These are the world's best hotels, according to experts
The 2024 list features hotels in 37 destinations across six continents. Asia leads with 19 hotels, followed by Europe with 13, North America with nine, Africa and Oceania with four each, and South America with just one hotel.
Located about 10 minutes from Bangkok’s historic center, the Capella Bangkok jumped 10 spots from last year’s ranking, moving from 11th to first place. Emma Sleight, head of content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, described it as "an oasis in the heart of Bangkok, offering world-class service with the warmth and charm of a boutique hotel.” Stays here start around $600 (approx. €538) per night.
Photo credit: Capella Bangkok
Opened in June 2022, Hotel Passalacqua sits in an 18th-century villa on Italy’s Lake Como. The hotel was awarded the Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award. According to The World’s 50 Best, to qualify as a boutique hotel, the property must have fewer than 50 rooms, be unaffiliated with a chain, and deliver a personalized experience reflecting the destination’s unique culture. Rates start at $1,300 (€1,167) per night.
Photo credit: Hotel Passalacqua
This hotel, in Hong Kong’s lively Victoria Dockside, moved down one position. A night here costs around $650 (€583).
Foto: Cortesía Rosewood Hong Kong
This luxurious Paris hotel moved up from 34th to fourth place. Room rates start at a high $3,000 (€2,694), cementing its spot among the pricier selections on the list.
Also in Hong Kong, The Upper House features 117 rooms and over 400 art pieces throughout its spaces. Rates start at $650 (€583) per night.
Photo credit: The Upper House
This grand neo-Renaissance building from 1899 is a striking contrast to Singapore’s glass-and-concrete skyline. A night at Raffles Singapore costs around $2,000 (€1,796).
This luxury hotel in Tokyo, which opened in 2014, dropped one spot this year. Rooms here start at $1,800 (€1,616) per night.
Photo credit: Aman Tokyo
Accessible only by seaplane, this luxury resort has 63 private villas, and stays start at $2,800 (€2,514). For the second year running, Soneva Fushi received the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award.
Photo credit: Soneva Fushi
Winner of the Highest Climber Award, this impressive Dubai hotel has 795 rooms and suites, with rates from $460 (€413) per night.
This resort, with 27 villas inspired by local architecture, starts at $1,300 (€1,167) per night.
Photo credit: Nihi Sumba
Open since 1856, it recently renovated many suites in 2022. Rooms start at $1,200 (€1,077) per night.
This hotel has 148 years of history, offering rooms from $757 (€679) per night.
Described as "a place where history, secrets, and heritage combine," with nightly rates starting at $1,650 (€1,481).
Described as a "hyper-modern riverside oasis,” with rooms from $450 (€404). And finally, Hôtel de Crillon, Paris rounds out the top 15.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels list is created from votes by 600 experts, who base their selections on stays over the last 18 months. Undoubtedly, they have one of the best jobs around!