Claridge’s was the highest ranking British hotel on the list, ranked at number 16, followed by The Connaught at number 22 and Gleneagles at number 32. The Newt in Bruton, meanwhile, entered the list at number 37.
The newest London hotel in the list, NoMad London, which opened in 2020, was ranked at number 46 just one place ahead of The Savoy at number 47.
Passalacqua (image below), the luxury boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Como that opened in June 2022 took the top spot on the list. Located in an 18th century villa with spectacular terraced gardens running down to the water, the 24-room property is said to have the feel of a private home.
In the number two spot was Rosewood Hong Kong, set in the city’s Victoria Dockside arts and design district with stunning views over the harbour.
The list was unveiled at an awards ceremony held in London last night (19 September), and includes hotels from 35 different locations across six continents.
“After seeing the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the hospitality industry, it’s been especially fulfilling to see so many hoteliers from around the world gather in London to celebrate each other’s achievements under one roof for the first-ever awards ceremony of The World’s 50 Best Hotels,” says Tim Brooke-Webb, managing director for The World’s 50 Best Hotels.
“Our heartfelt congratulations go out to each and every hotel on the list, and we hope this list inspires travel-lovers to book somewhere truly spectacular for their next trip.”
Two UK properties were also winners of a special award: Gleneagles in Scotland was the recipient of the Art of Hospitality Award, which was announced in August, and The Newt in Bruton, which was awarded the Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award.
The latter award is given to the hotel that places highest on the list that fits all the criteria of a boutique property. 50 Best defines a boutique hotel as having fewer than 50 rooms and not being part of a large chain or group, showcasing personalised service and idiosyncratic features unique to its destination.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023
1 Passalacqua, Moltrasio
2 Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong
3 Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Bangkok
4 The Upper House, Hong Kong
5 Aman Tokyo, Tokyo
6 La Mamounia, Marrakech
7 Soneva Fushi, Maldives
8 One&Only Mandarina, Puerto Vallarta
9 Four Seasons Firenze, Florence
10 Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Bangkok
11 Capella Bangkok, Bangkok
12 The Calile, Brisbane
13 Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá
14 Aman Venice, Venice
15 Singita Lodges – Kruger National Park, Kruger National Park
16 Claridge’s, London
17 Raffles Singapore, Singapore
18 Nihi Sumba, Wanokaka
19 Hotel Esencia, Tulum
20 Le Sirenuse, Positano
21 Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri
22 The Connaught, London
23 Royal Mansour, Marrakech
24 Four Seasons Madrid, Madrid
25 Aman New York, New York
26 The Maybourne Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
27 Rosewood São Paulo, São Paulo
28 Capella Singapore, Singapore
29 Le Bristol, Paris
30 Park Hyatt Kyoto, Kyoto
31 La Réserve, Paris
32 Gleneagles, Auchterarder
33 Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes
34 Cheval Blanc, Paris
35 Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens
36 Soneva Jani, Maldives
37 The Newt, Bruton
38 Amangalla, Galle
39 Hoshinoya Tokyo, Tokyo
40 Desa Potato Head, Seminyak
41 Eden Rock, St. Barths
42 The Siam Bangkok
43 Badrutt’s Palace, St. Moritz
44 Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
45 The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
46 NoMad London, London
47 The Savoy, London
48 Equinox New York, New York
49 Six Senses Ibiza, Portinatx
50 Hôtel de Crillon, Paris