ROSEWOOD HONG KONG NAMED NO.1 IN THE 50 BEST HOTELS 2026 FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Spanning 22 territories across six continents and accompanied by a selection of special awards, the prestigious list was unveiled at a live ceremony in Paris

• Rosewood Hong Kong (No.1) has once again been named The World's Best Hotel 2026
• Hotels in Europe feature prominently in the ranking (21), followed by Asia (18), North America (6), South America (2), Africa (2) and Oceania (1)
• The list features 10 new entries spanning seven destinations including Türkiye, the US and Japan

Special Awards – these accolades complement The 50 Best Hotels ranking, recognising outstanding hotels and individuals who represent the very best in their field.

• Patina Osaka in Japan (No.33) is named the winner of the Nikka Best New Hotel Award
• Las Ventanas al Paraíso (No.25) in Los Cabos, Mexico wins the WhistlePig Highest Climber Award after rising 19 places in the ranking from No.44
• Casa Maria Luigia (No.18) in Modena, Italy wins the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award 
• The Best Beach Hotel Award is presented to Atlantis The Royal (No.4) in Dubai
• Chablé Yucatán (No.9) in Mexico takes home the Bombay Sapphire Eco Hotel Award after a rigorous audit by the Sustainable Restaurant Association
• The Best Boutique Hotel Award is awarded to Passalacqua (No.5) in Lake Como, for a third year
• In its second year, the Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award is presented to Hôtel du Couvent (No.38) in Nice, France
• James McBride, founder of Nihi Hotels, is celebrated with the SevenRooms Icon Award
• The Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award goes to Rosewood

PARIS, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The fourth annual edition of The 50 Best Hotels has been unveiled at a prestigious awards ceremony, recognising exceptional and pioneering hospitality experiences from across the globe.

For the first time since its inception, the awards ceremony was held outside London, bringing travel industry leaders and enthusiasts together at Les Salles du Carrousel in Paris to celebrate exceptional hotel experiences from around the world. The event showcased new benchmarks in hospitality excellence while inspiring travellers and industry professionals alike.

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The full list of The 50 Best Hotels 2026 is at the end of this press release.

Rosewood Hong Kong (No.1) has once again been recognised as The World's Best Hotel, following its ranking as No.1 in 2025 and No.3 in 2024. The hotel also therefore clinched The Best Hotel in Asia title.

Rising 65 storeys above Victoria Harbour, this contemporary landmark has become a distinctive presence on Hong Kong's skyline since opening its doors in 2019. The hotel was conceived by acclaimed Taiwanese designer Tony Chi, whose refined approach is reflected throughout its 413 rooms and suites, as well as its impressive collection of eleven restaurants and bars. Wellness is central to the experience, with the renowned Asaya occupying multiple levels of the property. Its nine treatment rooms offer an extensive programme spanning therapeutic, aesthetic and holistic treatments, complemented by a spectacular infinity pool overlooking the harbour. For those seeking a more private retreat, two Asaya Lodges sit apart from the main building on a sun terrace, each offering its own spa chamber and sleep-enhancing technology for an immersive approach to rest and wellbeing.

Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Hotels, comments: "The 50 Best Hotels 2026 captures a defining moment for global hospitality, and we are delighted to celebrate the world's most exceptional hotels that continue to shape how people travel, connect and experience culture. Rosewood Hong Kong retaining its No.1 position for a second consecutive year underlines Asia's continued influence at the very highest level, while Europe's strong representation and this year's ten new entries point to a dynamic, diverse and competitive global hotel landscape. As The 50 evolves, our ambition is to continue to champion the people, places and ideas setting the agenda for the future of hospitality."

The No.2 spot goes to Capella Bangkok, a refined riverside retreat set along the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The hotel, which ranked No.1 in 2024, has risen from its No.3 ranking in 2025. Elsewhere in the Thai capital, Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River takes the No.3 spot.

Asia is home to 18 ranked hotels in total, including two additional properties in Bangkok, further solidifying the city's reputation as a global travel hub: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (No.10) and new entry, Aman Nai Lert (No.48). Mandarin Oriental Qianmen in Beijing takes the No.7 spot. In Hong Kong, Upper House Hong Kong ranks at No.8 and The Peninsula Hong Kong features at No.46.

Japan is home to four ranked hotels: Aman Tokyo (No.11), Bulgari Tokyo (No.24), Patina Osaka (No.33) – recipient of the Nikka Best New Hotel Award - and Park Hyatt Kyoto (No.37). Further enhancing Asia's presence, Raffles Singapore places at No.17 and The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai (No.30) climbs eight places. Two hotels in Indonesia feature on the list: Desa Potato Head (No.21) and Nihi Sumba, which has re-entered the list at No.35. In Dubai, Atlantis The Royal (No.4) is winner of both The Best Hotel in the Middle East and the Best Beach Hotel Award, and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab (No.15) has climbed five places.

