The second annual World’s 50 Best Hotels, announced at London’s Guildhall, recognises top hotels from 37 destinations across six continents. Capella Bangkok in Thailand took the No.1 spot, praised for its balance of luxury and intimacy. This list reflects the changing preferences of global travellers, who now look for a mix of exclusivity, personalised service, and comfort.
“It gives us enormous pleasure to share the list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 and to celebrate Capella Bangkok’s ranking as No.1. This extraordinary hotel is a rare oasis in the middle of Thailand’s bustling capital, offering world-class service while retaining the intimacy and personality of a boutique hotel – making it a worthy winner of the top prize. This year’s dynamic list underscores the appetite for a range of experiences, from busy city breaks to far-flung escapes, and honours the dedication and passion of the staff who make these exceptional experiences possible, while highlighting the remarkable breadth of talent in the industry worldwide. We look forward to the continued evolution of The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2024 and beyond.”— Emma Sleight, Head of Content, The World’s 50 Best Hotels.
The Best Hotel in the World: Capella Bangkok, Thailand
Capella Bangkok, located along the Chao Phraya River, blends contemporary architecture with lush, serene surroundings, offering 101 river-facing rooms that provide both luxury and tranquillity. The hotel’s standout features include the Auriga Spa, where guests can enjoy bespoke wellness treatments, and the “Capella Culturalists,” personal butlers who craft unique, insider experiences around the city. With its seamless combination of personalised service, elegant design, and a boutique atmosphere, Capella Bangkok has redefined hospitality in the heart of Thailand’s vibrant capital.
#50BestTalks: Unpacked
Radha Arora, President of Rosewood, emphasises the brand’s humility and adaptability, describing it as a ‘soft brand’ that grows strategically with a focus on its ‘Sense of Place’ concept, integrating local culture and community. Rosewood has adapted to post-Covid trends, with a higher suite-to-room ratio to accommodate families. Radha highlights intimate guest experiences and envisions Rosewood’s continued evolution. Liam Bailey, Editor of The Wealth Report, discusses the return of wealth creation in 2024, noting rising UHNWI numbers and increased investment in property and luxury goods. Valentina de Santis of Passalacqua, Krissada Sukosol Clapp of The Siam, and Marlene Poynder of The Carlyle share how their hotels’ distinctiveness stems from family ownership, unique concepts, and legacy. Rebecca Burdess of Maybourne highlights personalisation as central to guest experience, while Diana Banks stresses that true luxury is rooted in emotional connection and continuous evolution.
Asian Dominance: 7 in Top 10, 19 in Top 50
Asia continues to dominate with 19 entries in the Top 50, including 4 from Thailand: Capella Bangkok (No.1), Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (No.12), Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (No.14), and The Siam (No.26); 3 from Japan: Aman Tokyo (No.7), Bulgari Tokyo (No.22), and Park Hyatt Kyoto (No.27); and 2 from Hong Kong: Rosewood Hong Kong (No.3) and The Upper House (No.5). Singapore is also well-represented with Raffles Singapore (No.6) and Capella Singapore (No.33).
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024
- Capella Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
- Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy
- Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Cheval Blanc, Paris, France
- The Upper House, Hong Kong
- Raffles Singapore, Singapore
- Aman Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Soneva Fushi, Maldives
- Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, UAE
- Nihi Sumba, Sumba Island, Indonesia
- Claridge’s, London, UK
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
- Raffles London at The OWO, London, UK
- Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Bangkok, Thailand
- Hôtel de Crillon, Paris, France
- Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá, Mexico
- Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes, France
- Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico
- Four Seasons Firenze, Florence, Italy
- Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi, Italy
- Desa Potato Head, Bali, Indonesia
- Bulgari Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- The Lana, Dubai, UAE
- Rosewood São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Calile, Brisbane, Australia
- The Siam, Bangkok, Thailand
- Park Hyatt Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
- Mount Nelson, Cape Town, South Africa
- One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
- The Carlyle, New York, USA
- La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco
- Four Seasons Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Capella Singapore, Singapore
- Four Seasons at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, USA
- Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, USA
- Eden Rock, St. Barthélemy
- Aman New York, New York, USA
- Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco
- Amangalla, Galle, Sri Lanka
- Le Bristol, Paris, France
- Gleneagles, Auchterarder, UK
- Castello di Reschio, Lisciano Niccone, Italy
- Suján Jawai, Rajasthan, India
- Singita, Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Six Senses Zighy Bay, Zighy, Oman
- The Connaught, London, UK
- The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
- Hotel Esencia, Tulum, Mexico
- The Tasman, Hobart, Australia
- Kokomo Private Island, Yaukuve Levu Island, Fiji
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024: Best In Continent
Best Hotel in Asia: Capella Bangkok (No.1) in Thailand
Best Hotel in Europe: Passalacqua (No.2) in Italy
Best Hotel in North America: Chablé Yucatán (No.16) in Mexico
Best Hotel in South America: Rosewood São Paulo (No.24) in Brazil
Best Hotel in Oceania: The Calile (No.25) in Australia
Best Hotel in Africa: Mount Nelson (No.28) in South Africa
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024: Special Awards
Nikka Best New Hotel Award: Bulgari Tokyo
SevenRooms Icon Award: Sonia Cheng
Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award: Maroma, Riviera Maya
American Express Travel One To Watch Award: The Peninsula Istanbul
Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award: Soneva Fushi, Maldives
No.3 Gin Art of Hospitality Award: Royal Mansour, Marrakech
Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award: Passalacqua, Lake Como
Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award: Aman
Highest Climber Award: Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
Lavazza Highest New Entry Award: Raffles London at The OWO
For all 50 Best related content, see 50 Best.
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