
The international hospitality industry has officially turned its gaze toward Paris as 50 Best announces the extended 51–100 ranking for The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026. Unveiled on 1 September 2026 in London, this anticipated preliminary release sets the stage for the live ceremony on Tuesday, 15 September, where the top 50 properties worldwide will be revealed.
By expanding the spotlight beyond the elite top 50, the extended 51–100 list captures the breadth of contemporary travel. Spanning 23 distinct territories, 40 cities, and highlighting 10 independent hotels, the 2026 list recognizes iconic heritage landmarks, remote wellness retreats, design-led boutique urban hotels, and coastal getaways.
Asia Leads the Global Count
Asia emerges as the most recognized continent on the extended roster, securing 20 hotel rankings. The region’s performance reflects its investment in experiential hospitality, seamless service, and refined design.
Japan’s Enduring Appeal
Leading Asia’s strong presence is Japan, which claims seven individual properties across the 51–100 ranking. Standouts include:
- Park Hyatt Tokyo (No.53): Long recognized as an architectural anchor in Shinjuku, the legendary property continues to hold high esteem among seasoned international travelers.
- Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto (No.79): Located near Nijo Castle, this sanctuary blends traditional Japanese architecture, restorative onsen culture, and tranquil landscaped gardens.
- Waldorf Astoria Osaka (No.89): A contemporary luxury retreat that elevates modern Japanese hospitality high above the vibrant Kansai metropolis.
Mainland China Expands Its Footprint
Two properties represent Mainland China within the extended ranking:
- Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen (No.90): Combining modern architecture with skyline vistas over the tech hub of southern China.
- The Peninsula Shanghai (No.99): An Art Deco classic positioned along the historic Bund, celebrating heritage glamour along the Huangpu River.
Europe’s Elegance: Italy and France Command the Field
Europe claims 16 placements on the extended roster, led by classic Mediterranean escapes, grand historic residences, and Alpine hideaways.
France Sets the Pace
Leading the entire 51–100 list at No.51 is La Réserve Paris, the intimate Parisian palace celebrated for its discreet elegance, private mansion atmosphere, and personalized butler services near the Champs-Élysées.
France captures three additional positions, highlighting significant new entries:
- Ritz Paris (No.72): The storied Place Vendôme institution makes a celebrated entry on this year’s extended ranking.
- Carlton Cannes (No.80): A Belle Époque icon along the French Riviera, combining historic grandeur with revitalized contemporary luxury.
Italy Dominates the Continental Rankings
Italy claims nine properties across the list, showcasing everything from dramatic cliffside coastlines to wine estates:
- Il San Pietro di Positano (No.58): Carved into the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, offering unmatched views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
- Castiglion del Bosco (No.62): A sprawling Tuscan estate in Montalcino celebrating centuries of viticultural heritage, historic architecture, and rustic Italian charm.
- Orient Express La Minerva (No.66): An anticipated reimagining of a historic Roman palazzo near the Pantheon, introducing cinematic style to the Eternal City.
- Forestis Dolomites (No.68): A peaceful wellness retreat set high in the South Tyrolean Alps, centered on mountain serenity, sustainable architecture, and holistic forest-based spa programs.
Elsewhere in Europe, the United Kingdom secures two properties, while Turkey contributes one hotel to the ranking.
North and South America: Architectural Icons and Natural Wonders
The Americas showcase a balance between urban energy and immersive, nature-centric luxury.
New York City and the American Express Travel One To Watch
New York dominates North America’s representation with three hotels, led by a major industry accolade:
- The Fifth Avenue Hotel (No.78): In addition to its ranking, the hotel has been named this year’s winner of the prestigious American Express Travel One To Watch Award, recognized for its eclectic, bohemian-luxe design and culinary programming.
- Aman New York (No.87): A high-rise sanctuary set inside the Crown Building, delivering serene East-meets-West minimalism above Fifth Avenue.
