How winners are chosen. Each category winner is simply the highest-scoring hotel that fits it on our 0–10 rubric. No fees, no sponsors, no paid placement. Full methodology →
The 2026 winners
Our highest-scored property of 2026 at 9.9/10, level with Cheval Blanc Randheli, Cheval Blanc Paris, Singita Sasakwa Lodge. Kyoto.
The top-scoring honeymoon-suited hotel in our catalogue. Maldives.
The highest-scored hotel for a milestone celebration. Serengeti.
The best-scoring luxury hotel that genuinely welcomes children. Bahamas.
The top-scoring hotel for the discerning business traveller. Paris.
The highest-scored safari lodge in our catalogue. Serengeti.
The highest average score among brands with five or more rated hotels — 9.8/10 across 5 properties.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the HotelsForKings Awards?
Annual editorial awards naming the best luxury hotel in each category, derived from our scores across 2,250 hotels. There are no paid entries and no sponsors — winners are determined by score.
How are winners decided?
Each category winner is the highest-scoring hotel that fits it, using our 0–10 rubric. Categories map to how travellers actually plan: by occasion, by type, and overall.
Can a winner promote the award?
Yes — winners are welcome to display the HotelsForKings accolade badge and link to their entry. See the badge page.
Is there a fee to enter or win?
No. The awards are editorial recognition, not advertising; placement and wins cannot be bought.
When are the awards announced?
Annually. This is the 2026 edition, last updated May 31, 2026.
Where can press find details?
Our press page carries the full winners list and quotable statistics for journalists.
Related: The HotelsForKings 100 · State of Luxury Hotels 2026 · press & data.