Rosewood Hong Kong Made It on Top of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2025

The third annual announcement of The World's 50 Best Hotels was made during a prestigious awards ceremony that celebrates exceptional and groundbreaking hospitality from across the globe. Leaders and enthusiasts in the travel industry gathered at Old Billingsgate in London to honour outstanding hotel experiences worldwide, setting new benchmarks for excellence and inspiring both travellers and hospitality professionals.

Topping the list for 2025 is Rosewood Hong Kong (No.1), which stands proudly over Victoria Harbour on the Kowloon waterfront. It has risen two spots from No.3 in the 2024 rankings and also earned the title of The Best Hotel in Asia. Opened in 2019, this striking 65-story property offers breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour and the iconic Hong Kong skyline. Renowned Taiwanese designer Tony Chi has crafted this contemporary 413-room hotel, which features eleven restaurants and bars, a stunning infinity pool with harbour views, and the celebrated Asaya wellness facility. This multi-level oasis features nine treatment rooms offering a range of therapeutic, aesthetic, and holistic services. Guests can also choose to stay in one of the two private Asaya Lodges, situated on a sun terrace away from the main building, each equipped with exclusive spa chambers and sleep-enhancing technologies.

Claiming the No.2 position is Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, a 299-room urban retreat nestled in the heart of the city's creative district. Meanwhile, last year's top hotel, Capella Bangkok, surrounded by lush gardens on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, now sits at No.3.

Asia shines in The World's 50 Best Hotels 2025, with a total of 20 hotels making the list, including four in Tokyo: Bulgari Tokyo (No.15), Aman Tokyo (No.25), Janu Tokyo (No.37), and The Tokyo Edition Toranomon (No.45). Japan is further represented by Hotel The Mitsui in Kyoto, which ranks at No.46. Both Hong Kong and Bangkok reinforce their status as global travel hotspots, each featuring three hotels on the list. In Hong Kong, Rosewood Hong Kong (No.1) is joined by Upper House Hong Kong (No.10) and Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong (No.41). In Bangkok, Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (No.2), Capella Bangkok (No.3), and Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (No.7) round out the selections. Asia's impressive presence is elevated by Raffles Singapore (No.5), which has moved up one spot, while Desa Potato Head in Bali makes its mark at No.18 and also receives the Eco Hotel Award. Eight new entries have emerged this year, including The Taj Mahal Palace (No.38) in Mumbai, Mandapa in Bali (No.50), and Mandarin Oriental Qianmen (No.14) in Beijing, which also takes home the Nikka Best New Hotel Award, highlighting the highest-ranked hotel that opened within the last 24 months. In the Maldives, Soneva Fushi (No. 28) has earned the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award.

Dubai boasts three hotels on the list: Atlantis The Royal (No.6) – winner of the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award 2025 – together with Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab (No.20) and The Lana (No.35).

Europe proudly claims 17 slots on The World's 50 Best Hotels 2025 list, with five hotels from the UK, while France and Italy each showcase four entries. The top-ranking European hotel, Passalacqua, snagged No.4 and also earned the Best Boutique Hotel Award. This award recognises the hotel that ranks highest on the list while meeting the criteria for boutique status, defined as having fewer than 50 rooms and not being part of a large chain. Boutique hotels are known for their personalised service and unique characteristics that reflect their location. Other notable Italian hotels include Four Seasons Firenze (No.9), along with new arrivals Bulgari Roma (No.22) and Hotel Il Pelicano (No.26).

The UK features five winning hotels, four of which are in London: Claridge's (No.16), The Connaught (No.29), Raffles London at The OWO (No.31), and the new entry The Emory (No.32). Additionally, Estelle Manor (No.47), another new addition, is located in Witney. Meanwhile, Paris boasts Le Bristol (No.19), which climbed an impressive 21 places, and Cheval Blanc Paris (No.21), along with Hôtel de Crillon (No.23). Nice welcomes Hôtel du Couvent (No.27) as a newcomer.

