London knows how to do hotels — as was proven last night when some of the capital’s landmark hotels and wellness meccas were celebrated in the World’s 50 Best Hotel Awards 2025.
Though it was a 65-story Hong Kong favourite which took the top spot in the third edition of the awards ceremony at Old Billingsgate, London.
Four London hotels made it on the list at the prestigious awards, with Claridge’s securing the 11th spot; The Connaught placing 29th; and Raffles London and The Emory ranking 31st and 32nd, respectively.
The Connaught, which has jumped up from 46th place last year, has been considered an institution in the capital since its opening in 1815 —celebrated for its exceptional, old-school service and famous martinis.
Estelle Manor in Witney was a new entry this year, taking 47th place. The hotel, created by the same brand behind London’s Maison Estelle, is a stunning members-only jaunt set within 3,000 acres of the Cotswolds.
The country getaway is beloved by Londoners for its extensive facilities, including five restaurants, a clubhouse, yoga studio, padel courts, and Roman-inspired spa.
As for the top spot: Rosewood Hotel in Hong Kong was named the World’s Best Hotel 2025.
Situated over Victoria Harbour on the Kowloon waterfront, it climbed two places from third in the 2024 list, also clinching the title of The Best Hotel in Asia.
The 413-room hotel was taken over in 2011 by the Hong Kong-based Cheng family. It is home to 11 restaurants and bars, a harbour-view infinity pool, and a renowned multi-level wellness facility. The property was designed by Taiwanese designer, Tony Chi.
The Rosewood brand also boasts properties in London, New York, and Dallas.
The awards were a truly global celebration with North America being home to six winning hotels, Africa with three hotels, and Oceania with two hotels.
Seventeen of the World’s Best Hotels were in Europe with the highest ranking entry going to Passalacqua in Lake Como, Italy.
Luxury destination Lake Como is home to plenty of luxury hotels, but Passalacqua is a cut above the rest with its stylish pool, garden terrace, and ancient climbing roses.
Four Seasons Astir Palace (17th) in Athens, Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo in Monaco (36th) and Grand Park Hotel Rovinj in Croatia (48th) also all secured places in the list.
Desa Potato Head in Bali won the Eco Hotel Award for its commitment to sustainability, having been the first Asian hospitality brand to go carbon-neutral.
Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, Australia was named the American Express Travel One to Watch Award winner.
The winner of the SevenRooms Icon Award was Ian Schrager, founded of the legendary Studio 54 nightclub. He has been a the helm of the boutique hotel concept and has partnered with hotels such as The Royalton, Delano, and the Edition Hotels.
Full list of winners
1. Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Bangkok
3. Capella Bangkok, Bangkok
4. Passalacqua, Lake Como
5. Raffles Singapore, Singapore
6. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
7. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Bangkok
8. Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá
9. Four Seasons Firenze, Florence
10. Upper House Hong Kong, Hong Kong
11. Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro
12. Capella Sydney, Sydney
13. Royal Mansour, Marrakech
14. Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing
15. Bulgari Tokyo, Tokyo
16. Claridge's, London
17. Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens
18. Desa Potato Head, Bali
19. Le Bristol, Paris
20. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai
21. Cheval Blanc Paris, Paris
22. Bulgari Roma, Rome
23. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris
24. Rosewood São Paulo, São Paulo
25. Aman Tokyo, Tokyo
26. Hotel Il Pellicano, Porto Ercole
27. Hôtel du Couvent, Nice
28. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
29. The Connaught, London
30. La Mamounia, Marrakech
31. Raffles London at The OWO, London
32. The Emory, London
33. Maroma, Riviera Maya
34. The Calile, Brisbane
35. The Lana, Dubai
36. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco
37. Janu Tokyo, Tokyo
38. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
39. One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit
40. Singita – Kruger National Park, Kruger National Park
41. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Hong Kong
42. Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
43. The Mark, New York
44. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Los Cabos
45. The Tokyo Edition Toranomon, Tokyo
46. Hotel The Mitsui, Kyoto
47. Estelle Manor, Witney
48. Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Rovinj
49. Hotel Sacher Vienna, Vienna
50. Mandapa, Bali
