The 50 Best Hotels 2026 ranking was announced in Paris on September 15, 2026, bringing together the world’s finest hotels as selected by votes from more than 800 international travel experts. The ranking is organized by media group William Reed, which also produces The 50 Best Restaurants and The 50 Best Bars lists. Europe accounts for 21 hotels, more than any other region, and many are in cities frequently visited by business travelers: Paris, London, Rome, Milan, Vienna, and Istanbul.
A New Name for the Same Prestigious Ranking
The ranking of the best hotels in the world launched in London in September 2023 as The World’s 50 Best Hotels. On September 9, 2026, William Reed consolidated its rankings under one brand, The 50, and renamed the hotel list The 50 Best Hotels. The organizer says the change concerns branding only: the ranking’s credibility, independence, and methodology remain unchanged.
How the Best Hotels in the World Are Selected
The voting panel consists of more than 800 international travel industry experts, divided among 13 regions. Each region has a chairperson responsible for recruiting voters. In every region, one-third are travel journalists, one-third are hoteliers, and one-third are experienced travelers familiar with luxury hotels. At least one-quarter of voters are replaced annually, and employees of the organizer and sponsors are not eligible to vote.
Voting rules are strict:
- Each voter ranks seven hotels in order of preference, from any country.
- Voters must have stayed at each hotel within the past three years and upload evidence, such as a booking confirmation, receipt, or photograph taken at the property.
- Voting is confidential, and voter identities remain anonymous, except those of regional chairpersons.
- Voters may not select hotels in which they have a financial interest, or more than three hotels from the same hotel group.
- A hotel qualifies for the list only if it receives votes from at least two countries.
- The organizer imposes no qualifying criteria regarding price, age, or facilities. Hotels cannot enter themselves, pay, or seek nominations for inclusion.
- Deloitte audits the voting process and results and has full access to the data.
Rosewood Hong Kong Holds on to First Place
Among the best hotels in the world, Rosewood Hong Kong ranks first among the best hotels in the world for the second consecutive year. It is followed by Capella Bangkok, Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, and Passalacqua on Lake Como.
The 21 European Hotels in the Ranking
Europe has the largest presence among the best hotels in the world. Italy and France each have six hotels on the list, the United Kingdom has four, and Greece, Monaco, Switzerland, Austria, and Turkey have one each.
- No. 5: Passalacqua (Lake Como, Italy)
- No. 12: Four Seasons Firenze (Florence, Italy)
- No. 13: Claridge’s (London, United Kingdom)
- No. 14: Hôtel de Crillon (Paris, France)
- No. 18: Casa Maria Luigia (Modena, Italy)
- No. 19: Le Bristol (Paris, France)
- No. 20: Cheval Blanc Paris (Paris, France)
- No. 27: Four Seasons Astir Palace (Athens, Greece)
- No. 28: Raffles London at The OWO (London, United Kingdom)
- No. 31: The Peninsula Istanbul (Istanbul, Turkey)
- No. 32: Bulgari Roma (Rome, Italy)
- No. 36: Badrutt’s Palace (St. Moritz, Switzerland)
- No. 38: Hôtel du Couvent (Nice, France)
- No. 39: Portrait Milano (Milan, Italy)
- No. 40: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (Monaco)
- No. 41: Plaza Athénée (Paris, France)
- No. 42: Hotel Sacher (Vienna, Austria)
- No. 43: Estelle Manor (Witney, United Kingdom)
- No. 44: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc (Antibes, France)
- No. 49: The Connaught (London, United Kingdom)
- No. 50: San Domenico Palace (Taormina, Italy)
Special Awards Won by European Hotels
Four special awards went to European properties:
- Passalacqua received the Best Boutique Hotel award for the third consecutive year.
- Casa Maria Luigia received the Lavazza Highest New Entry award.
- Hôtel du Couvent received the Johnnie Walker Art of Design award.
- Badrutt’s Palace received the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality award.
European Top 50 Hotels and Business Travel
Paris has four properties on the list—Hôtel de Crillon, Le Bristol, Cheval Blanc Paris, and Plaza Athénée—while London has three: Claridge’s, Raffles London at The OWO, and The Connaught.
The annual ranking of the best hotels in the world can serve as a reference when choosing accommodations for high-level business meetings or incentive trips for senior management.
If you’re planning a business trip or event in one of these cities, Aerotravel consultants—part of ALTOUR and the network’s exclusive representative in Romania—can assist you with selecting and booking accommodations.
