Is there such a thing as ‘the best hotel in the world?’ According to World’s Best 50, there is, as they return with their hotlist of the top 50 hotels worldwide for 2024. This is not a list to look at if you’re trying to save money on holiday. That said, you could splash out on one of the best hotels in the world and save in other ways – for example, cutting the costs of other parts of your trip by using the best travel websites.
So, which hotel takes the crown for the best hotel in the world, and how much will staying the night cost you?
Where are the best hotels in the world?
The compilation of hotels by World’s Best 50, which is updated annually, consists of five-star, luxurious hotel groups across the world. Here are the top 20 hotels featured on the list.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
According to the survey, almost half (nine) of the top 20 hotels are in Asia, while two are in Mexico and just one is in the Middle East. Closer to home, eight of the top hotels named are in Europe, including two in London. Capella in Bangkok, Thailand is crowned the best hotel in the world.
How much does it cost to stay at the best hotels in the world?
We looked deeper into the best three hotels in the world, what they offer and how much they cost.
The winning hotel, Capella is located away from the hustle and bustle in the streets of Bangkok and sits among the calmness of the Chao Phraya River in the Charoenkrung district. The hotel consists of 101 rooms, suites and villas, all with their own private garden and jacuzzi plunge pool. The hotel has five restaurants, one of which has a three-Michelin-starred chef. Capella was also featured in the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards 2024.
Cost per night starts at $600 Star rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Tucked away in Northern Italy is Passalacqua in Lake Como which offers villas set in the 18th century.. The boutique hotel consists of just 24 rooms, each with a lake view. Rather than your typical restaurant, each villa has a private chef to cook up authentic Italian dishes. The hotel also includes a spa and fitness centre.
Cost per night starts at $1,300 Star rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Rosewood Hotel chain made this their seventh debut in Asia which opened in 2019. The hotel boasts 413 rooms across a 65-storey building and gives off a contemporary, minimalistic vibe. Plus, around the hotel are two bars (including a speakeasy) and 11 restaurants, with Italian and Indian cuisines. There is a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre.
Cost per night starts at $650 Star rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Just a few steps away from the Louvre is Cheval Blanc Paris, a historical building that pays homage to Art Déco heritage and French craftsmanship. Developed by the LVMH Group, the hotel boasts exclusivity with just 72 rooms and suites, a Dior Spa, a Rossano Ferretti Salon, an infinity pool, a sauna and a fitness studio. There are four restaurants and bars in the Maison, including a Michelin 3-star restaurant, and a one Michelin-star rooftop bar.
Cost per night starts at $1,998 Star rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5. The Upper House, Hong Kong
Designed by Hong Kong architect Andre Fu, this hotel has a modern, brutalist style which overlooks the Admiralty’s Pacific Place. It has 117 rooms, a wellness spa, a rooftop lawn, a fitness centre and a bar lounge, and you can even do limousine rentals. The space is covered with more than 400 artworks, has a 40-meter metal installation inspired by water, offers elevated Mediterranean cuisine, and on the 49th floor, you can find Cafe Gray Deluxe, a grand cafe with views of the Victorian harbour.
Cost per night starts at $650 Star rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
What do other surveys say?
While Capella, Bangkok has been named the best hotel in the world, it’s not the only list out there. Depending on what you’re looking for in a hotel might drive which hotlist you look at.
For example, GQ compiles a list of the most stylish hotels on the planet, which crowns Hoshinoya in Tokyo, Japan as the most stylish. Conde Nast Traveller also has its own Gold List 2024. Rather than a numerical list, this one is broken down into hotels in different pockets of the world. It features Dar Ahlam in Morocco and Londolozi in South Africa. And if you’re on the hunt for smaller, boutique hotels, the website Mr and Mrs Smith has a list of the best luxury & boutique hotels.
Sign up for MoneyWeek's newsletters
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Vaishali has a background in personal finance and a passion for helping people manage their finances. As a former staff writer for MoneyWeek, Vaishali covered the latest news, trends and insights on property, savings and ISAs.
She also has bylines for the U.S. personal finance site Kiplinger.com and Ideal Home, GoodTo, inews, The Week and the Leicester Mercury.
Thousands of estates are sitting unclaimed in the UK – is your family name on the list?
420,000 more pensioners to be dragged into paying income tax – how does tax on the state pension work?
