The best hotels around the world for 2024 have been revealed

The Capella Bangkok faced a challenging start. Opening in 2020, during the height of the global pandemic, it entered a hospitality landscape struggling to stay afloat.

Yet, just four years later, this tranquil retreat with views of the Chao Phraya River claimed the top spot in the second edition of the World’s 50 Best Hotels list, unveiled at an awards ceremony in London on Tuesday evening.

The hotel boasts 101 spacious, light-filled rooms, but the riverside villas, featuring private gardens and plunge pools, stand out as a highlight of this five-star oasis in Charoenkrung, Bangkok's historic district.

“Bangkok is wild, chaotic, and buzzing with energy,” said general manager John Blanco in an interview with Dinogo Travel after the London ceremony. “But here, at the hotel, it's like stepping into a peaceful Zen moment—surrounded by a garden full of trees and birds.”

Josephine Png, Capella Bangkok's marketing director, shared with Dinogo Travel that her favorite place in the hotel is 'the terrace by the river, beneath the trees.' During the day, it’s 'incredibly peaceful,' she said, but at night, the river comes alive with the vibrant energy of passing party boats.

Blanco reflected that opening during the pandemic was unexpectedly beneficial, as it provided the team with time to connect with their neighbors. 'Covid allowed us to build strong relationships with the Thai people, who are wonderful guests,' he explained.

The hotel is now attracting visitors from around the world, many of whom return for multiple stays, Blanco noted. 'Thailand is a place that grabs hold of you. It’s one of those destinations you fall in love with, and once you’ve experienced it, you keep coming back—almost like an addiction.'

Rosewood Hong Kong, with stunning views of Victoria Harbor, secured the third spot on the list.

Rosewood Hong Kong, offering panoramic views of Victoria Harbor, claimed third place on the ranking. Courtesy of Rosewood Hong Kong

Asian triumph

Capella Bangkok was one of four hotels in the Thai capital to make the Top 50, with the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River ranking No. 12 and No. 14, while The Siam landed at No. 26.

It was undoubtedly Asia’s night, with seven of the top 10 hotels hailing from the region.

Hong Kong made its mark with the Rosewood at No. 3 and The Upper House at No. 5, while Raffles Singapore—famous for the creation of the Singapore Sling—secured sixth place.

Soneva Fushi in the Maldives took eighth place and also won the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award 2024. This resort is so devoted to barefoot luxury that guests surrender their shoes upon arrival, and they aren’t returned until departure.

The 45-story Bulgari Tokyo, ranked No. 22, earned the Nikka Best New Hotel Award 2024.

International stars

Passalacqua, last year's winner, a 24-room Italian gem overlooking Lake Como, secured second place this year.

London also had a strong presence, with iconic hotels Claridge’s and The Connaught at No. 11 and No. 46, respectively, while Raffles London at The OWO earned the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award at No. 13.

Dubai's colossal Atlantis The Royal made a remarkable leap to ninth place, winning the Highest Climber Award, while the more understated The Lana, at No. 23, was another notable success from the emirate.

Chablé Yucatán, a Mexican wellness retreat built around a sacred Mayan pool, earned the No. 16 spot and was named Best Hotel in North America.

The Calile, a chic and spacious urban resort in Brisbane’s vibrant James Street district, claimed the title of Best Hotel in Oceania at No. 25. While it was the only Australian representative last year, in 2024 it was joined by The Tasman in Hobart at No. 49.

The highest-ranked African hotels were both from Marrakech: La Mamounia at No. 31 and Royal Mansour at No. 38.

While the full top-50 list was revealed on September 17, Royal Mansour had already been named the 'world’s most welcoming hotel' last month as a preview to the main awards ceremony.

The Peninsula Istanbul, which opened along the Bosphorus last year, won the American Express One to Watch Award.