THE WORLD’S 50 BEST HOTELS 2026 TO TAKE PLACE IN PARIS
The World’s 50 Best Hotels heads to Paris in September 2026 for its fourth edition, taking the highly anticipated awards ceremony on the road for the first time
The World’s 50 Best Hotels will take place in Paris, France, for its fourth year, with a multi-day event programme culminating in the industry’s most highly anticipated annual awards ceremony during the week commencing 14 September. Marking the first time the illustrious event has been hosted outside of London since its inception in 2023, the move highlights a crucial step in the growth of The World’s 50 Best Hotels.
The programme of events and awards ceremony will once again unite the global travel and hospitality community to celebrate the best hotels in the world. Showcasing exceptional hotel experiences worldwide, it offers a snapshot of where people are travelling today while shaping the aspirations of consumers, travellers and hoteliers alike. Voted on by an esteemed Academy of more than 800 anonymous industry experts, the 2026 ranking will be unveiled as part of a series of invite-only events, held over one week in the French capital.
This year, The World’s 50 Best Hotels has appointed Jesse Ashlock as the new Academy Chair for USA & Canada East, joining his counterpart Samantha Brooks, who is responsible for USA & Canada West. Most recently serving as the Deputy Global Editorial Director and U.S. Head of Editorial Content of Condé Nast Traveler, Jesse oversaw the brand’s flagship American edition while coordinating content and strategy across its global markets. Each Chair in the Academy has been selected as an expert on the travel scene in their region, with outstanding hotel sector contacts. The full list of the 13 Academy Chairs can be seen here.
New for 2026, this year’s voting window has been extended to three years, enabling consideration of more hotels; those that voters may not visit so frequently but remain memorable. In previous years, voters were required to list the seven best hotels they have stayed in over the past 24 months in order of preference. Following its introduction in 2025, the extended 51-100 list will continue to recognise more hotels and destinations globally, with the announcement of the extended list taking place ahead of the awards ceremony.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, says:
“Bringing The World’s 50 Best Hotels to Paris – the first time the awards have been held outside London since its launch in 2023 – is incredibly exciting for us as an organisation and for the global travel community. We wanted a host city that embodied timeless hospitality, and one that is home to some of the world’s most exceptional hotels, so Paris was a natural choice. This September, we look forward to gathering our growing, international hotels community to celebrate the world’s best hotel experiences and the people who craft them.”
Highlights for the event programme will include a ‘Welcome to Paris’ event and the Opening Banquet, which takes place the night before the reveal of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026, giving the hoteliers behind the 100 listed properties the opportunity to meet with their peers from around the world. In addition, The World’s 50 Best Hotels leadership forum, #50BestTalks: Unpacked, will once again make up part of the line-up. #50BestTalks: Unpacked is designed to give hoteliers and travel experts a platform to discuss groundbreaking, industry-leading trends and topics of interest. Events will culminate with the glittering awards ceremony which will feature red-carpet arrivals and interviews, a drinks reception and the ceremony and countdown itself. The awards will be followed by a press conference with representatives from The World’s Best Hotel 2026.
The ranking will be complemented by a host of special awards and will reflect the very best travel experiences around the globe, collated from the votes of more than 800 anonymous experts. This voting panel – the 50 Best Hotels Academy – comprises a balanced mix of hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and seasoned luxury travellers, led by a group of industry-leading Academy Chairs. In the months leading up to the awards, special award winners will be announced as well as the 51-100 list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels.
Any style of hotel worldwide is eligible to be voted for; it does not have to fit any criteria or tick any pre-ordained boxes to be considered. The awards are not ‘pay to play’ – meaning the venues themselves cannot and do not have to pay to enter the awards, nor will they have to buy tickets to the events or invest any fiscal sum in the nomination process.
How the 50 Best voting works
The 13 Academy Chairs each select a voting panel from their region, ensuring a balance of hoteliers, travel journalists, hotel educators and seasoned luxury travellers. Each Academy member can vote for any hotel they have stayed in around the world, irrespective of their home region. Each voter casts seven votes for hotels in order of preference based on stays experienced in the three-year voting period. Voting is carried out individually and strictly confidentially on a secure site and remains confidential before the list announcement. Academy Chairs are not privy to, nor have any knowledge of, the votes cast by the voters in their respective regions; furthermore, they are not official spokespeople for the 50 Best brand. Additional information on the Academy Chairs and how the voting works is available on the 50 Best FAQs page here.
