Frequently Asked Questions
Why has The World's 50 Best Hotels changed name to The 50 Best Hotels?
Launched on 9 September 2026, The 50 is the new unified master brand for 50 Best, bringing together its globally recognised rankings, awards, content and Discovery platform under one clear and distinctive identity. The 50 Best Hotels' name change reflects this evolution.
Formerly known as The World's 50 Best Hotels, The 50 Best Hotels remains focused on recognising excellence and celebrating the very best hotels across the globe. The new naming convention creates greater consistency across The 50's global portfolio and better reflects the scale and breadth of what we do today. This is an evolution of the brand rather than a change to the ranking itself, and the ranking's credibility, independence and methodology remain unchanged.
What is The 50 Best Hotels?
The 50 Best Hotels is an annual list that celebrates the best venues the world has to offer. It is the ultimate guide to hotels across the world, as voted for by a global panel of more than 800 industry experts.
When and where will The 50 Best Hotels 2026 be revealed?
The awards ceremony and announcement of The 50 Best Hotels 2026 will take place on Tuesday 15 September in Paris, France.
How are the awards voted for?
The 50 Best Hotels list is compiled from the votes of The 50 Best Hotels Academy, which comprises more than 800 industry experts from across the globe, including hoteliers, journalists, business travellers and other well-travelled experts. Each member of the Academy has seven votes and can nominate any hotel they deem deserving of a vote.
How are the voting regions formed?
To represent the global hotel industry, the voting Academy is split into 13 regions to create a diverse, global pool of voters. Each of the 13 regions is headed up by a chairperson, who is a leading expert within their designated area. It is the responsibility of each of these Academy Chairs to appoint a voting panel. Every year, the Academy refreshes 25% of its members.
Does a hotel have to offer certain services to be listed?
All styles of hotel are eligible for inclusion regardless of their setting, facilities or number of rooms. A hotel does not have to stock a certain product, have a certain price point, or meet certain requirements (other than they must be open during the voting period and must not be closing permanently within three months of the list being announced). We don't believe there is, or should be, a type of hotel that features in The 50 list. It is entirely up to the anonymous voters to name their best hotel experiences in the voting window.
Can hotels campaign voters?
As voters are anonymous and the voting process confidential, there is no way for hotels to openly campaign to voters to make it onto the list. However, hotels are encouraged to create the best offering possible and market themselves accordingly.
Does it cost anything to be listed?
No, there is no cost to be listed as one of The 50 Best Hotels or to be eligible for voting. We run a strict no 'pay-to-play' policy; hotels are chosen by the more 800 experts in the Academy and they cannot pay, apply or self-nominate in order to be considered. Our Voter's Charter, which each panellist is bound by, clearly states all voters are required to retain their anonymity and that they must not vote for any venue in which they have a financial interest.
What awards are given?
In addition to The 50 Best Hotels list, there are also a series of special prizes awarded to individuals and hotels. These include: SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award, American Express Travel One to Watch Award, Nikka Best New Hotel Award, Bombay Sapphire Eco Hotel Award, Best Beach Hotel Award, Best Boutique Hotel Award, Lavazza Highest New Entry Award, SevenRooms Icon Award, Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award, Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award and WhistlePig Highest Climber Award.
What does it mean to be included on The 50 Best Hotels ranking?
It provides recognition of the dedication, passion and skill of the teams behind those hotels. It also helps promote those establishments internationally to discerning travellers, boosting the hotels' profiles and business, by driving footfall.
Who owns The 50 Best Hotels?
The 50 Best Hotels is owned and organised by William Reed, the group behind The 50 Best Restaurants and The 50 Best Bars.
