Fantastic October 2026 Suggestions With ANN DOUGLAS LOTT / These Are The 50 Best Hotels in The World / By Acacia Gabriel & Brekke Fletcher

Who doesn’t love a luxury hotel? Even if you’re priced out from regular five-star stays, the grandeur of a well-appointed, beautifully designed accommodation demands appreciation. For those of us who have had the privilege to stay in one (or a few or many), there is a singular joy, a feeling of luck, that for just one or two (or a few or many) nights, you’re royalty.

So if you’re a hotel addict like we are at Lonely Planet, disappear into the annual ranking of the World’s 50 Best Hotels. This list is what daydreams are made of, with an incredible selection of beachside oases, modern-day palaces and mountain escapes.

The list’s collective judges are part of the The 50 Best Hotels Academy, a body of more than 800 international travel experts (with a 50/50 gender balance!) from the hotel and travel industries who vote anonymously on the best properties globally.

Europe has taken the lead this year, with 21 entries. Italy and France tie for the most properties with six apiece, Paris claims four spots and London holds three.

Asia also has an impressive 16 properties on the list, notably taking the top three spots: Rosewood Hong Kong (1), Capella Bangkok (2) and Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (3).

Meanwhile in the Americas, Mexico leads with four hotels, while Brazil and the US have two each.

Other acknowledgements include Patina Osaka (33), which was named the Best New Hotel, and Casa Maria Luigia (18) took the Highest New Entry award.

Additional highlights from our favorite hotels and the full list follow.

The pool at the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo. The World’s 50 Best Hotels

Grand Hotels in Asia

Bulgari Hotel Tokyo

Making its debut on the list, the Bulgari Hotel occupies the 40th to 45th floors of the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu skyscraper. Centrally located and within walking distance of many of the Japanese capital’s top sites, the ultra-luxe property has 98 rooms and suites, the Michelin-starred Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, along with a bar, lounge and spa.

Desa Potato Head, Bali

This carbon-neutral luxe property in Bali is styled as a “creative village” where “music, art, design, food and wellness converge under a zero-waste philosophy.”

Upper House, Hong Kong

Minimalist design, stunning artwork, extraordinary views – Upper House in the Admiralty District of Hong Kong is an impressive property, the work of acclaimed local designer, André Fu.

Four Seasons Firenze, near Florence’s city center. Courtesy of Four Seasons Firenze

Top Spots in Europe

Raffles London at the OWO

This magnificent hotel is situated in the renovated Old War Office. Both historical and modern, with incomparable views of Whitehall and Horse Guards, Raffles at the OWO has become the place to see and be seen in London – for locals and visitors alike – be it at one of its nine dining venues, three bars or at the Guerlain spa.

Four Seasons Firenze, Italy

This converted Renaissance-era palazzo is near Florence‘s city center, so you can spend the morning touring the Duomo and easily pop back to the outdoor pool for a refreshing dip.

Badrutt’s Palace

Badrutt’s Palace has served as a symbol of luxury in St Moritz, Switzerland, since it was founded in 1896. This iconic Alpine destination prides itself on unmatched service, delicious restaurant fare and amazing ski packages.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos. Courtesy of Las Ventanas al Paraiso

The Best of the Americas

Rosewood Sao Paulo, Brazil

Set in an Italianate villa that at one time was the city’s maternity ward, this glamorous mid-century hotel in São Paolo has contemporary works from 57 Brazilian artists.

San Ysidro Ranch

San Ysidro Ranch’s secluded bungalows have drawn in celebrity guests for decades, including Winston Churchill, Groucho Marx, and John and Jackie Kennedy. Each cottage in this Santa Barbara boutique hotel is individually decorated and comes with its own garden, and dining at the restaurant or speakeasy is included in every stay.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso

Las Ventanas al Paraíso is Los Cabos at its finest, with sunrise yoga, ceviche and stargazing on the sand. The spa is inspired by the four elements for ultimate rejuvenation.

Royal Mansour in Marrakesh. Courtesy of Royal Mansour

Spectacular Stays in Africa and Oceania

Capella Sydney 

Just a short walk from Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Capella Sydney is an urban oasis that blends curated artwork and state-of-the-art technology with contemporary design.

Royal Mansour

Each area of the Royal Mansour in Marrakesh takes guests on a sensory journey, from the colorful views of the lush gardens to the sweet smells of the spa. Rooms and suites are replaced by 53 luxury riads which are spread across a medina filled with charming alleys and secret doors.

Mount Nelson

Affectionately known by locals as “the Nellie,” Mount Nelson sprawls across nine acres with manicured gardens, two outdoor pools and seven restaurants. It’s right at the base of Table Mountain, making it the perfect base for exploring Cape Town‘s vibrant culture, natural beauty and exciting wine regions.

The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2026

1. Rosewood Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

2. Capella Bangkok (Bangkok)

3. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (Bangkok)

4. Atlantis The Royal (Dubai)

5. Passalacqua (Lake Como)

6. Rosewood São Paulo (São Paulo)

7. Mandarin Oriental Qianmen (Beijing)

8. Upper House Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

9. Chablé Yucatán (Chocholá)

10. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (Bangkok)

11. Aman Tokyo (Tokyo)

12. Four Seasons Firenze (Florence)

13. Claridge’s (London)

14. Hôtel de Crillon (Paris)

15. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab (Dubai)

16. Capella Sydney (Sydney)

17. Raffles Singapore (Singapore)

18. Casa Maria Luigia (Modena)

19. Le Bristol (Paris)

20. Cheval Blanc Paris (Paris)

21. Desa Potato Head (Bali)

22. San Ysidro Ranch (Santa Barbara)

23. One&Only Mandarina (Riviera Nayarit)

24. Bulgari Tokyo (Tokyo)

25. Las Ventanas al Paraíso (Los Cabos)

26. Royal Mansour (Marrakesh)

27. Four Seasons Astir Palace (Athens)

28. Raffles London at The OWO (London)

29. Copacabana Palace (Rio de Janeiro)

30. The Taj Mahal Palace (Mumbai)

31. The Peninsula Istanbul (Istanbul)

32. Bulgari Roma (Rome)

33. Patina Osaka (Osaka)

34. Mount Nelson (Cape Town)

35. Nihi Sumba (Sumba Island)

36. Badrutt’s Palace (St Moritz)

37. Park Hyatt Kyoto (Kyoto)

38. Hôtel du Couvent (Nice)

39. Portrait Milano (Milan)

40. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (Monaco)

41. Plaza Athénée (Paris)

42. Hotel Sacher Vienna (Vienna)

43. Estelle Manor (Witney)

44. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc (Antibes)

45. Amangiri (Canyon Point)

46. The Peninsula Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

47. Maroma (Riviera Maya)

48. Aman Nai Lert (Bangkok)

49. The Connaught (London)

50. San Domenico Palace (Taormina)