London to host inaugural World’s 50...

The first-ever annual ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels will be announced on 19 September

It has been confirmed that the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list will be revealed as part of a three-day event in London.

The World’s 50 Best Hotels will join the established lists of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars and will be revealed as part of a live countdown from 50 to number one, the venue that will be named The World’s Best Hotel.

The awards ceremony will take place on 19 September 2023 at the UK capital’s iconic Guildhall. Built in 1411, it's one of the finest examples of mediaeval architecture in the City of London.

The three-day programme includes a welcome event on 17 September and a banquet for the hoteliers behind the 50 listed properties on the 18 September, before the awards ceremony on 19 September, which will feature red-carpet arrivals and interviews, a drinks reception and the awards countdown.

The awards will be followed by a press conference with interviews with representatives from winning hotels and other awards winners. In the months leading up to the awards, various special award categories will be announced.

This voting panel – the 50 Best Academy – comprises a mix of 580 anonymous hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and seasoned luxury travellers, led by a group of industry-leading academy chairs across nine regions globally. Any hotel worldwide is eligible for votes and it does not have to fit any criteria.

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Tim Brooke-Webb, 50 Best managing director, said: “We feel honoured that our existing awards in restaurants and bars mean so much to the hospitality industry and the people who use our lists to inspire their curiosity. In launching The World’s 50 Best Hotels, we will present a truly independent ranking, curated by carefully selected experts from across the world.

"London was the birthplace of 50 Best but it’s also a global hub for travel, so hosting the inaugural awards here felt like the logical first step. London draws more visitors per year than any other city in Europe, it is home to some of the most renowned hotels in the world and hosts an ever-growing luxury leisure scene.”

The World’s 50 Best Hotels director of content Mark Sansom added: “Our programme of events will allow the hotel community to take the time to celebrate global travel, exchange ideas, create new connections and lead the conversation on the future of the hotel sector. If the initial response from hoteliers across the globe is anything to go by, it promises to be an outstanding week for everyone involved.”

For more information, visit www.theworlds50best.com/hotels