The 2026 edition of The 50 Best Hotels has once again underscored Europe's enduring appeal in luxury hospitality, with 21 properties across the continent earning a place on the prestigious list. Asia follows closely with 18 entries, while North America claims six, South America and Africa two each, and Oceania one.
For the second consecutive year, Rosewood Hong Kong has been crowned the World's Best Hotel, a title it first secured in 2025 after ranking third in 2024. The 413-room tower overlooking Victoria Harbour impressed voters with its culinary scene—11 restaurants and bars spread across 65 floors—and its wellness facilities, including the multi-level Asaya spa and a 25-metre infinity pool.
Faye Huggett, director of community for The 50 Best Hotels, said: “Rosewood Hong Kong retaining its No.1 position for a second consecutive year underlines Asia’s continued influence at the very highest level, while Europe’s strong representation and this year’s 10 new entries point to a dynamic, diverse and competitive global hotel landscape.” She added: “As The 50 evolves, our ambition is to continue to champion the people, places and ideas setting the agenda for the future of hospitality.”
Europe's finest: from Lake Como to London
Italy's Passalacqua, an 18th-century villa on the shores of Lake Como, remains the highest-ranked European hotel for the second year running, finishing fifth overall—one place down from 2025. The intimate property, with just 24 rooms, also collected the Best Boutique Hotel Award for the third consecutive year.
Four Seasons Firenze takes the next European spot at No.12. Italy and France each contribute six hotels to the list. Beyond Passalacqua, Italy is represented by Casa Maria Luigia in Modena (18th), Bulgari Roma (32nd), Portrait Milano (39th), and San Domenico Palace in Taormina (50th)—the latter familiar to viewers as the setting for the second season of The White Lotus. Casa Maria Luigia is the highest new entry overall.
France's contingent is led by four Parisian addresses: Hôtel de Crillon (14th), Le Bristol (19th), Cheval Blanc Paris (20th), and Plaza Athénée (41st). Hôtel du Couvent in Nice (38th) won the Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award, while Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the Riviera placed 44th.
Across the Channel, the UK secures four spots, three of them in London: Claridge’s (13th), Raffles London at The OWO (28th), and The Connaught (49th). The exception is Estelle Manor in Witney, Oxfordshire, which debuts at No.43.
Other European entries include Four Seasons Astir Palace in Greece (27th), The Peninsula Istanbul in Türkiye (31st), Badrutt's Palace in Switzerland (36th), Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo in Monaco (40th), and Hotel Sacher Vienna in Austria (42nd). Badrutt's Palace also received the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award for its exceptional service.
The list's European strength reflects a broader trend in high-end travel, with historic properties being reborn across the continent. Meanwhile, new luxury openings in Türkiye are adding to the region's appeal.
How the ranking is compiled
The 50 Best Hotels list is determined by an academy of 800 members, chaired by 13 regional figures who assemble panels of hoteliers, travel journalists, educators, business travellers, and seasoned consumers. Each voter selects seven hotels they have personally stayed at within the past three years, ranking them in order of preference. Voters remain anonymous—except for the chairs—to prevent lobbying, and the results are independently audited by Deloitte.
With 21 European properties in the top 50, the continent continues to set the benchmark for hospitality, even as Asia's finest compete fiercely for the crown.
