50 Best hotels in the world list unveiled: India has one of them, check its rank

In a highly anticipated announcement, Passalacqua, an exquisite 18th-century villa situated on the picturesque shores of Italy's Lake Como, has clinched the title of the world's finest hotel. This prestigious accolade was bestowed by the esteemed 50 Best organization during a ceremony held in London on Tuesday.

Formerly the cherished residence of the renowned composer Vincenzo Bellini, Passalacqua exudes timeless elegance. Nestled amid seven acres of meticulously manicured terraced gardens, the villa hotel offers an unparalleled experience for discerning travelers. Rates for this opulent retreat begin at $1,300 per night, as reported by the 50 Best organization.

What sets this announcement apart is that it marks the debut of the 50 Best organization into the realm of hotel rankings. Previously celebrated for its rankings of "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" and "The World's 50 Best Bars," the organization has now ventured into the world of luxury accommodations.

The rankings for "The World's 50 Best Hotels" were meticulously curated through nominations submitted by a panel of 580 anonymous voters. This distinguished panel comprised travel journalists, seasoned hoteliers, and globetrotting connoisseurs who span the corners of the globe, as detailed by the organization.

The list of the world's top 50 hotels is a testament to luxury, opulence, and exceptional hospitality:

The '50 Best' Hotels in the World:
1. Passalacqua, Moltrasio, Italy
2. Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong
3. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Thailand
4. The Upper House, Hong Kong
5. Aman Tokyo, Japan
6. La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco
7. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
8. One&Only Mandarina, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
9. Four Seasons Firenze, Florence, Italy
10. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand
11. Capella Bangkok, Thailand
12. The Calile, Brisbane, Australia
13. Chable Yucatán, Chochola, Mexico
14. Aman Venice, Italy
15. Singita Lodges, Kruger National Park, South Africa
16. Claridge's, London, United Kingdom
17. Raffles Singapore, Singapore
18. Nihi Sumba, Wanokaka, Indonesia
19. Hotel Esencia, Tulum, Mexico
20. Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
21. Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri, Italy
22. The Connaught, London
23. Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco
24. Four Seasons Madrid, Spain
25. Aman New York, United States
26. The Maybourne Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
27. Rosewood Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
28. Capella Singapore, Singapore
29. Le Bristol Paris, France
30. Park Hyatt Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
31. La Reserve, Paris, France
32. Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Scotland
33. Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes, France
34. Cheval Blanc Paris, France
35. Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, Greece
36. Soneva Jani, Maldives
37. The Newt in Somerset, Bruton, United Kingdom
38. Amangalla, Galle, Sri Lanka
39. Hoshinoya Tokyo, Japan
40. Desa Potato Head, Bali, Indonesia
41. Eden Rock St. Barths, Caribbean
42. The Siam, Bangkok, Thailand
43. Badrutt's Palace, St. Moritz, Switzerland
44. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, UAE
45. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India
46. NoMad London, United Kingdom
47. The Savoy, London, United Kingdom
48. Equinox New York, United States
49. Six Senses Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
50. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris, France

The compilation of the list reveals a distinct dominance of hotels from Europe and Asia, with Asian establishments securing half of the top 10 positions. France boasts the highest number of hotels on the list, with six splendid properties scattered across the country. Italy closely follows with five exceptional establishments, although none in the capital, Rome. At the city level, Paris, London, and Bangkok each shine with four prestigious hotels making it to this illustrious top 50.

In a world where luxury and hospitality reign supreme, Passalacqua Villa on Lake Como stands as a beacon of excellence, earning its place at the pinnacle of "The World's 50 Best Hotels." This accolade not only celebrates the heritage of this 18th-century gem but also underscores the timeless allure of Lake Como as a destination of unparalleled beauty and hospitality.