)
- The Calile, Brisbane, Australia (2025: #34)
- The Lana, Dubai, UAE (2025: #35)
- Singita Kruger National Park, South Africa (2025: #40)
- Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Hong Kong (2025: #41)
- Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, United States (2025: #42)
- The Mark, New York, United States (2025: #43)
- The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon, Japan (2025: #45)
- Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, Japan (2025: #46)
- Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Croatia (2025: #48)
- Mandapa, Bali, Indonesia (2025: #50)
It’s interesting to note the top ranked hotel in each continent:
- In Asia it’s Rosewood Hong Kong (#1)
- In Europe it’s Passalacqua (#5)
- In South America it’s Rosewood São Paulo (#6)
- In North America it’s Chablé Yucatan Chocholá (#9)
- In Oceania it’s Capella Sydney (#16)
- In Africa it’s Royal Mansour Marrakech (#26)
It really shows you how Asia and Europe are spoiled with amazing hotels, as the regions have a vast majority of the top properties.
How the top hotel rankings are decided on
Whenever you see a list like this, one logical question is what methodology is used to award these rankings. There’s no perfect way to go about ranking things, but I have to give the organization credit for at least putting a lot of thought into how it goes about this, and being transparent.
Long story short, this list is created by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, which “comprises more than 800 members, each selected for their expert opinion of the international hotel scene, with a 50/50 gender balance.” The panel consists 40% of travel journalists, 30% of hoteliers, and 30% of seasoned luxury travelers. A minimum of 25% of the panel is renewed every year.
The globe is divided into 13 geographical regions, and each region has a chairperson appointed for their knowledge of their section of the hotel world. These chairs select a voting panel, consisting of hoteliers, journalists, and experienced luxury travelers.
Each member has seven votes, and needs to list the top seven hotels they have stayed at in the past two years, in order of preference. They must have spent at least one night at each property, and press trips, complimentary room nights, and those achieved through loyalty schemes, are valid for consideration. Each voter can only list up to three hotels within the same hotel group.
When it comes to choosing which properties they like most, this is super open-ended. There’s no criteria, so they can vote for whatever hotel they deem worthy.
My take on the world’s top hotel rankings
I always enjoy these kinds of lists, though I don’t put too much weight on them. Personally I view this more as a list of 50 great hotels, rather than a ranked list of the world’s 50 best hotels. To state the obvious, comparing Passalacqua to Atlantis The Royal is just something that can’t reasonably be done, because they’re such different experiences.
I do find it strange that the top four hotels are all city properties, since at least personally, I enjoy an amazing resort a lot more than an incredible city hotel.
There’s no denying that the people ranking these hotels have stayed at a lot of great properties over the years, though:
- They’re limited to ranking hotels they’ve stayed at within the past two years, and ultimately there are only so many properties you can stay at over that time
- I think some hotels make big pushes with inviting “travel journalists” partly to get onto lists like this, so you’ll find that hotels often put a lot of effort into media outreach when they hope to be ranked in this way
- As you’d expect, a lot more people will be invited to stay at a luxury hotel with hundreds of rooms, vs. a small boutique property with a dozen rooms
In many ways, I appreciate just how random this list is, and how so many of these hotels can’t be compared. You have everything from the 24-room Passalacqua, to the 795-room Atlantis The Royal. At least the Tokyo EDITION Toranomon was taken off the list, so there’s some justice in the world!
I find it noteworthy how there’s not a single Airelles property in the list. It’s my favorite hotel brand, and the company has some amazing properties. So why don’t they make a list? Well, they’re all small properties that are in high demand (many open seasonally), so I imagine the committee that rates hotels just doesn’t get a lot of comped stays there.
The thing I really don’t like about these lists is the extent to which they drive up rates at the top properties. People love to show off and feel like they’ve stayed at the “it” place, so of course everyone wants to visit “the best hotel in the world.” It almost has a White Lotus-esque impact.
Ranking on these kinds of lists is great for business, but it’s less good when it comes to affordable rates and availability at these hotels.
