There is a wide consensus as to what makes a good hotel – convenient or picturesque location, quality of service, range of amenities, comfort – but what makes a hotel truly exceptional? With no universal standard for hotel ratings, travellers rely instead on reviews, national and international classification systems, and, ever more increasingly, best-of lists. In fact, the internet is inundated with best-of lists, both general and specific, from the best luxury and beach hotels, to the best hotels for families and pets, to the best hotels in specific regions and cities. Suffice it to say then that it takes a lot for a new ranking to grab our attention, let alone bring the global hotel community together. And the first edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, which was announced on September 19th, has done just that. Featuring hotels from 35 different destinations across six continents, the brand-new list was created by the prestigious 50 Best brand, known for turning restaurants like Noma into household names.
What makes this ranking exceptional is its methodology; it is based on the input of a global jury of 580 hoteliers, journalists and seasoned travellers who were simply asked to share (anonymously) the seven best hotels they had stayed in in the last two years anywhere in the world. In other words, every hotel was eligible for votes. Europe dominates the list with 21 out of the 50 listed properties, six of which are located in France, with Asia coming in second with 18, boasting four hotels in the top five. London and Paris solidify their reputation as hospitality meccas with four properties each, with Bangkok also sharing the distinction; New York and Marrakesh come second with two hotels each. For better or worse, large hotel groups and luxury brands dominate the list, though several independent venues have made the list, most notably the family-owned and female-run Passalacqua hotel in Italy, which was deservingly awarded the top spot.