The crème de la crème of the world’s hoteliers descended on London last week for the second edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels award ceremony, as Capella Bangkok was named top of the list.
Debuting last year, the awards mark the latest addition to 50 Best, which first announced The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 22 years ago, and now orchestrates a global portfolio of eight annual ceremonies across gastronomy, bars and hotels.
The Presidential Villa at Capella Bangkok
With votes cast by an influential group of 600 anonymous leaders in the hotel industry, they are something of a definitive ranking across global hospitality – and with 19 Asian properties in the top 50, the continent is leading the charge when it comes to memorable hotel experiences.
Last year, Italy’s Passalacqua took the No.1 position, with Europe holding 18 properties in the list; this year we saw the ascent of Asia. As Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, Emma Sleight, commented; “in the inaugural list in 2023, it was clear that the voters were among the many travellers eager to return to Asia in its long-awaited post-Covid-19 reopening.”
Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy
While the qualifying voting period for 2023 meant some destinations may have still been off limits, in 2024 – and with the world finally fully open again – Bangkok was a city that shone through. Four hotels in the Thai capital ranked: The Siam found itself at No.26; Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River at No.14; and Mandarin Oriental Bangkok at No.12; alongside Capella Bangkok taking the top spot.
What is it about the Thai capital that continues to draw in over 22 million international visitors a year – albeit not just to its luxury portfolio? Sleight suggests that “the city’s broad appeal, from its rich history and vibrant culture to its renowned culinary scene and luxury hotels, makes it a magnet for travellers,” continuing to note that “we expect interest in Thailand to soar even higher with the upcoming launch of The White Lotus series set in the country, following the trend of travellers seeking destinations they have seen through other cultural mediums such as film and TV.”
The Siam Hotel, Bangkok
With panoramic views of the majestic Chao Phraya River, Capella Bangkok – situated on the oldest paved road in Thailand – is designed as a traveller’s pied à terre. Here, the timeless classicism of a Grand Dame hotel meets the cosy intimacy of a boutique, alongside Michelin star fine dining from Mauro Colagreco, a tailored approach to wellness, and local experiences for guests.
Capella Singapore was also on the 2024 list; named No.33. “To have one hotel maintain its position on such a prestigious list is remarkable; to have two do so, with one claiming the top spot globally and in Asia, is simply exceptional,” Cristiano Rinaldi, President of Capella Hotel Group said of the accolades, adding that it is “a tribute to our dedicated Capella colleagues and a testament to the trust from our guests; as masters in our craft, we will continue to redefine luxury hospitality and set new standards for excellence.”
It wasn’t just Bangkok in Asia that celebrated at this year’s awards. Elsewhere, Hong Kong emerged as a front runner, with Rosewood Hong Kong at No.3 and The Upper House at No.5, and a further eight Asian properties took spots in the top 10. The iconic Raffles Singapore was at No.6; Aman Tokyo No.7; Maldives resort Soneva Fushi No.8; 2023’s star-studded opening Atlantis Royal at No.9; and Indonesian paradise NIHI Sumba at No.10. Only two European properties muscled in to the top 10 in 2024: last year’s No.1 Passalacqua down one place, and Paris’ Cheval Blanc at No.5.
Soneva Fushi, the Maldives
Further down the list, Bulgari Tokyo (No.22) was presented with the Nikka Best New Hotel award, while Bali, Kyoto, Galle, Rajasthan and Zaghi in Oman made up the remaining Asian destinations represented. In what was only the second hotel award ceremony from 50 Best, we saw 15 new entries from 12 territories, including The Brando in French Polynesia and Kokomo Private Island in Fiji, indicating that the global footprint of properties is likely set to increase – so it remains to be seen whether Asia will continue to set the precedent next year.
In another coup for the continent’s hospitality industry, the newly introduced Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award, was given to Aman. The brand has a global footprint of over 30 properties but, as Sleight comments, many of them have “Asian-inspired design reflecting the brand’s origins and flagship property, Amanpuri in Thailand, which opened in 1988.”
Maybourne Hotel Group
25/11/2021
Closer to home, four UK hotels made the list including London’s Claridge’s (No.11), Raffles London at The OWO (No.13), which was also given the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award, and The Connaught (No.46), with Gleneagles in Scotland at No.41.
As the awards gain traction and with another year of travels ahead – as well as a slew of dazzling new hotel openings this year that didn’t quite make the voting period – we’re eagerly anticipating 2025’s list.
Lead image: Capella Bangkok
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