World's 50 Best Hotels 2025: Asia dominates, but two Italians make the top 10. Here are the top ten.

The Rosewood Hong Kong has been crowned the world's best hotel in the new World's 50 Best Hotels 2025 ranking, unveiled in London during a ceremony celebrating international hospitality excellence. This elegant hotel overlooking Victoria Harbour in the vibrant Kowloon district took first place, moving up two spots from the previous year, and also earning the title of best hotel in Asia. Asia thus once again takes center stage this year. Joining the Rosewood Hong Kong on the podium are the Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River , in second place, and the Capella Bangkok , in third, which also won the 2024 edition. Passalacqua returns to fourth place, having been named best hotel in Europe. After sweeping the first edition in 2023, taking first place, it remained on the podium in 2024, in second place in the world rankings—behind Cappella Bangkok—and still first in Europe.

In fifth place is another icon of the Asian hotel industry, the Raffles Singapore , a legendary retreat with a history dating back to the late 19th century and colonial style. A completely different atmosphere awaits at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai , a modern beach resort that is a true destination in itself. We return to the Thai capital for seventh place, won by the sophisticated Mandarin Oriental Bangkok , a Zen oasis in the heart of the city. And, while Chablé Yucatán, Mexico , takes the top spot in South America, Italy also takes another spot in the top ten, with the Four Seasons Florence . Rounding out the top ten is another Asian hotel, The Upper House in Hong Kong .

Italians: Lake Como

Italy has done well this year, in short. Four hotels have been recognized among the 50 best in the world. Starting with Passalacqua, in the small village of Moltrasio on Lake Como. Dating back to the 18th century, it stands on land once owned by Pope Innocent XI; it was purchased in 1787 by Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua, who wanted to transform it into one of the most prominent residences on the lake. The project was entrusted to Swiss architect Felice Soave and designer Giocondo Albertolli. Over the centuries, the villa has welcomed prominent figures from the worlds of art and politics, from Napoleon Bonaparte to Winston Churchill, and even Vincenzo Bellini—to whom the master suite is dedicated, in memory of the time he spent here in 1821.

The De Santis family, hoteliers for generations—now run with passion by Valentina De Santis —brought the historic residence back to life. They have held the keys to lakeside hospitality for half a century (with the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Villa Sola Cabiati). Balancing ancient structure with a contemporary spirit, it has just twenty-four suites, with baroque frescoes, antique furniture, Italian marble—such as the Breccia Pontificia, also used in the Vatican—artistic stained glass windows, and Murano chandeliers. A series of secret underground passages leads to the spa and indoor pool. In the terraced garden, designed by botanist Emilio Trabella, featuring fountains, green paths, water features, and a pool overlooking the lake, time slows down and you experience a typical Italian holiday.

Florence

The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is the second-ranked Italian hotel, and ninth in the world. Housed in a 15th-century Medici palace, it combines Renaissance architecture with contemporary comfort. The hotel's green heart is the Giardino della Gherardesca, four and a half hectares of tranquility in the heart of the city. Once a 15th-century botanical garden, it was transformed into a romantic park in the 19th century by Count Guido della Gherardesca. Today, it is adorned with sculptures, small temples, fountains, and centuries-old trees, preserving its historic structure.

The complex comprises two buildings, the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the 16th-century Palazzo del Nero. Over the centuries, they have served as residences for ministers, popes, Florentine nobles, and even the Egyptian viceroy Ismail Pasha. Beyond the garden, architecture and art are key to the success of this urban resort. The frescoes, friezes, bas-reliefs, and historiated ceilings transform the interiors into a museum, where the history of Florence interacts with the art of hospitality.

Rome

In Rome, the most awarded hotel is the Bulgari , ranked 22nd in the world. Located in the city center, in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, in Campo Marzio, just steps from Via del Corso and the Spanish Steps, the hotel celebrates Roman culture by reviving a monumental building—14,000 square meters on seven floors—an example of rationalist architecture by Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo, inaugurated in 1950 by Italian Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi. This important building stands on a historic site, directly across from the Mausoleum of Augustus and Richard Meier's Ara Pacis Museum.

The spaces, designed by the architectural firm ACPV Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, balance the aesthetic rigor of the stones used in Imperial Rome with the essential architectural style of the building. Among the highlights, in addition to Il Ristorante di Niko Romito and the panoramic terrace, is the Bulgari Spa, with a pool that pays homage, in a contemporary way, to ancient Roman baths: immerse yourself among marble columns, stained-glass windows, and mosaics inspired by the motifs of the Baths of Caracalla.

Porto Ercole

Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole, a haven for the international jet set, celebrated its 60th birthday this year. It was the 1960s, in fact, when American socialite Patsy Daszel and English aviator Michael Graham opened the doors of this residence, perched high above the Argentario coast. Purchased by Roberto Sciò in 1979, it is now carefully managed by his daughter Marie-Louise . Terraces overlooking the sea, rooms with Tuscan-style accents, restaurants with views, and the famous pool, the star of Slim Aarons's photographs, have made it a legendary address for seaside dolce vita. As have its parties, where half of Hollywood's stars, from Kirk Douglas to Britt Ekland and Yul Brynner, have gathered. Over all these years, Il Pellicano has not lost its identity. And it still maintains that family welcome, Italian style, and slightly retro feel that has enchanted actors and artists over the years.