Frequently Asked Questions

What is The World’s 50 Best Hotels?

The World’s 50 Best Hotels is an annual list that celebrates the best venues the world has to offer. It is the ultimate guide to hotels across the world, as voted for by a global panel of 580 industry experts.

When was the first list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels revealed?

The inaugural reveal of The World’s 50 Best Hotels took place at the Guildhall in London on Tuesday, 19th September 2023.

How are the awards voted for?

The World’s 50 Best Hotels list is compiled from the votes of The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, which comprises 580 industry experts from across the globe, including hoteliers, journalists, business travellers and other well-travelled experts. Each member of the Academy has seven votes and can nominate any hotel they deem deserving of a vote.

How are the voting regions formed?

To represent the global hotel industry, the voting Academy is split into nine regions to create a diverse, global pool of voters. Each of the nine regions is headed up by a chairperson, who is a leading expert within their designated area. It is the responsibility of each of these Academy Chairs to appoint a voting panel. Every year, the Academy refreshes 25% of its members.

Does a hotel have to offer certain services to be listed?

Every hotel in the world is eligible and does not have to fit certain criteria. A hotel does not have to stock a certain product, have a certain price point, or meet certain requirements (other than they must be open during the voting period and must not be closing permanently within three months of the list being announced). We don’t believe there is, or should be, a type of hotel that features in the 50 Best list. It is entirely up to the anonymous voters to name their best hotel experiences in the voting window.

Can hotels campaign voters?

As voters are anonymous and the voting process confidential, there is no way for hotels to openly campaign to voters to make it onto the list. However, hotels are encouraged to create the best offering possible and market themselves accordingly. 

Does it cost anything to be listed?

No, there is no cost to be listed as one of The World’s 50 Best Hotels or to be eligible for voting. We run a strict no ‘pay-to-play’ policy; hotels are chosen by the 580 experts in the Academy and they cannot pay, apply or self-nominate in order to be considered. Our Voter’s Charter, which each panellist is bound by, clearly states all voters are required to retain their anonymity and that they must not vote for any venue in which they have a financial interest.

What awards are given?

In addition to The World’s 50 Best Hotels list, there are also a series of special prizes awarded to individuals and hotels. These include: Art of Hospitality Award, Lavazza One To Watch Award, Nikka Best New Hotel Award, Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award, Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award, Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award and the SevenRooms Icon Award.

What does it mean to be included on The World’s 50 Best Hotels ranking?

To be named one of The World’s 50 Best Hotels is a recognition of the dedication, passion and skill of the teams behind those hotels. It also helps promote those establishments internationally to discerning travellers, boosting the hotels’ profiles and business by driving footfall. 

Who owns The World’s 50 Best Hotels?

The World’s 50 Best Hotels is owned and organised by William Reed, the group behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars.