No Malaysian hotel was named to the global top 50 for 2024, but Asia dominated the upper third of the list, and some of our ASEAN neighbours were quite well-represented, too!

You may be familiar with The Capella Singapore, a luxury hotel located on Sentosa Island. Now, its counterpart in Bangkok has some real bragging rights, having just been named the world’s best hotel.

The Capella Bangkok had a challenging start when it opened its doors in 2020, near the height of the global pandemic and a time when the hospitality industry faced unprecedented struggles. Fast forward four years, and this luxurious riverside retreat has not only survived but thrived, recently securing the coveted top spot in the second edition of the World’s 50 Best Hotels list. The announcement came during a prestigious awards ceremony held in London.

Set in the historic Charoenkrung neighbourhood, all 101 rooms at Capella Bangkok offer spacious, light-filled accommodation, with the riverside villas, featuring private gardens and plunge pools, standing out as particularly unique. General Manager John Blanco spoke to CNN Travel after the win, describing the contrast between Bangkok’s chaotic energy and the peaceful atmosphere the hotel provides. “When you come to the hotel, you’re in this little moment of Zen,” Blanco said, highlighting the hotel’s garden with its bird-filled trees as a tranquil sanctuary.

Marketing Director Josephine Png shared her favourite aspect of Capella Bangkok: “On the terrace by the river under the trees,” she explained, where guests can experience tranquillity by day and the lively energy of the river at night, with party boats adding to the spectacle.

While opening during the pandemic was tough, Blanco viewed it as a blessing in disguise. “Covid gave us an opportunity to really get warm and fuzzy and close with the Thais, who are amazing customers,” he said. As international travel resumed, Capella Bangkok has seen a steady increase in global visitors, many of whom have become repeat guests. “Thailand is one of those destinations… you fall in love with and need more of,” Blanco added.

ASIA DOMINATES ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

Capella Bangkok was one of four Thai hotels to make the prestigious list, including the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, which placed 12th and 14th respectively. The Siam, another luxury gem in the capital, came in at 26th. Asia’s dominance in the rankings was clear, with seven of the top 10 hotels hailing from the region.

Hong Kong’s Rosewood and The Upper House also made strong showings, coming in at No. 3 and No. 5, respectively. Singapore’s 137-year-old Raffles, home of the famous Singapore Sling cocktail, secured sixth place. Meanwhile, the Maldives’ Soneva Fushi, known for its barefoot luxury, took eighth place and won the Lost Explorer ‘Best Beach Hotel’ Award 2024. The resort famously asks guests to hand over their shoes upon arrival, with shoes only returned when guests leave.

Japan was also represented, with Bulgari Tokyo coming in at No. 22 and winning the Nikka ‘Best New Hotel’ Award 2024.

PRESTIGE BEYOND ASIA

While Asia celebrated several wins, European hotels also performed well. Last year’s top hotel, Passalacqua in Italy, nestled by Lake Como, fell to second place this year. Paris saw several of its top hotels make the list, including Cheval Blanc in fourth place, the elegant Hôtel de Crillon at No. 15, and Le Bristol at No. 40.

London, the host city, featured several classics, with Claridge’s and The Connaught ranking at No. 11 and No. 46, respectively. The newly opened Raffles London at The OWO made an impressive debut at No. 13, earning the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award. Dubai also had a notable showing, with Atlantis The Royal taking ninth place and winning the Highest Climber Award. Another Dubai entry, The Lana, came in at No. 23.

Beyond Europe and Asia, Mexico’s Chablé Yucatán was ranked 16th and named the Best Hotel in North America, offering a wellness retreat set around a sacred Mayan pool. In Australia, The Calile, located in Brisbane’s vibrant James Street area, was named Best Hotel in Oceania, ranking 25th. It was joined by The Tasman in Hobart at No. 49, reflecting the rising popularity of Australia’s hotel offerings.

AFRICAN AND EMERGING MARKETS ALSO SHINE

Africa was also well-represented, with two top hotels from Marrakech – La Mamounia at No. 31 and Royal Mansour at No. 38. Earlier, Royal Mansour was named the world’s most welcoming hotel, a teaser leading up to the full list reveal.

The rapidly growing Istanbul hospitality scene also received recognition, with The Peninsula Istanbul, located along the Bosphorus, winning the American Express ‘One to Watch’ Award.

As the 2024 World’s 50 Best Hotels list reflects, both well-established and emerging destinations continue to push the boundaries of luxury hospitality, with Asia particularly standing out as a hub for world-class hotels.

THE WORLD’S 50 BEST HOTELS: THE COMPLETE LIST

1. Capella Bangkok
2. Passalacqua (Moltrasio, Italy)
3. Rosewood Hong Kong
4. Cheval Blanc Paris
5. The Upper House (Hong Kong)
6. Raffles Singapore
7. Aman Tokyo
8. Soneva Fushi (Maldives)
9. Atlantis The Royal (Dubai)
10. Nihi Sumba (Wanokaka, Indonesia)
11. Claridge’s (London)
12. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
13. Raffles London at The OWO
14. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
15. Hôtel de Crillon (Paris)
16. Chablé Yucatán (Chocholá, Mexico)
17. Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc (Antibes, France)
18. Maroma, A Belmond Hotel (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
19. Four Seasons Firenze (Florence, Italy)
20. Borgo Santandrea (Amalfi, Italy)
21. Desa Potato Head (Seminyak, Bali)
22. Bulgari Tokyo
23. The Lana (Dubai)
24. Rosewood São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil)
25. The Calile (Brisbane, Australia)
26. The Siam (Bangkok)
27. Park Hyatt Kyoto (Kyoto, Japan)
28. Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel (Cape Town, South Africa)
29. One&Only Mandarina (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
30. The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel (New York)
31. La Mamounia (Marrakech, Morocco)
32. Four Seasons Madrid
33. Capella Singapore
34. Four Seasons at the Surf Club (Surfside, Miami)
35. Hotel Bel-Air (Los Angeles)
36. Eden Rock (St. Barths)
37. Aman New York
38. Royal Mansour (Marrakech)
39. Amangalla (Sri Lanka)
40. Le Bristol Paris
41. Gleneagles (Auchterarder, Scotland)
42. Castello di Reschio (Umbria, Italy)
43. Suján Jawai (Rajasthan, India)
44. Singita Lodges (Kruger National Park, South Africa)
45. Six Senses Zighy Bay (Oman)
46. The Connaught (London)
47. The Brando (French Polynesia)
48. Hotel Esencia (Tulum, Mexico)
49. The Tasman (Hobart, Australia)
50. Kokomo Private Island (Fiji)