- The Greenwich Hotel (No.92): Robert De Niro’s Tribeca haven, revered for its bespoke craftsmanship, reclaimed architectural materials, and Japanese-inspired Shibui Spa.
Mexico’s Coastal Sanctuaries
Mexico secures three listings, highlighting Pacific and Caribbean destinations:
- Hotel Esencia (No.64): An exclusive beach retreat set along the pristine sands of Xpu-Ha in the Riviera Maya.
- Montage Los Cabos (No.67): A luxury coastal retreat positioned along the swimmable waters of Santa Maria Bay.
- Four Seasons Tamarindo (No.74): An eco-reserve resort tucked away along Mexico’s Pacific coast, seamlessly integrating architecture into its surrounding jungle and coastline.
South American Highlights
South America is represented by two destinations:
- Palacio Nazarenas (No.54): Set in Cusco, Peru, this restored former convent features oxygen-enriched rooms, Inca stone walls, and colonial courtyards serving as a serene gateway to the Sacred Valley.
- Hotel das Cataratas (No.77): The classic pink-hued Belmond property positioned inside Brazil’s Iguassu National Park, offering guests exclusive access to Iguassu Falls.
Distinctive Hospitality in Oceania and Africa
- Huka Lodge (No.82): Located along the Waikato River in Taupō, New Zealand, this legendary lodge stands as a benchmark for sporting traditions and outdoor wilderness luxury.
- The Calile (No.83): Set along James Street in Brisbane, Australia, this urban oasis is celebrated for its pastel mid-century aesthetic, elevated pool deck, and relaxed subtropical design.
- La Mamounia (No.75): Representing Africa with one hotel, the storied palace hotel in Marrakech, Morocco, continues to enchant travelers with its regal Arab-Andalusian architecture, intricate zellige tiling, and fragrant centenary gardens.
Perspective from 50 Best
Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, emphasized the purpose behind this expanded recognition:
“This extended 51-100 list broadens the spotlight to a remarkable community of properties and the passionate people who bring them to life — each one defining what great hospitality means today.”
The countdown now points directly to the main stage in France. The official ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 will be revealed during a live ceremony in Paris on Tuesday, 15 September, broadcast worldwide via the official 50 Best YouTube channel starting at 20:00 Paris time.
Complete List of Hotels Announced in the 51–100 Ranking
- No.51: La Réserve Paris (Paris, France)
- No.53: Park Hyatt Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)
- No.54: Palacio Nazarenas (Cusco, Peru)
- No.58: Il San Pietro di Positano (Positano, Italy)
- No.62: Castiglion del Bosco (Montalcino, Italy)
- No.64: Hotel Esencia (Xpu-Ha, Mexico)
- No.66: Orient Express La Minerva (Rome, Italy)
- No.67: Montage Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico)
- No.68: Forestis Dolomites (Brixen, Italy)
- No.72: Ritz Paris (Paris, France)
- No.74: Four Seasons Tamarindo (Jalisco, Mexico)
- No.75: La Mamounia (Marrakech, Morocco)
- No.77: Hotel das Cataratas (Iguassu Falls, Brazil)
- No.78: The Fifth Avenue Hotel (New York City, USA) – American Express Travel One To Watch Award Winner
- No.79: Hotel The Mitsui (Kyoto, Japan)
- No.80: Carlton Cannes (Cannes, France)
- No.82: Huka Lodge (Taupō, New Zealand)
- No.83: The Calile (Brisbane, Australia)
- No.87: Aman New York (New York City, USA)
- No.89: Waldorf Astoria Osaka (Osaka, Japan)
- No.90: Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen (Shenzhen, China)
- No.92: The Greenwich Hotel (New York City, USA)
- No.99: The Peninsula Shanghai (Shanghai, China)
(Note: In accordance with the official release, properties listed above represent the specific hotels announced in the preliminary press statement from the complete 50-property extended list).
