Rosewood Hong Kong Tops the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 List

London’s Old Billingsgate glittered last week as the global hospitality community gathered for what has quickly become one of the most glamorous events on the travel calendar, the annual reveal of The World’s 50 Best Hotels.

Now in its third year, the ceremony has grown in scale and prestige, with more sponsors, a packed house of hundreds of industry leaders, and a week of celebrations across the city.

After much anticipation over the two-hour countdown, Rosewood Hong Kong claimed the coveted title of The World’s Best Hotel 2025, rising from No. 3 last year to the top of the global list. The 413-room property, designed by Tony Chi and perched over Victoria Harbour, has been in the top three since the awards’ inception, cementing its reputation as a model of contemporary Asian luxury.

At the post-ceremony press conference, Emma Sleight, head of content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, asked whether the win had been expected. Angus Pitkethley, director of sales and marketing at Rosewood Hong Kong, smiled and replied, “No, not at all. When you look at the list, it’s just incredible to be included. We were very fortunate to be in the top three for the last few years, so to come out as number one is a real surprise and honor.”

*Rosewood Hong Kong claimed the coveted title of The World’s Best Hotel 2025*
(Kohn Pedersen Fox and Tony Chi design Rosewood Hong Kong.)

Asia Leads the Way

Asia once again dominated the rankings, capturing 20 of the top 50 spots and sweeping the top three positions: Rosewood Hong Kong (No.1), Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (No.2), and Capella Bangkok (No.3). The region’s strength extended beyond Thailand and Hong Kong, with standout placements for Raffles Singapore (No.5), Bulgari Tokyo (No.15), and Mandarin Oriental Qianmen in Beijing (No.14), which also received the Nikka Best New Hotel Award.

Europe followed with 17 entries, led by Passalacqua on Lake Como (No.4), which once again took home the Best Boutique Hotel Award. London reaffirmed its position as Europe’s luxury capital, with Claridge’s (No.16), The Connaught (No.29), and Raffles London at The OWO (No.31) all making the list, alongside new entry The Emory (No.32).

North America Is Light on Winners

North America, meanwhile, saw just six hotels make the cut: four from Mexico and two from the United States. Mexico’s Chablé Yucatán (No. 8) was named Best Hotel in North America, joined by Maroma (No. 33), One&Only Mandarina (No. 39), and Las Ventanas al Paraíso (No. 44). The U.S. presence was notably light this year, perhaps reflecting the recent decline in international arrivals, represented only by Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles (No. 42) and The Mark in New York (No. 43), both enduring icons of American glamour.

Special Awards Added This Year

Beyond the rankings, special awards highlighted the diversity of global excellence. Atlantis The Royal in Dubai (No.6) won the Best Beach Hotel Award, while Royal Mansour Marrakech (No.13) was recognized as the WhistlePig Highest Climber Award, rising 25 spots. Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro (No.11) secured the Highest New Entry Award, and Desa Potato Head in Bali (No.18) was honored with the Eco Hotel Award following an independent sustainability audit.

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts earned the Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award, a fitting recognition for a brand that continues to lead on both service and innovation (and took home quite a few spots on the list). Legendary hotelier Ian Schrager received the SevenRooms Icon Award, celebrating a career that has redefined the modern hotel experience through design and personality.

Meanwhile, Australia made its mark with Capella Sydney (No.12), named Best Hotel in Oceania, while Royal Mansour Marrakech earned Best in Africa, and Rosewood São Paulo (No.24) took Best in South America.

This year also introduced a new honor — the Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award — given to Singita – Kruger National Park (No.40), recognizing design that moves beyond architecture to create a sensory, emotional guest experience.