Europe leads the 2026 rankings, with 21 hotels featured among The 50 Best Hotels, making it the continent with the strongest representation on this year's list. Italy and France both have six properties featured, whereas the UK is home to four. Austria, Greece, Monaco, Switzerland and Türkiye each have one hotel included.

The highest-ranking European entry is Passalacqua (No.5) in Lake Como, which additionally wins the Best Boutique Hotel Award for the third consecutive year. This award recognises the highest-ranked hotel that meets the criteria of a boutique property. According to The 50, a boutique hotel is defined as having fewer than 50 rooms, operating independently of a major hotel chain or group, and offering personalised service alongside distinctive characteristics that reflect its destination. The following Italian hotels also featured: Four Seasons Firenze (No.12), Bulgari Roma (No.32), and new entries Casa Maria Luigia (No.18) in Modena, which has also won the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award, Portrait Milano (No.39) and San Domenico Palace in Taormina (No.50).

In Paris, Hôtel de Crillon (No.14) has climbed nine places, with three other hotels in the capital included: Le Bristol (No.19), Cheval Blanc Paris (No.20) and new entry, Plaza Athénée (No.41). Elsewhere in France, Hôtel du Couvent in Nice ranks at No.38 and wins the Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award, while Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc re-enters the list at No.44.

The UK is home to four winning properties, with the capital city claiming three: Claridge's (No.13), Raffles London at The OWO (No.28) and The Connaught (No.49). Outside of London, Estelle Manor in Witney (No.43) has risen four places. Elsewhere in Europe, Four Seasons Astir Palace (No.27) in Greece, SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award winner Badrutt's Palace (No.36) in Switzerland, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (No.40) in Monaco and Hotel Sacher Vienna (No.42) secure places in the list. In Türkiye, The Peninsula Istanbul (No.31) has also entered the list for the first time.

North America is home to six winning properties. Chablé Yucatán (No.9) in Chocholá is one of four hotels in Mexico to make the ranking, including One&Only Mandarina (No.23) in Riviera Nayarit, Las Ventanas al Paraíso (No.25) in Los Cabos, winner of the WhistlePig Highest Climber Award, and Maroma (No.47) in Riviera Maya. The United States has two new entries on the list: San Ysidro Ranch (No.22) in Santa Barbara and Amangiri (No.45) in Canyon Point. Elsewhere, in South America, Rosewood São Paulo (No.6) has risen 18 places and, also in Brazil, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro ranks at No.29.

Africa is home to two hotels on the list: Royal Mansour (No.26) in Marrakech and Mount Nelson in Cape Town, which re-entered the list at No.34. Oceania has one hotel included: Capella Sydney (No.16) in Australia.

The Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award has been presented to Hôtel du Couvent in France. The award reflects how design in hotels goes beyond architecture to create a multi-sensorial experience for visitors, shaping the guest experience and often elevating the expected into the extraordinary.

Rosewood wins the Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award. Voted for independently as part of the overall awards process, this special accolade recognises an exceptional hotel group that has introduced outstanding initiatives, innovations or improvements over the past three years. The award celebrates those whose efforts have had a demonstrable and meaningful impact on the wider hospitality industry.

Chablé Yucatán in Mexico is the winner of the Bombay Sapphire Eco Hotel Award. Chablé Yucatán places sustainability at the heart of its operations, with solar panels generating around 60% of the resort's energy and a commitment to eliminating plastic water bottles. Its kitchens draw on produce grown in traditional Mayan ka'anche gardens, while the resort supports biodiversity through initiatives such as the protection of the endangered Melipona bee. As with its other global awards, The 50 partnered with the Sustainable Restaurant Association on the Bombay Sapphire Eco Hotel Award, inviting every hotel on the list to submit details of its sustainability initiatives and credentials for a rigorous assessment.

James McBride is voted by the Academy as the winner of the SevenRooms Icon Award. McBride is a South African-born hotelier and Co-Founder and CEO of Nihi Hotels, the hospitality group behind the acclaimed Nihi Sumba in Indonesia. With more than 35 years of experience, he has held leadership roles at some of the world's leading luxury hotels, beginning his career with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. In 2012, he partnered with entrepreneur Christopher Burch to acquire Nihiwatu, a remote surf resort on Sumba Island, transforming it into the globally recognised luxury retreat we know today, centred on an "Edge of Wildness" philosophy. In 2026, Nihi Rote, sister property to Nihi Sumba, opened in southeastern Indonesia.

The evening also celebrated the recipients of the special awards announced in the lead-up to the ceremony. Among them was The Fifth Avenue Hotel (No.78) in New York City, which received the American Express Travel One to Watch Award. In addition, Switzerland's Badrutt's Palace (No.36) was honoured with the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award, recognising its exceptional service, meticulous attention to detail and outstanding guest experience.