Bottom line
“The World’s 50 Best Hotels” list has been published for 2026. It’s always fun to look at to get a sense of what hotels are good, but I wouldn’t trust the relative rankings too much, given how the rankings are decided on. Anyway, Rosewood Hong Kong is the best hotel in the world for a second year in a row, followed by Capella Bangkok, followed by Four Seasons Bangkok.
What do you make of this new list of the best hotels in the world?
I donno; feels more like a list of whoever paid the most to whoever created this list.
Just like you! "I don’t usually put too much weight into these kinds of rankings (no one, I love to make my rankings by myself)."
But I agree, Copacabana Palace Rio is amazing but super expensive!
It amazes me no Hyatt's are in the list.
I know a lot of them worldwide but for me no one beats Marina Bay Sands Singapore.
Copacabana Palace is one of the most disappointing hotels I've ever stayed at. Definitely does not belong on this list.
“Potato Head” pmsl
"Definitely does not belong on the list." I'm not saying it necessarily belongs on the Top 50 list, but this is why it's highly subjective. You had a disappointing stay, meanwhile Nelson above had a great stay and my client who just left said it was one of his favorite hotel stays ever. They absolutely pampered him and went above and beyond in every way. He would probably argue it definitely belongs on the list....
"Definitely does not belong on the list." I'm not saying it necessarily belongs on the Top 50 list, but this is why it's highly subjective. You had a disappointing stay, meanwhile Nelson above had a great stay and my client who just left said it was one of his favorite hotel stays ever. They absolutely pampered him and went above and beyond in every way. He would probably argue it definitely belongs on the list. All of this is why I don't really look at these lists or put any weight behind them. I've loved some restaurants and bars on their lists and couldn't believe others were on it...
Does Tokyo Edition even make Top 50 points hotels?? This list is inferring it’s the #1 points hotel (I think?). Absolutely bonkers.
@ pstm91;
Fully agree! I don't say Copacabana Palace is my favorite but everytime I go to Rio (about monthly) I look for no other and have never ever had any issue or complication with them.
I guess these matter as much as the SkyTrax rankings do.
You should consider trying/putting your guests in the Fasano on Ipanema. Far superior to the outdated Copacabana Palace.
I cannot believe Mandapa: A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is on this list. MANDAPA IS A DUMP. Even thinking about that place makes my stomach churn.
People love lists. Which is why everyone does them. The reality is that they rarely deliver any sort of reality as to rankings in that it is an apples and oranges comparison.
To make it worse there is little critical thinking left....especially in America. Many of these hotels, sure, I would call exceptional. Most actually. But the top 50? The Sacher is one example. It's an interesting historical property with very nice service and...
People love lists. Which is why everyone does them. The reality is that they rarely deliver any sort of reality as to rankings in that it is an apples and oranges comparison.
To make it worse there is little critical thinking left....especially in America. Many of these hotels, sure, I would call exceptional. Most actually. But the top 50? The Sacher is one example. It's an interesting historical property with very nice service and a bit of a landmark. But it is hardly in the Top 50 in the world. One could even argue that from a complete experience it is no better than Rosewood Wien.
Copacabana Palace? It's hard to place that as first in Brazil, let alone in the Top 50. Fasano for me is far superior. Tokyo Edition? How?
It's like they wanted to check off the boxes of certain brands, emphasis on "historical" properties, and be sure to cover all markets. Such as two in the U.S......Aman, never stayed there so can't say, but The Mark? Nice hotel but hardly memorable as one of the Top 50 in the world.
The reality is that if you were effectively choosing the Top 50 Hotels in the world they would be almost entirely in Europe and Asia. But, of course, they can't do that. In the end consumers will believe this list and as the writer states it's great for the properties as they now become a destination in themselves for Instagram bragging rights. "Here I am at one of the Top 50 Hotels in The World."
Hotel du Couvent is part of the Luxury collection but your point still stands.
Worthless rating. Always has been. They are bribed and don't pay out of pocket.
"They must have spent at least one night at each property, and press trips, complimentary room nights, and those achieved through loyalty schemes, are valid for consideration."
