Rosewood Hong Kong Retains World’s No. 1 Hotel Title
Rosewood Hong Kong has been named the world’s best hotel for a second consecutive year, reinforcing the city’s position on the global luxury travel map and highlighting Asia’s growing influence on high-end hospitality.
HONG KONG: Rosewood Hong Kong has retained the No. 1 position in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026, becoming the first property to claim the top honour for two consecutive years.
The result was announced at the 2026 awards ceremony in Paris on September 15, with Rosewood Hong Kong again taking the title after ranking No. 3 in 2024 and No. 1 in 2025.
The recognition places Hong Kong at the centre of the global luxury hospitality conversation at a time when Asian destinations are playing an increasingly prominent role in international travel.
Rosewood Hong Kong, which overlooks Victoria Harbour from the heart of the city, opened in 2019 and has become the flagship property of Rosewood Hotel Group. The 65-storey hotel combines 413 rooms and suites with 11 restaurants and bars, alongside the multi-level Asaya wellness concept.
Its latest recognition also gives Hong Kong the distinction of hosting the world's best hotel for the second year running.
Asia performed strongly across the 2026 ranking, with 18 hotels making the list. Bangkok took the next two positions, with Capella Bangkok ranked No. 2 and Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River at No. 3.
The strong showing by Asian properties reflects the depth of the region's luxury hospitality market, from established financial and cultural centres such as Hong Kong to Bangkok, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Japan was represented by four hotels, including Aman Tokyo at No. 11, Bulgari Tokyo at No. 24, Patina Osaka at No. 33 and Park Hyatt Kyoto at No. 37.
Europe nevertheless remained the largest regional presence, with 21 hotels on the list, while North America had six, South America two, Africa two and Oceania one.
The ranking is based on votes from an academy of more than 800 hospitality experts, travel journalists, educators and experienced travellers across 13 regions. Deloitte independently adjudicates the voting process.
Beyond the headline ranking, the 2026 awards also highlighted changing priorities within luxury hospitality.
Chablé Yucatán in Mexico received the Eco Hotel Award, while Hôtel du Couvent in Nice was recognised for design. Passalacqua in Lake Como retained its Best Boutique Hotel title, while Atlantis The Royal in Dubai was named Best Beach Hotel.
For Rosewood Hong Kong, the consecutive victories underline the importance of service, design and a strong sense of place in the increasingly competitive luxury hotel market.
The property has positioned itself not simply as a place to stay, but as an extension of the Hong Kong experience, connecting its hospitality offering with the city's food, culture, architecture and harbour setting.
That positioning is particularly relevant as luxury travellers increasingly look for experiences that provide a sense of destination rather than simply premium accommodation.
The latest ranking also provides a boost for Hong Kong's broader tourism proposition. A globally recognised hotel can serve as an international showcase for the destination, particularly among travellers seeking high-end accommodation and experiences.
For Asia's hospitality industry, meanwhile, the 2026 results reinforce the region's growing ability to compete at the highest end of the global travel market.
With Rosewood Hong Kong once again at the top, the message from this year's ranking is clear: luxury hospitality in Asia is no longer simply competing for attention. It is increasingly setting the benchmark.
