The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 Crowns a Familiar Winner

Rosewood Hong Kong, located on the Kowloon waterfront and known for its mix of modern luxury and old-world glamour, has taken out the top spot in the World’s 50 Best Hotels ranking – for the second year in a row.

In a list voted on by over 800 anonymous judges – including hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and other well-travelled experts – Rosewood Hong Kong was recognised for its refined interiors by Taiwanese designer Tony Chi, upscale dining, considered wellness offering and holistic approach to hospitality.

The broader Asia region dominated the pointy end of the list. Capella Bangkok, a riverside retreat on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, took out second spot, while Four Seasons Bangkok came in third. The top five was rounded out by Atlantis The Royal in Dubai and Lake Como’s Passalacqua, which also won the Best Boutique Hotel Award for the third consecutive year.

Closer to home, Desa Potato Head in Bali was ranked at 21, while Nihi Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara made a return to the prestigious ranking at 35.

In Australia, just one hotel made the top 50: Capella Sydney, which ranked at 16 – a slight drop from last year’s list, where it was number 12. The hotel, housed in the former Department of Education building in Sydney’s CBD, blends heritage architecture with contemporary design, and incorporates three restaurants, a luxe day spa and noteworthy dining, led by the Italian-inflected Brasserie 1930.

As the top-ranked hotel in Oceania – joining Brisbane’s The Calile, which was ranked at number 83 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 longlist – Capella Sydney was also named Best Hotel in Oceania for 2026.

The full list is available online.

www.theworlds50best.com/hotels/