Rosewood Hong Kong has officially secured the top spot on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list for the current year. The 65-story property, known for its distinctive presence on the Hong Kong skyline, earned this prestigious recognition at an awards ceremony held in London.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for the hotel, which opened its doors just six years ago. It previously ranked in the top three twice, underscoring its consistent excellence in the global luxury hospitality sector.
Key Takeaways
- Rosewood Hong Kong is the world's best hotel.
- The hotel is on the Kowloon waterfront.
- Asia dominates the top hotel rankings.
- The staff's passion for hospitality and Hong Kong is key.
- The list includes hotels from 22 destinations.
A Global Recognition for Exceptional Service
The announcement took place at the Old Billingsgate events venue in London. Angus Pitkethley, the complex director of sales and marketing for Rosewood Hong Kong, expressed his surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award.
Pitkethley highlighted the hotel's dedicated staff as the primary reason for its success. He stated that the team is not only passionate about hospitality but also deeply committed to Hong Kong itself. This dedication translates into world-class service and memorable guest experiences.
Quick Facts
- Location: Kowloon waterfront, Hong Kong
- Rooms: 413 guest rooms
- Opened: 2019
- Designer: Tony Chi
- Average Nightly Rate: Around $650
Emma Sleight, head of content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, praised Rosewood Hong Kong. She described it as an exceptional hotel offering sensational guest experiences in a vibrant global city. Sleight noted that the hotel’s top ranking further solidifies Asia’s position as a premier luxury travel destination.
"This exceptional hotel offers world-class service and sensational guest experiences in the heart of one of the world’s most bustling and dynamic destinations," Emma Sleight stated.
Asia's Dominance in Luxury Hospitality
The 2024 list shows a strong presence of Asian hotels. Out of the top five, four are located in Asia, highlighting the region’s growing influence in the luxury travel market. The Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River secured second place, while Capella Bangkok, last year’s winner, came in third.
Passalacqua, an 18th-century villa in Lake Como, Italy, was the only non-Asian property in the top five. It ranked fourth and received the Best Boutique Hotel award. Raffles Singapore, famous as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail, completed the top five.
Judging Process
The World’s 50 Best Hotels list is determined by The World’s 50 Best Hotel Academy. This academy comprises 800 hotel industry experts, including hoteliers and travel journalists. These experts are spread across 13 global destinations, ensuring a wide range of perspectives in the voting process.
Other Notable Asian Hotels on the List
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (No. 7)
- Upper House Hong Kong (No. 10)
- Bulgari Tokyo (No. 15)
- Aman Tokyo (No. 25)
- Janu Tokyo (No. 37)
- Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong (No. 41)
- The Tokyo Edition Toranomon (No. 45)
Global Representation Across Continents
While Asia dominated, the list features properties from 22 destinations across six continents. This demonstrates the diverse range of luxury experiences available worldwide. North America saw Chablé Yucatán in Mexico as its highest-ranked hotel at number eight. This former 19th-century hacienda is nestled in the Mayan jungle, emphasizing nature and cultural connection.
Diego Gutiérrez, CEO of Chablé Hotels, noted that Chablé Yucatán is inspired by nature, culture, and human connection. Four Mexican hotels made the list, reflecting the country's growing luxury appeal.
Key Entries from Other Regions
- North America: The Mark in New York (No. 43) and Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles (No. 42) were new entries.
- South America: Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro (No. 11), which also won the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award, and Rosewood São Paulo (No. 24) were the only South American hotels.
- Middle East: Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal (No. 6) was the highest in the region.
- Oceana: Capella Sydney (No. 12) took the top spot for Oceana.
- Africa: Royal Mansour in Marrakech (No. 13) was the highest-ranked hotel in Africa.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025: Top 10
- Rosewood Hong Kong
- Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (Thailand)
- Capella Bangkok (Thailand)
- Passalacqua (Italy)
- Raffles Singapore
- Atlantis The Royal (Dubai)
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (Thailand)
- Chablé Yucatán (Chocholá, Mexico)
- Four Seasons Firenze (Florence, Italy)
- Upper House Hong Kong
The complete list offers a comprehensive guide for travelers seeking the very best in global hospitality. It recognizes properties that consistently deliver outstanding service, unique experiences, and a strong sense of place.
The annual awards continue to shape travel aspirations and highlight the evolving landscape of luxury accommodation around the world. The recognition of Rosewood Hong Kong underscores the importance of both exceptional service and a deep connection to local culture in achieving global acclaim.