Luxury travel is no longer just about where you stay—it’s about how a place makes you feel. The world’s finest hotels are evolving into cultural landmarks, ecological sanctuaries, and living works of art. La Liste, the prestigious global ranking platform known for its elite restaurant lists, has now extended its expertise into the world of luxury hospitality.
The result? An exclusive list of the 10 best hotels in the world for 2025, drawn from over 400 international sources, including professional reviews, guest feedback, and industry accolades. From the cobblestoned streets of Paris to the turquoise waters of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, this ranking celebrates destinations that elevate the art of hospitality into a profound, unforgettable experience.
“Hotels are no longer just places to stay,” says Philippe Faure, president and founder of La Liste. “They have become cultural landmarks, ecological laboratories, and creators of unforgettable experiences.”
Let’s take a closer look at the top hotels redefining luxury travel in 2025.
1. La Réserve Paris – France
Rate From $1,000 per night
Where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication
Nestled in the heart of Paris, La Réserve embodies the very essence of discreet opulence. Behind its stately 19th-century façade lies an intimate world of red velvet, crystal chandeliers, and polished marble. Every suite feels like a private residence, blending Belle Époque grandeur with modern technology and comfort.
The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gabriel, offers a culinary journey that rivals the best in Europe. Personalized service here borders on the telepathic—staff members anticipate every need before it’s expressed, ensuring an experience as seamless as it is spectacular. Whether you’re sipping champagne on a balcony overlooking the Champs-Élysées or relaxing in your marble tub, La Réserve defines Parisian perfection. BOOK NOW
2. Cheval Blanc Paris – France
French luxury, reborn at the edge of the Seine
Perched above the rejuvenated La Samaritaine, Cheval Blanc Paris, part of the LVMH hospitality empire, is a love letter to modern French craftsmanship. Art, design, and gastronomy intertwine in every detail—from sculptural furniture and custom fragrances to panoramic river views that redefine Parisian luxury.
Here, every space is meticulously curated to balance contemporary minimalism with timeless sophistication. The hotel’s spa, operated by Dior, and its fine dining restaurant, Plénitude, transform every stay into a sensory indulgence. Cheval Blanc is more than a hotel—it’s a symbol of Paris reborn. BOOK NOW
3. The Connaught – London, United Kingdom
Tradition with a touch of bold artistry
Tucked away in the refined streets of Mayfair, The Connaught represents the beating heart of London’s luxury scene. With over a century of history, it’s a place where the city’s timeless charm meets modern creativity. Its world-famous butlers, acclaimed art collection, and Michelin-starred restaurant Hélène Darroze at The Connaught make it an icon of British hospitality.
The Connaught Bar, crowned one of the best bars in the world, continues to define London’s cocktail culture. Guests come not only for the elegant suites but for the soul of the city that lives within its walls. BOOK NOW
4. The Savoy – London, United Kingdom
A living legend of London’s grandeur
Few names in hospitality carry as much weight as The Savoy. Overlooking the Thames, this grand dame of British hotels has hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to Frank Sinatra. With more than 130 years of history, The Savoy embodies an era when travel was both art and adventure.
Today, its luxurious suites combine Edwardian elegance with modern sophistication. The American Bar, one of the oldest cocktail bars in the world, remains a pilgrimage site for connoisseurs. Every detail—from the monogrammed linens to the golden elevator doors—reflects a legacy of impeccable taste. BOOK NOW
5. Il San Pietro di Positano – Italy
An architectural wonder on the Amalfi Coast
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs of Positano. At Il San Pietro di Positano, this is not a dream but a daily reality. Carved directly into the rugged coastline, this family-run hotel cascades down terraced gardens overlooking the endless blue of the Mediterranean.
Every room offers a private balcony with cinematic views, while the hotel’s private beach—accessible only by an elevator carved through stone—remains one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Its Michelin-starred restaurant, Zass, highlights farm-to-table Mediterranean cuisine, with ingredients grown right on the property. BOOK NOW
6. J.K. Place Capri – Italy
Capri’s intimate reimagining of coastal glamour
Few destinations capture the spirit of la dolce vita quite like Capri, and J.K. Place is its crown jewel. Blending the warmth of an Italian villa with the refinement of a modern resort, the hotel evokes an atmosphere of effortless sophistication.
Interiors mix antiques with contemporary art, while expansive sea views flood every corner with natural light. The pool deck feels like a private yacht club, and the culinary offerings celebrate the island’s best seafood and wines. J.K. Place is not just a hotel—it’s a feeling of being exactly where you belong. BOOK NOW
7. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok – Thailand
A legacy of Asian hospitality and timeless grace
Standing proudly along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has defined luxury in Asia for over 145 years. Known simply as “The Oriental,” this legendary property has hosted royalty, writers, and diplomats, all drawn to its unmatched blend of history and heart.
Each suite tells a story, combining Thai craftsmanship with colonial elegance. Guests are greeted with jasmine garlands and traditional tea ceremonies, embodying the warmth of Thai culture. The riverside spa and world-renowned restaurants make this hotel a sanctuary in the heart of Bangkok. BOOK NOW
8. The Peninsula Shanghai – China
Where Art Deco meets modern luxury
Commanding views of the historic Bund, The Peninsula Shanghai is an architectural triumph that bridges Shanghai’s glamorous past with its high-tech present. The interiors exude 1920s Art Deco glamour, while state-of-the-art technology ensures every stay feels effortlessly contemporary.
Its rooftop restaurant and bar offer one of the city’s most spectacular skyline views. For travelers who appreciate heritage wrapped in innovation, The Peninsula Shanghai captures the soul of modern China. BOOK NOW
9. The Peninsula Chicago – United States
Asian precision meets American hospitality
In downtown Chicago, The Peninsula brings the signature Asian philosophy of service to the American Midwest. Located at the crossroads of Michigan Avenue and Chicago Avenue, this five-star icon is known for its understated elegance and cutting-edge comfort.
The rooms feature intuitive automation systems, while the rooftop terrace and spa redefine urban relaxation. It’s the perfect example of how global design and local warmth can coexist in perfect balance. BOOK NOW
10. Rosewood Mayakoba – Riviera Maya, Mexico
An eco-luxury paradise in the Caribbean
If there’s one destination that captures the future of sustainable luxury, it’s Rosewood Mayakoba. Located in the lush mangrove forests of Riviera Maya, this eco-resort harmoniously blends design and nature. Suites float over crystal lagoons, accessible by boat or wooden walkways, creating the illusion of a sanctuary suspended between water and sky.
Built with local limestone and indigenous wood, Rosewood Mayakoba is an architectural love letter to the environment. From the serene Sense Spa to the resort’s commitment to conservation and community, every element reflects mindful luxury. It’s where barefoot elegance meets ecological responsibility. BOOK NOW
The Art of Hospitality, Redefined
La Liste’s 2025 ranking showcases more than just breathtaking destinations—it highlights how the concept of hospitality continues to evolve. These hotels represent the pinnacle of global travel: places where design, culture, and emotion intertwine to create experiences that transcend time and geography.
Each property tells a story—of legacy, artistry, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Whether it’s the old-world charm of The Savoy, the eco-conscious luxury of Rosewood Mayakoba, or the futuristic grace of The Peninsula Shanghai, every one of these destinations stands as a beacon of inspiration for travelers who crave both comfort and meaning.
In an era when travel has become deeply personal, these hotels remind us that true luxury lies not in extravagance, but in connection—to place, to people, and to the unforgettable feeling of being somewhere extraordinary.