The highest-ranked hotel in each continent is, by default, named The Best Hotel in that respective territory:

• Rosewood Hong Kong (No.1) wins The Best Hotel in Asia
• Passalacqua (No.5) in Italy wins The Best Hotel in Europe
• Atlantis The Royal (No.4) in Dubai wins The Best Hotel in the Middle East
• Chablé Yucatán (No.9) in Mexico wins The Best Hotel in North America
• Rosewood São Paulo (No.6) in Brazil wins The Best Hotel in South America, sponsored by Bocktailed
• Capella Sydney (No.16) in Australia wins The Best Hotel in Oceania
• Royal Mansour (No.26) in Marrakech wins The Best Hotel in Africa, sponsored by Monte Vibiano

The 50 Best Hotels 2026 marks the fourth edition of the prestigious global ranking, further cementing The 50's position as a leading authority on exceptional hospitality. As the organisation continues to expand its global reach, its rankings celebrate the finest experiences across the world of restaurants, bars and hotels.

How the voting works

The Academy is the mechanism used to create The 50 Best Hotels list. None of the employees of The 50 nor any sponsors associated with the awards has any influence over the results. To ensure the more than 800-voter-strong Academy provides a fair representation of the global hotel scene, the Academy Chairs are split across 13 geographical regions. Each Chair is selected as an expert on the travel scene in their region, with outstanding hotel sector contacts. These Chairs each select a voting panel, ensuring a balanced selection of hoteliers, travel journalists, hotel educators, business travellers and consumer travel aficionados. A minimum of 25% of the panel will be renewed each year. All voters, aside from the Academy Chairs, will remain anonymous to eliminate the possibility of lobbying.

Each Academy member can vote for any hotel they have stayed in around the world, irrespective of their home region. Each voter casts seven votes for hotels in order of preference based on stays experienced in the three-year voting period. Voting is carried out individually and strictly confidentially on a secure site and remains confidential before the list announcement. Academy Chairs are not privy to, nor have any knowledge of, the votes cast by the voters in their respective regions; furthermore, they are not official spokespeople for The 50 brand. Additional information on the Academy Chairs and how the voting works is available on the The 50 FAQs page here.

Professional services consultancy Deloitte is the official independent adjudicator of The 50 Best Hotels. Deloitte has been granted full and independent access to The 50 Best Hotels voting process and data and has performed certain procedures to confirm the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and the resulting list.

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EDITOR'S NOTES:

1-50 List:

The Special Awards

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About The 50 Best Hotels

Following the success of The 50 Best Restaurants and The 50 Best Bars, the first list of The 50 Best Hotels was published in 2023. The list is created by The 50 Best Hotels Academy, an influential group of more than 800 independent leaders, each selected for their expert opinion of the international hotel scene. The 50 Best Hotels event programme – including the awards ceremony and unveiling of the list – provides a unique opportunity to unite hoteliers, restaurateurs, bar owners, media, business travellers and luxury travellers at a captivating celebration of hospitality, passion and talent. The awards' first three editions were held in London, UK, from 2023 to 2025. William Reed, which owns The 50 (formerly known as 50 Best), is entirely responsible for the organisation of the awards, the voting system and the respective lists.

Our partners:

• American Express Travel – Official Credit Card & Travel Agency Partner; sponsor of American Express Travel One to Watch Award
• Johnnie Walker – Official Scotch Whisky Partner; sponsor of Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award
• Perrier – Official Sparkling Water Partner
• Ferrari Trento – Official Sparkling Wine Partner; sponsor of Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award
• Nikka Whisky – Official Whisky of the World Partner; sponsor of Nikka Best New Hotel Award
• SevenRooms – Official Booking Platform Partner; sponsor of SevenRooms Icon Award
• Deliveroo – Official Delivery Partner
• WhistlePig – Official American Whiskey Partner; sponsor of WhistlePig Highest Climber Award
• Lavazza – Official Coffee Partner; sponsor of Lavazza Highest New Entry Award
• Bombay Sapphire – Official Gin Partner; sponsor of Bombay Sapphire Eco Hotel Award
• SeiBellissimi – Official Italian Cocktails Partner; sponsor of SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award
• Natura Bissé – Official Spa Brand Partner
• Altamura Distilleries – Official Vodka Partner
• Saicho – Official Sparkling Tea Partner
• La Bottega Collective – Official Guest Experiences Partner
• Monte Vibiano – Official Italian Olive Oil Partner; sponsor of The Best Hotel in Africa
• Bocktailed – Official Bespoke Cocktail Partner; sponsor of The Best Hotel in South America
• Kaviari – Official Caviar Partner

Official venue hosts:

• Shangri-La – Official Hoteliers' Feast Host
• Four Seasons Hotel George V – Official The 50 Best Talks Host
• Dorchester Collection – Official Venue Host
• Mandarin Oriental Lutetia – Bar Joséphine – Official Welcome Event Host
• The Peninsula Paris – Official The 50 Connects Host
• Cheval Blanc Paris – Official Venue Host
• Sofitel Le Scribe – Official Venue Host
• Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme – Official Venue Host
• Royal-Le Monceau Raffles – Official Venue Host