LONDON — The world’s 50 best hotels have been announced for 2026 at a prestigious awards ceremony in Paris – and the top spot has been clinched by an ultra-luxury hotel in Hong Kong, for the second year running.
Europe was well represented though, with 21 of the top 50 hotels are in the continent. Italy and France both have six properties featured, and the UK is home to four.
Here are the top 10 – all five-stars, naturally.
1. Rosewood, Hong Kong
The 65-story icon on the Victoria harbor waterfront in Kowloon, Hong Kong, has taken the top stop once again. It’s the service that’s said to stand out here and the infinity pool overlooking the city’s most famous spot. There are 11 restaurants and bars, including two Michelin-star restaurants – the Legacy House and Chaat – and a sophisticated speakeasy DarkSide. For ultimate luxury, two private lodges sit apart from the main building on a sun terrace, which each have their own spa chamber and ‘sleep-enhancing technology’.
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2. Capella Bangkok, Thailand
The Thai capital has a strong showing on this year’s list, at both second and third spots. Capella Bangkok was ranked first in 2024 and third in 2025 so clearly it isn’t going anywhere. This low-rise retreat is close to the Chao Phraya River and features private plunge pools and waterside villas. It may have some of the priciest rooms in the city, but it’s ultra-sleek, is home to famous chef Mauro Colagreco’s restaurant and every room comes with a huge spa-like bathroom. Set in one of Bangkok’s oldest districts, it’s a in prime position for exploring.
3. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Bangkok
Not far away is the Four Seasons, a sophisticated urban resort featuring a lot of marble, a pool right on the edge of the river, world-class dining and a luxe spa that focuses on tranquility and holistic healing. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy it’s all about oversized proportions with natural stone, soothing bedrooms and a lobby that could be a modern art gallery. For families, there’s a kids’ club, a shallow swimming pool and the restaurants offer child-friendly menus.
4. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
On the oceanfront of the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the 43-storey Atlantis The Royal opened in 2023 (Beyonce performed at the launch) and epitomises Dubai’s grandeur and glamour. It isn’t understated in any sense of the word – there are nearly 800 rooms, 17 restaurants and a 32,300 sq ft spa. One of its many swimming pools sits on top of the skybridge, bars and restaurants include Nobu by the Beach and Resonance by Heston Blumenthal and the service is reported to be exceptional.
5. Passalacqua, Lake Como
Nothing says traditional high end than a historic hotel on the shores of Italy’s most famous lake. Unlike every hotel above it in the World’s 50 Best Hotels, Passalacqua dates back many years – to the 18th century in fact. For true la dolce vita, with more than a touch of exclusivity, the hotel offers just 24 rooms in a highly coveted location on the south end of the water. Steeped in character and tasteful elegance without being showy or gaudy, there is an indoor and outdoor pool and perfectly manicured gardens to stroll through.
6. Rosewood, São Paulo
Another Rosewood hotel made the top 10, this time in Brazil, after jumping from No 24 in 2025. The largest urban area by population outside of Asia and the most populous city in Brazil, São Paulo is vast, but it has a growing luxury hotel scene. This is Rosewood’s first property in South America and it oozes cool glamour, apparently nearly 100 creatives were brought in to help put in the artworks and finishing touches to the striking design. The interior was once a maternity ward, now it’s a sleek space of white and bright color, the main pool has mosaic floors, and the top service comes with a WhatsApp number to make your requests through.
7. Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing
In the heart of the Chinese city, Mandarin Oriental Qianmen feels understated and totally in keeping with local style – renovated siheyuan (courtyard houses) set among authentic hutongs – traditional alleyways that make up so much of Beijing. Each bedroom even has its own private courtyard and some include private tea rooms. The location makes it feel fully immersed in the real Beijing and it’s within close reach of the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven Park.
8. Upper House Hong Kong
On Hong Kong Island overlooking Victoria Harbour (where else), Upper House Hong Kong is a boutique hotel with high-rise views. The look was created by one of Asia’s biggest designers and architect Andre Fu – think minimalist with natural materials like limestone, bamboo and woollens in the bedrooms – which also have walk-in wardrobes and giant bathtubs. And of course, the views are spectacular.
9. Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá
On Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula in 750 acres of tropical jungle, Chablé Yucatán is a restored 19th-century estate in a modern Mexican style. There are some swish suites and some beautiful one-bedroom Casitas with private pools and alfresco showers. The spa even has its own cenote – a natural freshwater sinkhole.
10. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
A second Mandarin Oriental, this time in the Thai capital, but in a completely different style to the first. Dating back to 1876, the property was reimagined with opulent Italian design. The suites channel a single colour palette so each feels unique or their most exclusive suite, the Oriental, has a 700-square foot private terrace with a full kitchen and dining room, and a visit to the spa includes a soothing boat ride across the river.
The rest of the top 50:
11. Aman Tokyo
12. Four Seasons Firenze, Florence
13. Claridge’s, London
14. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris
15. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai
16. Capella Sydney
17. Raffles Singapore
18. Casa Maria Luigia, Modena
19. Le Bristol, Paris
20. Cheval Blanc Paris
21. Desa Potato Head, Bali
22. San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California
23. One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
24. Bulgari Tokyo
25. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Los Cabos, Mexico
26. Royal Mansour, Marrakech
27. Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens
28. Raffles London at The OWO, London
29. Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro
30. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
31. The Peninsula Istanbul, Istanbul
32. Bulgari Roma, Rome
33. Patina Osaka, Osaka
34. Mount Nelson, Cape Town
35. Nihi Sumba, Sumba Island, Indonesia
36. Badrutt’s Palace, St. Moritz
37. Park Hyatt Kyoto
38. Hôtel du Couvent, Nice
39. Portrait Milano, Milan
40. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco
41. Plaza Athénée, Paris
42. Hotel Sacher Vienna
43. Estelle Manor, Witney, Oxfordshire
44. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes
45. Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
46. The Peninsula Hong Kong
47. Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico
48. Aman Nai Lert, Bangkok
49. The Connaught, London
50. San Domenico Palace, Taormina, Sicily