Lots of these places are disappointing at best. Capella BKK is a joke for the money.
Potato Head... i mean nice enough after 15 complaints each stay.
Peninsula Beverly Hills f king rocks, it should be on there
EDITION hotels all bl w
Motel 6 in Enid OK gets my vote.
Yes, they matter because believe in ratings.
Raffles is part of Accor.
I'm sure there are some mighty fine properties on this list, but I do take these rankings with a good pinch of salt.
Our resident list quoter is rather quiet about this.
That's because it is.
The restaurant list is famously bad and just a sign of who paid to get on.
Sorry Ben, but it is not even close to respected, it's a laughing stock - I'm going to assume this hotel list is about the same.
Surely, what the naysayers are posting is that their opinion is absolutely useless to other readers, yes?
Perhaps, what the naysayers are really saying in their posts is that they could never afford to stay in any one of the listed hotels, therefore, they are going to trash the options of those who can, yes?
Apparently, what the naysayers are posting is their jealous condemnation of something of which they know absolutely nothing,...
Surely, what the naysayers are posting is that their opinion is absolutely useless to other readers, yes?
Perhaps, what the naysayers are really saying in their posts is that they could never afford to stay in any one of the listed hotels, therefore, they are going to trash the options of those who can, yes?
Apparently, what the naysayers are posting is their jealous condemnation of something of which they know absolutely nothing, yes?
One should pity the naysayers, yes?
Is that a question?
Cool article! These rankings definitely raise the bar (literally) but they’re not the whole story. I’ll still check reviews, pics, and what I want out of a stay.
This is not as absurd as many of the "top hotels" lists I've tend to be. Most of the hotels here deserve mention when discussing top hotels.
But what did seem absurd what the #1 hotel in New York City. The Mark? The newly renovated Surrey, just around the corner from the Mark, easily bests that hotel. But would either qualify as the best hotel in NYC? Puzzled...
From my restaurant and bar experience following their guide, I've generally liked the places they choose, but given how many there are, who make it is kinda random. It's definitely more reliable than checking a TripAdvisor or Google Maps rating.
On another note regarding Brazil... I think it's wild to say that the Rosewood Sao Paulo is ranked higher than Palacio Tangara. Even though I haven't stayed at the Rosewood, Palacio Tangara seems to be in a league of its own, based on my experience of staying there as well as having looked and stayed at other luxury properties in SP (city).
Like Ben pointed out, I think it's more of a question of which...
On another note regarding Brazil... I think it's wild to say that the Rosewood Sao Paulo is ranked higher than Palacio Tangara. Even though I haven't stayed at the Rosewood, Palacio Tangara seems to be in a league of its own, based on my experience of staying there as well as having looked and stayed at other luxury properties in SP (city).
Like Ben pointed out, I think it's more of a question of which hotels are actively trying the most to get to / remain in the list (i.e. are inviting the most eligible panel members).
You're suggesting that those who think this list (and others like it) are irrelevant are, much more succinctly put, poor, and guilty of sour grapes, yes?
I *have* stayed at and typically *do* stay at some of these properties on a regular basis. A friend is the travel editor of a major magazine and would be the first to say that the task is far too subjective. And, the industry is plagued with pay-to-play rankings. A quick glance reveals one ownership group well represented.
Out of all the amazing hotels in the world, I find it hilarious that #2 and #3 of this list are literally (and I mean literally) located right next to one another!
A question is a sentence which ends with a question mark (?), yes?
How can Capella Bangkok be No3 when the honest US blogger Flip Flop Traveller ranks the breakfast 3/10 in overall rank 132nd place of 149th of total and category " A Letdown but Mostly Edible". :-)
I do believe that one’s view of the best is partially a function of your age! What I consider the best differs greatly from that of someone in their 30’s.
Some rankings matter although most are corrupt and biased with fake reviews, or advertiser/sponsored bias. Forbes (former Mobil) are still the most prestigious awards and the only "official" star ratings but even it has become suspect in recent years with some questionable 5 star recipients. TripAdvisor, Yelp and Google are worthless, Telegraph and Michelin are better but still not the gold standard the Mobil ratings used to be.
