In a grand event held in London, the list of the 50 best hotels in the world for 2024 was unveiled, offering an exclusive look into some of the most luxurious and sought-after destinations across the globe. This prestigious ranking, determined by 600 anonymous voters consisting of travel journalists, hoteliers, and industry experts, highlights the crème de la crème of the hospitality world. The event took place at the historic Guildhall in London, a fitting venue for what has become a milestone for the global hotel industry.
Capella Bangkok: The World’s Best Hotel
Topping this year’s list is Capella Bangkok, Thailand’s riverside luxury hotel. Remarkably, Capella Bangkok jumped ten spots from its previous ranking of 11th in 2023 to clinch the coveted title of the best hotel in the world for 2024. A true sanctuary of opulence, Capella Bangkok offers its guests an unforgettable experience with five dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant led by renowned chef Mauro Colagreco. The hotel also boasts the Auriga spa, a wellness haven, along with seven exclusive riverside villas equipped with private pools.
John Blanco, the general manager of Capella Bangkok, expressed his overwhelming joy upon receiving the award. “We are stunned. It’s something we never expected and are incredibly honored by. For a small brand like Capella, this is a wonderful recognition for our entire team,” he stated. Echoing his sentiment, Josephine Ping, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, attributed the hotel’s success to its ability to deliver an authentic Thai experience to its guests, something that has clearly resonated with those who cast their votes.
The hotel’s prime location along the Chao Phraya River, also known as the “River of Kings,” adds another layer of charm, providing guests with an authentic and immersive local experience. It’s not just the luxurious facilities that make Capella Bangkok stand out, but also its setting that captures the essence of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
The Top 50 Hotels in the World
This is the full list of awarded hotels for 2024:
- Capella Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
- Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy
- Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Cheval Blanc, Paris, France
- The Upper House, Hong Kong
- Raffles Singapore, Singapore
- Aman Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Soneva Fushi, Maldives
- Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, UAE
- Nihi Sumba, Sumba Island, Indonesia
- Claridge’s, London, UK
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
- Raffles London at The OWO, London, UK
- Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Bangkok, Thailand
- Hôtel de Crillon, Paris, France
- Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá, Mexico
- Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes, France
- Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico
- Four Seasons Firenze, Florence, Italy
- Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi, Italy
- Desa Potato Head, Bali, Indonesia
- Bulgari Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- The Lana, Dubai, UAE
- Rosewood São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Calile, Brisbane, Australia
- The Siam, Bangkok, Thailand
- Park Hyatt Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
- Mount Nelson, Cape Town, South Africa
- One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
- The Carlyle, New York, U.S.
- La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco
- Four Seasons Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Capella Singapore, Singapore
- Four Seasons at The Surf Club, Surfside, U.S.
- Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, U.S.
- Eden Rock, St. Barths, Caribbean
- Aman New York, New York, U.S.
- Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco
- Amangalla, Galle, Sri Lanka
- Le Bristol, Paris, France
- Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Scotland
- Castello di Reschio, Lisciano Niccone, Italy
- Suján Jawai, Rajasthan, India
- Singita – Kruger National Park, Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Six Senses Zighy Bay, Zighy, Oman
- The Connaught, London, UK
- The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
- Hotel Esencia, Tulum, Mexico
- The Tasman, Hobart, Australia
- Kokomo Private Island, Yaukuve Levu Island, Fiji
Alongside Capella Bangkok, a variety of distinguished properties from around the world found their place on the list, representing six continents. Asia led the charge with 19 hotels, while Europe contributed 13, and North America followed with 9. Africa and Oceania each had four hotels featured, while South America had one. Notable hotels from each continent include Passalacqua on Lake Como, Italy, which ranked second overall, and Chablé Yucatán in Mexico, representing North America in 16th place.
Hong Kong’s Rosewood Hotel ranked third, while Cheval Blanc in Paris took fourth place, further demonstrating Europe’s strong presence in the global luxury market. Other standout entries include Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, which achieved an impressive leap from 44th place last year to 9th in 2024, earning it the award for the “Biggest Climber.” Meanwhile, Bulgari Tokyo, a brand-new entry, was awarded the title of “Best New Hotel” after opening within the two-year voting period.
Bangkok proved to be the most popular urban destination on the list, with four hotels ranking among the best, further cementing the city’s reputation as a world-class hub for luxury accommodation. London and Paris also made a strong showing, with three hotels from each city being included in the rankings.
Special Awards and New Trends in Global Hospitality
In addition to the main rankings, several special awards were given to recognize excellence in specific categories. The Royal Mansour in Marrakech, Morocco, took home the “Art of Hospitality” award, a testament to the hotel’s impeccable service and guest experience. Soneva Fushi in the Maldives was recognized as the “Best Beach Hotel,” highlighting its idyllic setting and commitment to eco-luxury. The “Best Boutique Hotel” accolade went to Passalacqua, nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Como in Italy.
The “Sustainable Hotel” award was presented to Maroma in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, thanks to its efforts in promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainability in the hospitality industry. Another highlight of the evening was the “Icon Award,” given to Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group, for her significant contributions and positive influence within the global hotel industry.
Aman, the luxury hotel group famed for its wellness-focused resorts, was named the “Most Admired Hotel Group,” a recognition of its consistent excellence across its portfolio of properties worldwide.
The list of the 50 best hotels is compiled through a rigorous voting process designed to ensure fairness, impartiality, and a wide range of opinions. The 600 voters are spread across nine global regions and are required to nominate seven hotels in which they have personally stayed over the past two years. They rank these hotels based on their personal experiences and preferences, with no external influence from the organizers of “50 Best.”
What makes this ranking unique is its inclusivity: any hotel, regardless of size, location, or price range, can be nominated as long as it has hosted a voter for at least one night. This opens the door for both new and historic hotels to compete on equal footing. The diversity of the list, which features hotels ranging from the century-old Claridge’s in London to the newly inaugurated Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, is a reflection of this open approach.
The 50 Best Hotels in the World for 2024 is not only a celebration of hospitality and design but also a reflection of the ever-evolving landscape of luxury travel. From the serene lakeside vistas of Lake Como to the vibrant energy of Bangkok’s skyline, these hotels offer travelers the chance to experience the pinnacle of comfort, service, and local culture in some of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth.
As the hospitality industry continues to recover and thrive post-pandemic, this year’s ranking serves as a reminder of the resilience and creativity that have kept these hotels at the top of their game. Whether it’s a historic property steeped in tradition or a cutting-edge newcomer redefining the standards of luxury, each hotel on this list offers something unique, ensuring that their guests leave with unforgettable memories.
