Sleeps

These are the world’s 50 best hotels

Europe and Asia dominated entries in the inaugural ceremony, with an independent, family-owned hotel beating the grandest resorts to be named best in the world…

Jessica Reid

20 September 2023

You may have heard of 50 Best, a brand that produces a prestigious list every year for both the best restaurants, and the best bars in the world. But new for 2023 is the awards for the 50 Best Hotels, a list that shines a powerful spotlight on the most exceptional and exciting accommodation on Earth. From the smallest boutiques to the grandest resorts, the list exists to signpost people to the world’s top places to stay.

On the evening of 19 September, hoteliers, travel media and industry VIPs from across the globe gathered at the Guildhall in London to find out which establishments would make history by taking a spot on the very first 50 Best Hotel list.

Many hotels received special honours throughout the night, but there could only be one winner. The No.1 Best Hotel in the World was awarded to Passalacqua, a luxury hotel which sits on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.

The boutique but majestic 18th-century hotel, which opened just over a year ago in June 2022, has 24 rooms spread across its three restored historical buildings. The largest is its Villa, which dominates the spectacular terraced garden and overlooks the lake.

The terrace at Passalacqua overlooks Lake Como (Passalacqua/50 Best Hotels)

One of the stunning rooms inside winning hotel Passalacqua (Passalacqua/50 Best Hotels)

Owner Valentina De Santis said: “We’re a small hotel, independent, family-owned, opened just one year ago, so this goes beyond every wildest dream.”

“Honestly, this journey started at the end of 2018, and we really didn’t face challenges. It was really an escalation of love. More than challenges we found incredible support, and this is very powerful for our industry. We found people who put their heart and dreams into this hotel.”

Discussing her family’s journey, De Santis said: “I’m the third generation of a family of entrepreneurs. Everything started with a dream my grandfather had back in the 70s when he bought our first hotel. It was really an inspiration and that’s where our journey started.”

When asked if they expect more reservations now they’ve been recognised on this global scale, Silvio Vettorello, Passalacqua’s general manager, said: “We’ll see”.

The winning hotel received a standing ovation (50 Best Hotels)

Scotland’s Gleneagles won the Art of Hospitality Award (Gleneagles/50 Best Hotels)

The ranking is decided by 580 international experts who select their finest hotel stays, resulting in an integral and transparent voting process.

Tim-Brooke West, the managing director of 50 Best Hotels spoke directly to the hoteliers at the beginning of the night’s event.

“Tonight, we celebrate you, the very people who have redefined the essence of hospitality”, he said.

“You and your teams are setting new standards and pushing boundaries to create truly unforgettable moments for your guests.

“These hotels are beacons of excellence in a highly competitive industry.”

As the list was being announced, counting down from 50 to one, a selection of extra awards were handed out. The Best Hotel in Asia, which came in at no.2 on the list, was the flagship hotel Rosewood Hong Kong, while Marrakech’s La Mamounia came in at no.6, taking home the title of Best Hotel in Africa. North America’s Best Hotel was Mexico’s One&Only Mandarina at no.8, while The Best Hotel in Oceania (the only Australian hotel on the list) was The Calile in Brisbane, ranked at no.12.

Some hotels also received special honours. Capella Bangkok (no. 11) was awarded with the Best New Hotel, and South Africa’s Singita Lodges in Kruger National Park (no.15) took home the Best Eco Hotel honours.

Two UK hotels also received special awards. Scotland’s Gleneagles in Auchterarder, Perth (no.32) was recognised for its outstanding service and experiences with the Art of Hospitality Award. The Newt in Somerset (no.37) took the prize for the Best Boutique Hotel.

Many countries had several hotels featured on the list, including France, England, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, and Thailand. Europe dominated with 21 hotels, while Asia came in second with 18, however made its mark in the top 10.