Capella Bangkok has been crowned the best hotel not just in Asia, but also on the globe, according to the recently revealed rankings from The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024. This prestigious list highlights the best stays worldwide, evaluated by experts from the hospitality industry. This year’s list is the second annual edition, showcasing how the hospitality sector continues to recover and flourish post-pandemic.
Located along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, Capella Bangkok offers guests spectacular views and luxurious amenities. Opened only three years ago, the hotel boasts over 100 rooms surrounded by lush gardens, creating not just opulence but also tranquility amid the bustle of the city. Guests can dine at world-class restaurants, including those headed by Michelin-starred chefs, adding to the hotel’s appeal.
Thailand made quite the statement this year, with four of its hotels featuring prominently on the list. Following closely behind the Capella, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok secured the 12th position, providing guests with nearly 150 years of storied hospitality experience and stunning views of the Chao Phraya River. The Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River managed to snag the 14th spot, showcasing modern luxury just steps away from the city’s vibrant culture. Meanwhile, The Siam, with its unique blend of contemporary design and traditional art influences, made its mark at the 26th position.
But Thailand wasn’t the only country making waves on this illustrious list. Singapore’s iconic Raffles Hotel demonstrated its timeless strength, claiming the 6th position globally. Its historic architecture and cultural significance shine alongside its luxury offerings, inviting guests to experience the serene elegance reminiscent of its inauguration over 120 years ago. Meanwhile, Capella on Sentosa Island, another Singapore gem, came at 33rd position.
Indonesia also celebrated remarkable achievements. The renowned Nihi Sumba, with its stunning 27 villa layout across the beautiful beaches of Sumba Island, captured the 10th position. It is known not just for its natural allure but also for innovative conservation efforts. Bali’s Desa Potato Head, with its environmentally-friendly practices and artistic community vibe, ranked at 21, showcasing the growing trend of eco-friendliness paired with luxury.
Asia dominated the 2024 rankings with 19 hotels, leading over Europe, which had 13 entries. The extensive selection speaks to the region's commitment to high standards of service and unforgettable experiences. North America and South America followed with entries of 9 and 1, respectively, highlighting the diverse destinations worthy of exploration.
The voting for the World’s 50 Best Hotels is conducted by over 600 international jurors from the travel industry who evaluate their top seven hotel experiences over the past 18 months. This structure allows recent luxury entrants to shine, making it possible for places brimming with marketing potential to gain visibility amid stiff competition.
This year’s ceremony was held at London’s historic Guildhall, where awards such as “Highest New Entry” and “Most Admired Hotel Group” were presented. Raffles London at the OWO, the latest addition to the Raffles portfolio, not only won the top new entry award but also delighted guests with its unique blend of heritage and modern elegance, following its lavish renovation of Winston Churchill’s historic wartime office.
Overall, the top winners maintain their positions from last year, with some new entries adding fresh competition and highlighting global trends. This year’s influence reflected the travel industry's recovery push and the appeal of urban destinations, particularly as travelers venture out post-COVID. The power of exceptional hospitality, excellent service, and immersive experiences remains strong.
The American representation on the list has also increased, now totaling four hotels. Iconic properties like The Carlyle and Hotel Bel-Air add glamour and accolades to their respective cities, showcasing the diversity of luxury experiences available across the United States.
There was pride expressed by numerous hoteliers for making the list, emphasizing its significance not just for individual hotels, but also for the destinations and brands associated with them. Kristina Snaith-Lense, general manager of the Upper House, noted the list’s impact on Hong Kong’s recovery efforts post-COVID, highlighting its importance for elevational visibility.
Following are the top 10 hotels from the 2024 rankings:
- Capella Bangkok (Thailand)
- Passalacqua (Lake Como, Italy)
- Rosewood Hong Kong
- Cheval Blanc Paris
- The Upper House, Hong Kong
- Raffles Singapore
- Aman Tokyo
- Soneva Fushi (Maldives)
- Atlantis The Royal (Dubai)
- Nihi Sumba (Indonesia)
There’s something to be said about the luxury experience, and these hotels have redefined excellence. Whether it’s charming villas along stunning beaches or skyline views from towering urban hotels, the 2024 rankings confirm the allure of these destinations and the unforgettable memories they create. It's exciting to see what new experiences these destinations will continue to offer as the world of hospitality grows eagerly to welcome travelers once again.