Desa potato head? Please.
I must thank the naysayers for confirming that the opinions which they have expressed herein, have been true to form …. totally worthless. As their opinions on this subject matter is so suspect, one has to question their ability to be trusted on aviation matters too, yes?
This is very subjective. Everyone has a different idea of what type of hotel they prefer. Further, lists like this are not neutral and are full of biases
I knew two people who worked at the aman. Can’t stop laughing
One i spent 30 nights in hotels with in one year
Yea no not good customer service
Upper house could be
I knew someone who went to work there from the lower house conrad . I loved her there
Otherwise i never stayed at any of these
To be taken with a grain of salt. For example two of my all time fav hotels would be The Oberoi Udaivillas and The Leela Palace Jaipur - both ultra luxury properties with impeccable service and products. The Taj Palace Mumbai is a far cry. However, they just don’t appear on the list since the Taj is popular.
In addition, my second fav brand after The Oberoi is The Anantara - never on the...
To be taken with a grain of salt. For example two of my all time fav hotels would be The Oberoi Udaivillas and The Leela Palace Jaipur - both ultra luxury properties with impeccable service and products. The Taj Palace Mumbai is a far cry. However, they just don’t appear on the list since the Taj is popular.
In addition, my second fav brand after The Oberoi is The Anantara - never on the list even though they are superior to many of the properties ranked.
The best use of the list by far is an indication of popularity and where to avoid since costs and hype will be inflated, and the lobby will be bustling.
These are not hotels that Americans would stay at, so not many people will understand here.
If there ain't a Hyatt, Marriott or Hilton, Americans dont think other hotels exist.
I rather think it's the opposite, Anna. There are loads of mega-luxury brands that Americans would gravitate towards on this list. Americans who travel on this level aren't traveling to most Hyatts, Marriotts or Hiltons unless they they are small luxury hotels jacked into their systems or "crown jewel" type properties (ie Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, Gritti Palace, Roma Cavalieri, etc). There are good properties on here, but some are perplexing.
...I rather think it's the opposite, Anna. There are loads of mega-luxury brands that Americans would gravitate towards on this list. Americans who travel on this level aren't traveling to most Hyatts, Marriotts or Hiltons unless they they are small luxury hotels jacked into their systems or "crown jewel" type properties (ie Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, Gritti Palace, Roma Cavalieri, etc). There are good properties on here, but some are perplexing.
Amangiri should be nowhere near any of these lists. It is a beautiful property, and the outside people that they contract with for experiences are great, but I've had better service at roadside motels than at Amangiri. Why is Amangiri on here and not Aman Venice or Amandari, two other Aman properties that deliver stunning locations AND classic Aman service? Influencers, yada yada yada, who knows...
So, eh, a lot of insta-spots and some good ones. IYKYK
Agreed. I’ve been to the hotels mentioned here by the original poster. I’m an American and find more the majority of guests at such hotels to be from the U.S. and the UK followed by Indians. Of course as you would expect, only a certain class of foreigners pay for $800/night hotels. As mentioned earlier, most of the hotels on The 50 Best have always disproportionally favoured more frequently visited (note urban) properties. As long...
Agreed. I’ve been to the hotels mentioned here by the original poster. I’m an American and find more the majority of guests at such hotels to be from the U.S. and the UK followed by Indians. Of course as you would expect, only a certain class of foreigners pay for $800/night hotels. As mentioned earlier, most of the hotels on The 50 Best have always disproportionally favoured more frequently visited (note urban) properties. As long as you are aware of that, the list can be used. Let’s also be clear that American tourists generally fall into two categories - the young college-age adventurer staying mostly at affordable places or the well healed upper class, if at all they leave the country. Most Americans rarely move away from their birth place.
The problem of hotels in India is you have to go to India.
Tell me you have never been to India without telling me you have never been to India.
Never take Eskimo personally. They have never travelled anywhere. One can tell easily by their ignorance and asinine comments. Well known on the blog as the court jester.
The village idiot would be more accurate….