The Academy is the mechanism used to create The World’s 50 Best Hotels list. None of the employees of 50 Best nor any sponsors associated with the awards has any influence over the results. To ensure the more than 800-voter-strong Academy provides a fair representation of the global hotel scene, the Academy Chairs are split across 13 geographical regions. Each Chair is selected as an expert on the travel scene in their region, with outstanding hotel sector contacts. These Chairs each select a voting panel, ensuring a balanced selection of hoteliers, travel journalists, hotel educators, business travellers and consumer travel aficionados. A minimum of 25% of the panel will be renewed each year. All voters, aside from the Academy Chairs, will remain anonymous to eliminate the possibility of lobbying.
COTERIE: THE NEW PORTUGUESE BRAND OF CONTEMPORARY BOUTIQUE HOTELS COMBINING AESTHETICS, DETAIL AND EXCLUSIVITY
LENSCAPE Coterie marks the first chapter of the COTERIE Collection, a new brand of boutique hotels celebrating lifestyle, signature design, and cultural curation within a community setting. Located in Largo Actor Dias, next to the Fernandina Wall, in the heart of Porto, this new contemporary five-star hotel builds its narrative around photography with Portugal in every corner.
The first phase will unveil 41 rooms, suites, and studios, with a further 11 units to be added at a later stage, all envisioned by renowned German designer Christian Haas, who has made Porto his home. Completing the hospitality offering, the project will feature a garden with a heated outdoor pool, a spa, and Cucina di Toscani, an Italian restaurant whose menu is entirely crafted by chef Vitor Matos — currently the most Michelin-starred chef in Portugal.
The COTERIE Collection was born from the vision and seasoned expertise of its founders, João Pedro Tavares and Ingrid Koeck, who are also partners in the Torel Boutiques group. With a fresh and distinctive approach to contemporary luxury hospitality in Portugal, this new collection of boutique hotels draws inspiration from the very meaning of the word coterie, creating spaces designed for a close-knit circle of individuals brought together by shared interests and sensibilities.
The brand debuts with the opening of LENSCAPE Coterie in the first half of 2026, a five-star hotel designed as a gathering place for aesthetes who value experiences with character, intention, and a strong sense of place.
"The name of this new brand, COTERIE, evokes the idea of belonging to an intimate community, and that is precisely our purpose: to offer every guest the feeling of being part of something greater, inspiring, and exclusive. People who enjoy places that make them feel special, surrounded by art, thoughtful design, and distinctive comfort—spaces that inspire them to do better and create more every day,"
explains cofounder and communications director, Ingrid Koeck, about the new brand.
More than a hotel, LENSCAPE Coterie aims to offer an authentic sense of belonging through collaboration with artists, designers, and creators. To achieve this, the new hospitality brand intends to provide unforgettable moments by selecting each unit for its solid identity and human scale, offering elegant atmospheres where design, gastronomy, and culture converge within a singular narrative.
LENSCAPE Coterie: design and photography as narrative in the first chapter of the COTERIE Collection
The interior design of the 52 rooms, suites, and studios at LENSCAPE Coterie (41 available at the opening) was conceived by Studio Christian Haas. The German designer's vision was to create an atmosphere that feels both refined and relaxed, removing visual noise wherever possible and shaping spaces where every element has a purpose.
Across the hotel, natural materials take centre stage: different types of wood, glazed ceramics, porcelain, and custom textiles guide the sensory journey, while white walls serve as a canvas, allowing textures, colour accents, and bold design elements to stand out. Many of the interior details, such as porcelain wall lamps, wardrobes, benches, tables, and upholstered pieces, were designed exclusively for LENSCAPE Coterie and produced in close collaboration with local artisans.
Reinforcing the idea of a creative and cosmopolitan Portugal, photography also emerges as a defining trait of the project. While the rooms, suites, and studios reveal Portugal's visual identity through the work of photographers Luís Espinheira and Inês Silva Sá, the hallways showcase the documentary gaze of Luís Ferraz and Carlos Vieira.
Vitor Matos makes his Italian cuisine debut with Cucina di Toscani
The restaurant at LENSCAPE Coterie draws inspiration from the life and vision of iconic photographer Oliviero Toscani, merging Italian cuisine with bold creativity. With culinary consultancy by chef Vitor Matos and execution by resident chef Carlos Marques, the concept aims to preserve the authentic essence of Italian cooking—from preparation methods to the careful selection of ingredients and hallmark dishes, including pastas, pizzas, focaccias, and a faithful Tiramisù.
Embracing an all-day dining concept, the restaurant, designed by interior designer Isabel Sá Nogueira, also features a gourmet corner where guests can purchase the very ingredients they taste, from olive oil to tomato pulp, extending the experience beyond the meal.
