The recent announcement of The World’s 50 Best Hotels list has generated both excitement and scrutiny within the luxury travel community. As industry insiders and seasoned travelers review this selection, personal experiences and preferences shape opinions on the hotels included.
An Overview of the 2025 Selection
The 2025 list is notable for its impressive lineup of hotels that epitomize excellence in design, service, and overall luxury. Among the distinguished properties is Rosewood Hong Kong, which took the top spot, celebrated for its sophisticated offerings and stunning urban views. However, this year’s selection also raises questions about representation and inclusivity in the ranking.
A Brief History
The World’s 50 Best Hotels is a relatively new addition to the renowned list that has been recognizing exceptional dining experiences since 2002. Although the hotels list follows a similar voting methodology, its credibility is still establishing itself in the travel industry. Travelers and industry veterans alike often regard the restaurant list as more reliable, leading to curiosity and debate over the ranking of hotels, as it continues to refine its identity and selection criteria.
Understanding the Selection Process
The selection methodology involves more than 800 experts, including hoteliers and travel journalists. Each member votes on hotels they’ve visited in the past two years, without strict guidelines or minimum service levels, which aims to emphasize authentic experiences. However, this open approach may contribute to a bias where urban hotels dominate the rankings, often leading to a list that may not fully capture the diversity of luxury accommodations available globally.
Identifying Areas for Improvement
This year’s list shows a marked preference toward urban hotels, particularly in Bangkok, with properties like the Mandarin Oriental and Capella taking prominent spots. While undoubtedly luxurious, this trend raises questions about balance, as city hotels often focus on refinement and brand consistency, neglecting the unique charm found in remote or lesser-known destinations.
Additionally, some inclusions have sparked controversy. Desa Potato Head in Bali, while recognized for its contemporary design and sustainability efforts, has been criticized for not embodying the true luxury experience expected in this elite ranking.
Another mention, The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon, leaves many comparing it unfavorably to other renowned hotels in Tokyo, such as the Aman, which offer a depth of experience and cultural integration that seems lacking in this stylish but ultimately generic offering.
Celebrating the Right Choices
On the flip side, several hotels truly embody luxury and earn their recognition. Soneva Fushi in the Maldives continues to impress, known for its eco-friendly ethos and breathtaking scenery, making each visit transformative. Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, noted for its grand architecture and immersive guest experiences, also stands out as a significant example of what modern luxury resort experiences can achieve.
Equally deserving is Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens, balancing serene coastal views with the vibrancy of city life, and Aman Tokyo, which masterfully encapsulates the tranquil aesthetics of Japanese design within a bustling metropolis.
The Complete List of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025
For those interested in exploring the full ranking, the complete list includes:
- Rosewood Hong Kong – Hong Kong
- Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River – Bangkok
- Capella Bangkok – Bangkok
- Passalacqua – Lake Como
- Raffles Singapore – Singapore
- Atlantis The Royal – Dubai
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – Bangkok
- Chablé Yucatán – Yucatán
- Four Seasons Firenze – Florence
- The Upper House – Hong Kong
- Copacabana Palace – Rio de Janeiro
- Capella Sydney – Sydney
- Royal Mansour – Marrakech
- Mandarin Oriental Qianmen – Beijing
- Bulgari Tokyo – Tokyo
- Claridge’s – London
- Four Seasons Astir Palace – Athens
- Desa Potato Head – Bali
- Le Bristol – Paris
- Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab – Dubai
- Cheval Blanc Paris – Paris
- Bulgari Roma – Rome
- Hôtel de Crillon – Paris
- Rosewood São Paulo – São Paulo
- Aman Tokyo – Tokyo
- Hotel Il Pellicano – Porto Ercole
- Hôtel du Couvent – Nice
- Soneva Fushi – Maldives
- The Connaught – London
- La Mamounia – Marrakech
- Raffles London at The OWO – London
- The Emory – London
- Maroma – Riviera Maya
- The Calile – Brisbane
- The Lana – Dubai
- Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo – Monaco
- Janu Tokyo – Tokyo
- The Taj Mahal Palace – Mumbai
- One&Only Mandarina – Riviera Nayarit
- Singita – Kruger National Park
- Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – Hong Kong
- Hotel Bel-Air – Los Angeles
- The Mark – New York
- Las Ventanas al Paraíso – Los Cabos
- The Tokyo Edition Toranomon – Tokyo
- Hotel The Mitsui – Kyoto
- Estelle Manor – Witney
- Grand Park Hotel Rovinj – Rovinj
- Hotel Sacher Vienna – Vienna
- Mandapa – Bali
Final Thoughts
While the World’s 50 Best Hotels list strives to encapsulate the pinnacle of luxury in the hospitality industry, its biases and focus on urban locales suggest there is room for growth. Luxury encompasses more than just high-end amenities; it also involves heartfelt experiences that resonate deeply with individuals. Moving forward, it is hoped that future iterations of this list embrace a wider perspective on luxury and exploration, recognizing that the most memorable stays often lie far beyond city lights.
Explore more about the intricacies of luxury travel and hospitality trends by checking out resources from The World’s 50 Best and other travel experts.
