THIRD time’s a charm, but for the fourth edition of its much-awaited annual awards ceremony, The World’s 50 Best Hotels have something particularly special planned.
Staged in London each year since its 2023 inception, the illustrious event is set to travel overseas for the first time. Paris was a natural landing point — a city awash with architectural appeal — and it is there that the honoured hotels will finally be unveiled following a multi-day series of events commencing on the 14 September 2026.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026
‘We wanted a host city that embodied timeless hospitality, and one that is home to some of the world’s most exceptional hotels’, says Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, ‘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.’
Aside from an array of exciting amendments to the event programme, what exactly can invited visitors expect from The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026? Well, a welcoming banquet and a ‘Welcome to Paris’ event offer the opportunity for hotel experts and enthusiasts alike to congregate and connect with peers from across the globe. A leadership forum and #50BestTalks: Unpacked specialist discussions also complement the line-up, before a red carpeted ceremony and a formal drinks reception anticipate the announcement of this year’s acknowledged hotels.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025
Decided on by an Academy of over 800 anonymous industry experts (comprising hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and seasoned luxury travellers), a ranking on the 2026 list is one of the finest merits for a hotel to receive. In addition, for the first time this year, an extended list of hotels is set to be held in consideration. The usual voting window has been stretched to three years as opposed to two, allowing members to recognise and reward the most memorable hotels and destinations they’ve encountered over this wider time frame.
This isn’t the only change being enacted — with the appointment of the past Deputy Global Editorial Director and U.S. Head of Editorial Content of Condé Nast Traveller, Jesse Ashlock, as the new Academy Chair for USA & Canada East. With a sparkling new venue, a new voting system and a new chair, it seems that The World’s 50 Best Hotels’ Parisian ceremony is poised for success.
by Ella O’Gorman