Hotel Gotham Begins New Chapter as It Reopens as The Rex
Leonardo Limited Edition UK Hotels is delighted to announce a new era as Hotel Gotham becomes The Rex, a rebrand that signals a bold evolution for one of Manchester’s most iconic addresses. As the city’s most assured and discerning destination, The Rex, a luxury boutique hotel and private members retreat defined by discretion and indulgence will begin its next chapter as of 23rd April. Crowning King Street in the heart of Manchester, a place that has quietly played host to society’s most influential figures for decades, the 60-room hotel spanning 7 floors with striking city views will continue to celebrate its historic grandeur but introduce a modern style.
Jenny Oh, General Manager of The Rex comments:
“While our name has evolved, the hotel our guests know and love remains very much the same. This rebrand is an expressive upgrade, retaining the character, comfort, and connection people cherish, while introducing a more modern, sophisticated expression of who we are today. It reflects our commitment to our guests, our team, and the community we’re proud to be part of, while honouring the history that has shaped us.”
Housed within a former bank once entrusted by Manchester’s elite, The Rex’s roots in the city run deep. The building’s Art Deco-meets-modern elegance has been meticulously preserved and reinterpreted, with each space purposefully curated to reflect luxury and privacy. Much like the safety deposit boxes that once lined its vaults, guests are invited to make as much of the experience as they wish.
Central to the rebrand is the elevation of Reserve – the private members’ club at The Rex, one of Manchester’s most exclusive and sought-after spaces. Discreetly located on the seventh floor behind striking vault-like doors, Reserve offers a refined setting high above the city, accessible to a discerning circle of members and hotel guests. Boasting three rooftop terraces with panoramic skyline views, Reserve provides a dramatic backdrop for everything from productive daytime working and relaxed drinks to unforgettable private parties and sunset soirées. Complemented by exceptional dining serving small plates, a delightful drinks menu and impeccable service, Reserve embodies elevated luxury, intimacy and effortless sophistication at the very heart of Manchester. Alongside this, guests can discover Treasury, the hotel’s secret events space, reinforcing The Rex’s reputation as a sanctuary for those who value discretion as much as indulgence.
The rebrand coincides with an elevation of its spaces including both hotel’s restaurant and bar, where guests will discover a refreshed look with new furniture, reaffirming The Rex as a social and cultural hub for the city. The refreshed spaces maintain their established character, with subtle refinements to detailing, texture, and palette. Thoughtfully balanced and cohesive, the interiors feel calm and assured, creating an atmosphere that is welcoming and quietly confident. Guests will continue to enjoy afternoon teas, five course tasting menus, live entertainment and private dining spaces. From the ever-flowing bar to the award-winning dining experience, these spaces are designed for business meetings, discreet celebrations and evenings to remember.
From roof terraces overlooking the city to hidden rooms below ground, every inch of The Rex has been designed to transport guests into a world of comfort, curiosity, and considered decadence. Known for its discreet hospitality, immersive experiences, and unwavering attention to detail, The Rex is more than a hotel, it is Manchester’s place to be.
Nightly rates at The Rex start from £179 on a B&B basis.
ICONIC COASTAL HOTEL IN CORNWALL SOLD TO GROWING HOTEL GROUP
Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has announced the sale of The Atlantic Hotel,one of Newquay’s most iconic hotels, to Cornwall Hotel Collection.
Originally established in 1892, The Atlantic Hotel combines historic grandeur with contemporary luxury. Its distinguished heritage includes visits from notable figures such as Queen Victoria and The Beatles, while its imposing façade and elegant marbled interiors set the tone for an elevated guest experience.
Commanding a dramatic clifftop position with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged Cornish coastline, the four‑star hotel is set within around eight acres of landscaped grounds and private headland. The hotel comprises 57 en suite guest bedrooms and suites, two well-appointment apartments, a large three-bedroom owner’s apartment, and extensive dining, events and entertainment facilities accommodating 1,200 guests across six versatile spaces, as well as comprehensive leisure and spa facilities including two pools.
The hotel has remained under the same family ownership since 1986, during which time it has undergone significant refurbishment and expansion.
Following a sale process with Stephen Champion at Christie & Co, The Atlantic Hotel has been acquired by Cornwall Hotel Collection. The group already owns three hotels in Cornwall: The Greenbank, The Alverton, and The Falmouth, the most recent addition to the collection which was acquired in 2024.
Managing Director of Cornwall Hotel Collection, Ben Young, said:
“We are delighted to bring The Atlantic Hotel, Newquay, into our family of Cornish hotels. This landmark property perfectly complements the Cornwall Hotel Collection, strengthening our commitment to exceptional Cornish hospitality, heritage, and guest experience across our portfolio spanning Cornwall. We'd like to thank the previous owners for their stewardship over the past 40 years and we look forward to preserving and maintaining their legacy.”
