The highly-anticipated list celebrates hotels across six continents worldwide
Raffles London at The OWO has been named No.28 in the global ranking of The 50 Best Hotels 2026. The fourth edition of The 50 Best Hotels has been announced at an awards ceremony in Paris and features industry-defining hotels spanning six continents worldwide.
Last night’s awards ceremony once again united the global travel and hospitality community to celebrate the world’s finest hotels. For the first time in Paris, at one of the city’s most unique locations, Les Salles du Carrousel, the event showcased experiences that will inspire consumers, travellers and hoteliers around the globe.
Raffles London offers the most majestic of accommodation as the hotel is located in one of the grandest buildings on Whitehall, The OWO, which overlooks the official gates to Buckingham Palace. Leading designer, the late Thierry Despont crafted luxurious rooms from the former offices of Britain’s leading military and political figures from the past 120 years. Grand ceilings, historic fireplaces, ornate stucco, oak panelling, giant casement windows are notable features in many rooms. But all share a unique history as this was once The Old War Office building where Churchill held office, decisions which shaped the modern world were made, and MI5 and MI6 were conceived. Much of the inspiration for James Bond 007 was inspired by these storied rooms as Ian Fleming, Bond’s creator, was a regular visitor. Of special note, the hotel offers three signature restaurants from chef Mauro Colagreco who oversaw Mirazur on the Côte d’Azur, awarded the illustrious title of The World’s Best Restaurant at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019.
Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Hotels, says: “Bringing The 50 Best Hotels to Paris for the first time has been a privilege, and a fitting backdrop to celebrate the hotels shaping the future of travel. This year’s list recognises not only extraordinary places to stay, but the exceptional people whose vision, craft and care create truly memorable guest experiences. Congratulations to every hotel honoured in 2026, thank you to our Academy whose votes shape the list and everyone who continues to make this a moment the industry look forward to each year.”
Olivier Thomas, Managing Director, Raffles London at The OWO says: “It is a moment of special celebration for Raffles London to be ranked in The 50 Best Hotels for three years running. We have an immensely talented team at the hotel – both heart of house and front of house – who make magic for our guests each and every day. For a relatively young hotel, which is located in a truly historic building, this gives us all an extra sense of purpose and pride. We are delighted to be part of the acclaimed The 50 organisation. Our deepest thanks and gratitude as always.”
The 50 Best Hotels 2026 was revealed as part of a live countdown from No.50 to No.1. The ranking is complemented by a series of special awards alongside the extended 51-100 list and reflects 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.