Passalacqua, Lake Como, the world's number 1 hotel for 2023 / Passalacqua 

Following the success of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars, 50 Best has just announced The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2023, marking the brand’s first global launch since 2009.

Passalacqua in Moltrasio, Lake Como, Italy has been named The World’s Best Hotel 2023. The stunning lakeside boutique hotel has only been open for a year. Located in an 18th-century villa, with spectacular terraced gardens running down to the water, the gorgeous 24-room property created by the De Santis family has the feel of a private home.

Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, commented, “Huge congratulations to Passalacqua for the achievement of making it to No.1, just two years after opening.”

A terrace in a suite at Claridge's, London, the top UK hotel / Rat Main 

Nearly half of the 50 winning properties are based in Europe. London solidifies its reputation as a global travel hub, with four hotels on the list: Claridge’s (No.16), The Connaught (No.22), NoMad London (No.46) and The Savoy (No.47), while two other UK properties were also winners: Gleneagles in Scotland (No.32) and The Newt in Bruton, Somerset (No.37), which was awarded the Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award. This award is given to the hotel placing highest on the list that fits all the criteria of a boutique property. 50 Best defines a boutique hotel as having fewer than 50 rooms and not being part of a large chain or group, with personalized service and features unique to its destination.

Rosewood Hong Kong room / Rosewood Hong Kong 

Asia is home to 18 of The World’s 50 Best Hotels including, in the No.2 spot, the towering Rosewood Hong Kong, set in the city’s Victoria Dockside arts and design district with stunning views over the harbor. The 413-room hotel has 11 restaurants and lounges, plus impressive recreational facilities including the Asaya spa, a fitness center and a swimming pool.

Four Seasons Bangkok suite / Kenseet 

Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River is No.3, The Upper House in Hong Kong (No.4) and Aman Tokyo (No.5). High on the list as well and within 20 meters of a beach, Soneva Fushi (No.7), in the Maldives, is also named the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel.

Aman New York, USA - Garden Terrace, bar / Robert Rieger 

The Aman in New York City at No. 25 is the top North American hotel on the list. Rising from the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, the Crown Building was built in 1921. One of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture ever built in the US, this was the first home of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 1929. The building became Aman New York in August 2022. The luxury hotel features suites with fireplaces, two fine dining restaurants, a spa and a swanky basement jazz club.

Aman Tokyo suite / Aman Tokyo 

The Top 50 Hotels for 2023:

1. Passalacqua, Moltrasio
2. Rosewood,Hong Kong
3. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
4. The Upper House, Hong Kong
5. Aman, Tokyo
6. La Mamounia Marrakech
7. Soneva Fushi Maldives
8. One&Only Mandarina Puerto Vallarta
9. Four Seasons Firenze Florence
10. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
11. Capella, Bangkok
12. The Calile, Brisbane
13. Chablé Yucatán,Chocholá
14. Aman, Venice
15. Singita Lodges, Kruger National Park
16. Claridge's, London
17. Raffles, Singapore
18. Nihi Sumba,Wanokaka
19. Hotel Esencia,Tulum
20. Le Sirenuse,Positano
21. Borgo Egnazia,Savelletri
22. The Connaught,London
23. Royal Mansour, Marrakech
24. Four Seasons, Madrid
25. Aman, New York
26. The Maybourne Riviera,Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
27. Rosewood, São Paulo
28. Capella, Singapore
29. Le Bristol,Paris
30. Park Hyatt, Kyoto
31. La Réserve, Paris
32. Gleneagles, St Andrews, Scotland
33. Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes
34. Cheval Blanc,Paris
35. Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens
36. Soneva Jani, Maldives
37. The Newt, Bruton
38. Amangalla,Galle
39. Hoshinoya, Tokyo
40. Desa Potato Head, Seminyak
41. Eden Rock, St. Barths
42. The Siam, Bangkok
43. Badrutt's Palace, St. Moritz
44. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
45. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
46. NoMad, London
47. The Savoy, London
48. Equinox, New York
49. Six Senses Ibiza, Portinatx
50. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

Soneva Fushi, Maldives / Richard Waite Photography 

The World’s 50 Best Hotels list is created by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, an influential group of more than 580 independent leaders, each selected for their expert opinion of the international hotel scene.