Rosewood Hong Kong has held on to its crown as the world’s best hotel, becoming the first property to claim the title twice in the history of The 50 Best Hotels.
Announced in Paris on 15 September, the 2026 ranking delivered a clean sweep of the top three for Asia. Capella Bangkok took second place, followed by Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River in third.
For Rosewood Hong Kong, the repeat win underlines the appeal of a hotel that pairs considerable scale with close attention to individual guests. Opened in 2019 overlooking Victoria Harbour, the flagship occupies a 270-metre tower, with 419 rooms and suites featuring interiors by Tony Chi.
Its 1,200 staff help bring a personal touch to that sizeable operation, from bespoke welcome amenities to the small details that distinguish one stay from another. Eleven restaurants and bars, including Cantonese restaurant The Legacy House, sit alongside the Asaya Spa by Guerlain.
“I’m lost for words,” said managing director Hugo Montanari. “To win it two years in a row, that’s down to everyone who comes and sees us, visits the hotel, eats at our restaurants and enjoys our spa. It shows that the team back home is making it special every day.”
The result also puts Hong Kong firmly in the spotlight, with Upper House Hong Kong and The Peninsula Hong Kong featuring alongside Rosewood in the ranking.
Across Asia, 18 properties made the top 50. Europe supplied the largest regional contingent with 21 hotels, led by Lake Como’s Passalacqua at No.5. The 24-room Italian property won the inaugural award in 2023.
Elsewhere, Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore’s Casa Maria Luigia entered at No.18, earning the Highest New Entry Award, while Capella Sydney retained its title as the Best Hotel in Oceania.
The awards were previously known as The World’s 50 Best Hotels.