tl;dr – The full list (including the top 50 hotels) is now available.
A few weeks ago, I provided some thoughts on the World’s 50 Best Hotels – 51-100, the back half of the list. As the full list has now been released (and continuing with today’s award and distinctions talk), I wanted to circle back and see which properties topped the list.
A few quick takeaways. As I mentioned in the 51-100 article, three chains featured at least four or more properties in the back half of the list: Four Seasons, Aman, and Belmond. In the top 50, there is just one Aman property – the Aman Tokyo at no. 25. (Aman’s sister brand is featured here as well with the Janu Tokyo – no. 27) There are no Belmond properties, and there are three Four Seasons – Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (no. 2), Four Seasons Firenze (no. 9), Four Seasons Astir Palace (no. 17).
Notably, the Capella Bangkok (former World’s No. 1 Best Hotel) checks in at No. 3 on this year’s list. It’s joined by its portfolio mate, the Capella Sydney, at No. 12.
The Rosewood Hong Kong stakes claim to the No. 1 Hotel in the World. The intriguing 3-Michelin Key Rosewood São Paulo is no. 24.
Perhaps my favorite entry is The Mitsui Kyoto (no. 46). In the points and miles world, lots of folks fawn over the Park Hyatt Kyoto, and while that property is solid, I found it to be a little bit overhyped. The Mitsui, which, unlike the Park Hyatt Kyoto, is located away from the bustling, popular Gion district, does a lot of things right. There’s a huge, glamorous onsen in the basement with water sourced from the thermal springs located 1000m beneath the property. The rooms, service, and overall design of the property are all very charming. I’ll post a full review soon, but needless to say, I’m happy to see it get some shine.
My vote for the best hotel name goes to the Desa Potato Head (no. 18) in Bali.
Some other intriguing properties on the list, dually for their proximity (and ease of access) to North America, as well as their repeated appearances on several ‘best of’ lists, are the Chablé Yucatán (no. 8), Maroma (no. 33), and Las Ventanas al Paraíso (no. 44) – all of which are in Mexico.