It is reassuring that properties that threaten reviewers with arrest didn’t make the cut. That’s a black eye that sings for a long time to come to serve as a reminder of what NOT to do.
That’s a brand new hotel. I expect they’ll be be in the 40s next year.
Based on my own experiences at many of these hotels, it seems like hotels that are more focused on marketing and influencers seem to do disproportionately well on this list.
Aman also seems to have made a big PR push.
I haven’t paid any attention to the hotel list, but I will say I do use their 50 Best Bars (mainly their regional lists) to find good cocktail bars to visit on my travels. I understand the list can be bought, so I have no illusions, but I do have to say, more often than not, a bar I’ve visited on one of the lists has been exceptional.
Flawed list.
Hotels like Capella Bangkok are super overrated. If you ask me in 2 years about my Capella stay, would be hard pressed to remember. Don't get me wrong. It was a great stay but nothing memorable about it. Nothing that wows you. Nothing that is stunningly beautiful. But there are stays that one would remember forever. Hotels that are stunningly beautiful. That would be a lifelong memory. And those hotels are surprisingly not here.
So true. I just stayed at the Siam and the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, guess which one I will remember and want to go back in 2 years!
It would be fun to have all the " academy " submissions listed so one could customize results by individual priorities. What I find compelling is unlikely to be someone else's top attraction
People assume the list reflects closer to reality.
The methodology, if it's even followed, favors a lot more city locations than resorts in remote locations.
I wouldn't be surprised at all if half the (real vote result) list would be from Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand.
These lists are absurd, and I feel pity for anyone who lets themselves be influenced by them.
50 hotels with the highest marketing budget is more accurate.
Atlantis the Royal? 😂. It’s not even in the top 10 in Dubai.
I like how you put it - a list of 50 very good hotels. It's absolutely a pay-to-play organization. I was on a recent FAM trip with several travel journalists who were discussing the "50 Best". All were participants in it, but two no longer contributed because they didn't like the criteria and how it is all about who is comping/paying. At the end of the day it's subjective and just because it's a great hotel doesn't make it the right property for you.
Yeah these lists are useless. It doesn’t make sense how heavily tilted it is to city hotels.
The requirement to have stayed in the hotel, as the only selection criterion, introduces a huge bias toward bigger properties: more beds => more voters staying there. Probably explains why there are so many city hotels.
I appreciate that there is no fee for hotels to participate, though how is the whole thing funded?
This is pointless.
The best hotels are independent and do not marketing or lists.
This is pointless.
The best chain hotels started as independent and do not marketing or lists.
"800 anonymous industry experts" (Voters list their top seven hotel stays from the past two years, with no rigid quantitative score criteria, allowing voters to weigh their choices subjectively. They are not paid, supposedly.) Is that they best ranking system?
Meanwhile, Michelin, the tire/food people, award 1-3 Keys, don't do an overall ranking, and their paid inspectors say they operate anonymously, 'pay their own way,' and do not allow 'pay-to-play' placement fees, etc. They...
"800 anonymous industry experts" (Voters list their top seven hotel stays from the past two years, with no rigid quantitative score criteria, allowing voters to weigh their choices subjectively. They are not paid, supposedly.) Is that they best ranking system?
Meanwhile, Michelin, the tire/food people, award 1-3 Keys, don't do an overall ranking, and their paid inspectors say they operate anonymously, 'pay their own way,' and do not allow 'pay-to-play' placement fees, etc. They do get paid by tourism boards, earn booking commissions. Is that a better, more objective rating? They haven't done me wrong on food, but hotels, eh.
Agreed on Michelin. I appreciate that it's not a ranked list approach, but I find their hotel awards to be perplexing sometimes. I've been to exceptional hotels with no keys and some 3 key hotels feel indistinguishable from 2 key or 1 key hotels at times.
There's no perfect system though so I appreciate all of these lists more for discovery than anything else.
like all rankings...they are a pay to play.....look at QR/skytrax......
wait - the list must be a sham since ‘the world’s only seven stars hotel’ i.e., burj al arab isn’t on it! (/sarcasm)