The Atlantic Hotel’s former owner, Lorraine Stones, said:
“After many successful years of trading, our family are so pleased to be able to pass on our iconic hotel to the Cornwall Hotel Collection in the knowledge its legacy will be safe in their hands. We wish them all the very best for the future.”
Stephen Champion, Director at Christie & Co, added:
“We are delighted to confirm the sale of The Atlantic Hotel, one of Cornwall’s most iconic hotels. The hotel generated significant buyer interest when it launched to the market, attracting competitive bidding from multiple parties. We are proud to have acted in this landmark transaction and look forward to seeing the next chapter of The Atlantic Hotel under the Cornwall Hotel Collection’s ownership.”
The hotel sold for an undisclosed sum.
Minor Hotels Continues Africa Expansion with New NH Collection Hotels in Tanzania and Ghana
The hotel group strengthens its presence on the continent with the arrival of its high-end brand in two strategic locations, joining the success of the current NH Johannesburg Sandton in South Africa
Minor Hotels, global hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of more than 640 properties in 59 countries, announces a significant step forward in its growth strategy in Africa with the signing of two new hotels under the NH Collection Hotels & Resorts brand: NH Collection Pemba Island Resort in Tanzania and NH Collection Accra in Ghana.
These additions, which are scheduled to open in 2030, join the already operational NH Johannesburg Sandton, consolidating the group’s commitment to upscale hospitality in Africa’s highest-potential markets.
NH Collection Accra: First Entry into West Africa
Located in the heart of Accra, Ghana’s capital and commercial hub, the 200-key hotel will form part of a modern mixed-use development offering excellent access to government, corporate and embassy districts, positioned near Jubilee House and within close reach of Kotoka International Airport. The agreement was signed during THINC Middle East 2026, underscoring Minor Hotels continued expansion across gateway cities in Africa.
Developed by Swami India Ghana Limited, a diversified real estate group with a strong track record across West Africa and the Middle East, the development will include hotel, retail and office components designed to create a vibrant urban destination. Balancing sophistication with comfort, NH Collection Accra will cater to the city’s commercial growth and international connectivity, serving growing demand from corporate, diplomatic and long-stay travellers.
Amir Golbarg, Chief Operations Officer – Middle East & Africa for Minor Hotels, commented:
“We are delighted to introduce the NH Collection brand to Ghana, one of West Africa’s most dynamic and promising markets. We look forward to working with Swami India Ghana Limited to bring this project to life.”
Mr. Dinesh G. Gorasiya, Chairman of Swami India Ghana Limited, added,
“The signing of NH Collection Accra marks an important milestone for Swami India Ghana Ltd as we continue to expand our footprint with developments that adhere to the highest international standards. Bringing the first Minor Hotels brand to West Africa reflects our strategic commitment to delivering premium, globally aligned hospitality assets that contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic growth. We are confident that NH Collection Accra will enhance the city’s appeal as a premier destination for business and leisure, while reinforcing our long-standing focus on quality and responsible development.”
NH Collection Pemba Island Resort: Upper-upscale Hospitality in the Zanzibar Archipelago
Developed in continued partnership with Infinity Developments, the owning entity behind Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences—an ultra-luxury project currently under construction—the new signing reinforces a shared commitment to elevating hospitality standards across the region. The new property marks a strategic expansion of the NH Collection brand into the Zanzibar archipelago and further strengthens Minor Hotels’ growing presence across East Africa.
Located a short drive from Pemba Airport, the 145-key resort will offer convenient access from both Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam while maintaining the island’s exclusive, low-impact tourism character. NH Collection Pemba Island Resort will feature a selection of guestrooms, suites, and villas, complemented by numerous dining outlets and MICE facilities. The resort will blend modern design with the island’s natural surroundings to create a refined yet relaxed escape for leisure travellers.
Amir Golbarg, Chief Operations Officer, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa commented,
“Introducing the NH Collection brand to Tanzania, with our first property on Pemba Island marks a major step in our expansion footprint across the Indian Ocean, building on our trusted partnership with Infinity Developments. The island’s unspoiled beauty and growing appeal among experience-led travellers make it an ideal location for the NH Collection brand.”
Mr. Samuel Saba, Founder of Infinity Developments added,
“Following the success of our collaboration on Anantara Zanzibar, we are delighted to partner once again with Minor Hotels to bring the NH Collection brand to Pemba Island. This development combines sustainable design with strong brand positioning, further enhancing the appeal of Zanzibar as a world-class destination.” The signing of NH Collection Pemba Island Resort highlights Minor Hotels’ commitment to expanding its portfolio across Africa’s high-potential markets and its confidence in Tanzania’s thriving tourism sector.