The World’s Best Hotels for 2024 Unveiled
The prestigious Capella Bangkok has clinched the top spot in the second edition of the World’s 50 Best Hotels list, just four years after its debut amidst the global pandemic in 2020. This serene riverside retreat in Bangkok’s oldest neighborhood, Charoenkrung, boasts 101 luxurious rooms, with its riverside villas featuring private gardens and plunge pools as a key highlight.
According to the hotel’s general manager, John Blanco, the property provides a peaceful oasis amid Bangkok’s bustling atmosphere. “When you come to the hotel, you’re in this little moment of Zen,”. Capella’s director of marketing, Josephine Png, also shared her love for the tranquil riverside terrace.
Blanco described the pandemic as a blessing in disguise, as it allowed the hotel to form close ties with its local Thai clientele before welcoming international guests. With Thailand’s irresistible charm, Blanco noted that many guests are returning for repeat visits, likening the country to “a drug” people can’t get enough of.
Asian Excellence Capella Bangkok was one of four Bangkok hotels to make the prestigious Top 50 list. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok ranked 12th, Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River claimed 14th place, and The Siam was positioned 26th.
Asia dominated the rankings, with seven of the top 10 hotels from the region. The Rosewood in Hong Kong secured third place, followed by The Upper House, also in Hong Kong, at fifth. Singapore’s iconic Raffles, home of the famous Singapore Sling, was ranked sixth. Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, known for its “barefoot luxury” ethos, took the eighth spot and won the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award 2024.
In 22nd place, Bulgari Tokyo was named the Nikka Best New Hotel Award 2024 winner for its luxurious skyscraper property.
Global Stars Last year’s top winner, Passalacqua in Italy, claimed second place in 2024. Paris was also strongly represented with Cheval Blanc at fourth, Hôtel de Crillon at 15th, and Le Bristol in 40th place.
London had multiple top-ranking hotels, including Claridge’s at 11th and The Connaught at 46th. Raffles London at The OWO, ranking 13th, won the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award. Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal, known for its grandeur, jumped to ninth place, earning the Highest Climber Award, while The Lana in Dubai also made a strong debut at 23rd.
In North America, Chablé Yucatán in Mexico, with its sacred Mayan pool, was named the Best Hotel, ranking 16th. Australia’s The Calile, a chic urban resort in Brisbane, claimed the title of Best Hotel in Oceania, ranking 25th, with The Tasman in Hobart joining the list at 49th.
Marrakech’s La Mamounia at 31st and Royal Mansour at 38th were Africa’s top contenders, with Royal Mansour being named “world’s most welcoming hotel” ahead of the full list reveal. Finally, the newly opened Peninsula Istanbul won the American Express One to Watch Award for its stunning location on the Bosphorus.
