On September 15, 2026, Rosewood Hong Kong was named No.1 at The 50 Best Hotels 2026, the ranking formerly known as The World's 50 Best Hotels. The result was revealed at a live awards ceremony in Paris. It is the first time any hotel has held the top position two years in a row.
The Paris ceremony was itself news. The awards had always been staged in London; the 2026 edition moved to Les Salles du Carrousel, the first time the event had left the British capital. The organization also retired its longer name, presenting the list simply as The 50 Best Hotels under a new unified master brand. The voting mechanics were unchanged.
Behind Rosewood Hong Kong, the top five went to Capella Bangkok at No.2, Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River at No.3, Atlantis The Royal in Dubai at No.4, and Passalacqua on Lake Como at No.5. Six of the top ten hotels sit in East or Southeast Asia, with Bangkok placing two properties in the top three.
The special awards underlined the same geography. Rosewood Hong Kong also took Best Hotel in Asia. Atlantis The Royal received Best Hotel in the Middle East and Best Beach Hotel. Passalacqua was named Best Boutique Hotel for the third consecutive year. Chablé Yucatán, ranked ninth, received the Eco Hotel Award following an audit by the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Patina Osaka at No.33 was named Best New Hotel, and Casa Maria Luigia in Modena debuted at No.18 as the highest new entry. Rosewood also received the Most Admired Hotel Group Award.
The ranking is decided by more than 800 members of The 50 Best Hotels Academy, drawn from 13 geographic regions. Each voter selects seven hotel experiences from the eligible period. Hotels cannot apply, nominate themselves, or pay to be considered. Accepting the award, Rosewood Hotel Group chief executive Sonia Cheng said: 'Hospitality is a powerful force for connection. To be recognized once again by The 50 Best Hotels is more than just a milestone for the brand.'