In other parts of Europe, the Four Seasons Astir Palace (No.17) in Greece, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (No.36) in Monaco, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj (No.48) in Croatia, and Hotel Sacher Vienna (No.49) make their mark on the list.

North America houses six recognised hotels, with Chablé Yucatán (No.8) leading a group of four from Mexico, which also includes Maroma (No.33), One&Only Mandarina (No.39), and the new entry Las Ventanas al Paraíso (No.44). In New York, The Mark made its debut at No.43. In comparison, Hotel Bel-Air secured No.42 elsewhere in the U.S. South America presents two featured hotels: the Copacabana Palace (No.11) in Rio de Janeiro, which also received the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award, and Rosewood São Paulo (No.24).

Africa showcases three notable hotels: Royal Mansour (No.13) and La Mamounia (No.30) in Marrakech, along with Singita – Kruger National Park (No.40). Oceania includes two entries as well, featuring the new Capella Sydney (No.12) and Brisbane's The Calile (No.34).

As The World's 50 Best Hotels returns for its third consecutive year, a new accolade—the Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award—has been introduced, awarded to Singita – Kruger National Park. This award highlights how hotel design transcends architecture, crafting a multi-sensory experience that enhances and elevates guest stays. The Royal Mansour in Marrakech won the WhistlePig Highest Climber Award for jumping 25 positions from No.38 to No.13, while Copacabana Palace (No.11) took home the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award.

Meanwhile, Four Seasons has been recognised as the Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group. This special award, independently voted on during the overall voting process, honours an exceptional hotel group that has introduced remarkable measures, innovations, or improvements over the past two years that have significantly impacted the hospitality industry.

Desa Potato Head has been recognised as the winner of the Eco Hotel Award. Guided by the motto "Good Times Do Good," this establishment is deeply committed to sustainability, being the first hospitality brand in Asia to achieve carbon neutrality. They emphasise responsible sourcing of ingredients and the use of recycled materials. Similar to their other global accolades, the 50 Best organisation collaborated closely with the Sustainable Restaurant Association to determine the Eco Hotel Award winner, inviting all listed hotels to submit applications detailing their sustainability efforts for thorough evaluation.

Ian Schrager has been voted the recipient of the SevenRooms Icon Award by the Academy. An illustrious American entrepreneur, hotelier, and real estate developer, Schrager co-founded the iconic Studio 54 nightclub in 1977. He further revolutionised the hospitality industry in the 1980s by pioneering the boutique hotel concept with establishments like Morgans Hotel, merging design, lifestyle, and personalised service. Teaming up with renowned designers, he pushed the envelope with hotels such as The Royalton, Delano, and the Edition Hotels brand in partnership with Marriott.

The evening also paid tribute to other honorees who received special awards that were announced prior to the ceremony. Southern Ocean Lodge in Australia, perched on Kangaroo Island with breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, was named the winner of the American Express Travel One To Watch Award. Additionally, Soneva Fushi (No. 28) was recognised with the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award, celebrating the hotel's exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail.

Each continent has its top-ranked hotel, which automatically earns the title of The Best Hotel in that respective region. For instance, Rosewood Hong Kong, securing the No. 1 spot, is honoured as The Best Hotel in Asia. In Europe, Passalacqua, ranked No. 4 in Italy, takes home the accolade for The Best Hotel. Over in the Middle East, Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, holding the No. 6 position, wins The Best Hotel title. Meanwhile, Chablé Yucatán, ranked No. 8 in Mexico, is recognised as The Best Hotel in North America, sponsored by Monte Vibiano. In South America, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, positioned at No. 11, is awarded The Best Hotel. Capella Sydney, coming in at No. 12 in Australia, claims The Best Hotel in Oceania, thanks to sponsorship from Bocktailed. Finally, Royal Mansour in Marrakech, ranked No. 13, is celebrated as The Best Hotel in Africa.

The World's 50 Best Hotels awards for 2025 mark the third year of this esteemed global ranking and represent another milestone in 50 Best's mission to serve as the ultimate reference for the finest hospitality experiences worldwide, including restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Credits

Article: Wariya Intreyonk

Photos: 50 Best