Luxury hotels have long been a benchmark for global travel—symbols of refinement, service, and exclusivity. In 2025, however, the definition of luxury goes far beyond plush suites and ocean views. According to Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI), a respected travel consultancy, the latest ranking of the world’s best luxury hotel brands reflects a hospitality landscape where brand ethos, cultural immersion, and service consistency outweigh mere architecture.
For the third consecutive year, Mandarin Oriental has claimed the top spot, proving its ability to marry timeless Asian hospitality with international sophistication. Close behind, Aman Resorts surged into second place, followed by Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Oetker Collection, and Rosewood Hotels rounding out the top five.
How the Ranking Was Decided
Luxury Travel Intelligence created its list by analyzing over 130 critical touchpoints that define excellence in hospitality. These touchpoints include:
- Quality of staff and service consistency
- Management leadership and training
- Brand identity and global reputation
- Innovation in guest experiences
- Wellness and sustainability initiatives
- Long-term customer satisfaction
Rather than evaluating one standout property, the research focused on overall brand performance, which reveals the staying power and global consistency of luxury hotel chains.
The Top Luxury Hotel Brands of 2025
1. Mandarin Oriental
Approximatly $585
Location: Various Locations
Mandarin Oriental has once again proven why it is the gold standard in luxury hospitality. With 40 hotels in 26 countries, the brand seamlessly blends Eastern elegance with Western modernity.
- Notable property: Mandarin Oriental, New York, perched above Columbus Circle with sweeping views of Central Park.
- Cultural footprint: Its first hotel opened in Hong Kong in 1963, and the chain has expanded globally while maintaining its Asian DNA.
- Highlight: Season 3 of The White Lotus was filmed at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, reinforcing the brand’s cultural cachet.
2. Aman
Approximately $1200
Location: Various Locations
Derived from the Sanskrit word for “peace,” Aman Resorts has cultivated a near-mystical reputation among global travelers. Known for its minimalist design, remote locations, and ultra-personalized service, Aman properties feel more like sanctuaries than hotels.
- Notable property: Aman New York, a luxurious urban retreat blending art deco architecture with modern serenity.
- Expansion: From Bali to Venice, Aman consistently crafts experiences of calm and exclusivity.
3. Bulgari Hotels & Resorts
Location: Various Location
The Italian luxury fashion house has extended its identity into the hospitality world, opening its first hotel in 2004. Bulgari Hotels fuse Italian glamour, bold architecture, and haute design, creating immersive spaces where fashion meets travel.
- Notable property: Bulgari Hotel Paris, known for its jewel-toned interiors and Michelin-starred dining.
- Highlight: Perfectly tailored for luxury shoppers who identify with Bulgari’s jewelry and heritage.
4. Oetker Collection
Approximatly €35
Location: Various Locations
A German-born brand, Oetker Hotels are known as “Masterpiece Hotels,” each property exuding unique character, history, and cultural depth.
- Portfolio: Nine luxury hotels and more than 150 villas and estates worldwide.
- Notable property: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, a timeless Riviera escape.
5. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Approximatly $2,568
Location: Various Locations
With its “Sense of Place” philosophy, Rosewood Hotels emphasizes the local culture and history of each location. Guests don’t just stay at a Rosewood—they live within the city’s cultural heartbeat.
- Notable property: The Carlyle in New York, an Upper East Side institution known for its art deco glamour and celebrity clientele.
- Highlight: Rosewood is rapidly expanding across Asia and the Middle East.
6. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Approximately $310
Location: Las Vegas
Founded in 1961, Four Seasons remains synonymous with personalized service and luxury consistency. Its flagship New York property reopened in 2024 after major renovations, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in urban luxury.
7. Six Senses
Approximately $1450
Location: London
Known for holistic wellness and sustainability, Six Senses places as much emphasis on well-being and community integration as it does on opulence. Its pyramid-inspired logo represents the five senses and intuition.
8. Auberge Resorts Collection
Approximately $40−$60
Location: Various Locations
What began as a fine-dining restaurant in Napa Valley in 1981 has grown into a luxury brand known for romantic, intimate resorts. Auberge properties balance gourmet dining, design, and intimate escapes.
9. Rocco Forte Hotels
Approximately $1623
Location: Various locations
Founded by Sir Rocco Forte, the collection emphasizes family-run warmth, historic European settings, and contemporary elegance. With 14 hotels and expanding, the brand retains a personal touch.
10. One&Only Resorts
Approximately $2,680
Location: Dubai
From Mauritius to Dubai, One&Only creates ultra-luxurious beachfront and desert properties that highlight natural beauty while offering world-class dining and service.
11. Belmond
Price: Varies by location
Location: Various locations
Now part of LVMH, Belmond specializes in heritage-driven luxury. Its portfolio includes hotels, luxury trains, and river cruises, including the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
12. Dorchester Collection
Approximately $1,254
Location: Multiple Locations
An iconic brand tied to timeless London glamour, the Dorchester Collection has become a benchmark of European luxury. Its flagship hotel served as a wartime safe haven and remains a hub of aristocratic elegance.
13. Peninsula Hotels
Apporimately $1,527
Location: NewYork
Every Peninsula property carries five-star Forbes ratings, making it one of the most consistently excellent brands in the world. The Peninsula New York stands as a crown jewel of Manhattan’s luxury scene.
14. Banyan Tree
Approximately $380
Location: Thailand
Founded in Phuket in 1994, Banyan Tree is celebrated for eco-friendly resorts and wellness escapes. Its roots lie in sustainable transformation, converting a tin mine into a resort.
15. Raffles Hotels & Resorts
approximately $88
Location: USA
The legendary Singapore hotel, birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail, is emblematic of Raffles’ global reputation for colonial charm blended with modern indulgence.
What Defines Luxury in 2025?
Luxury travel is no longer just about extravagant design; it’s about authentic experiences, personalization, and cultural immersion. Some defining trends include:
- Sustainability: Hotels like Six Senses and Banyan Tree lead with eco-initiatives.
- Wellness: Aman and Rosewood integrate mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
- Technology: Smart suites and AI-assisted services enhance seamless stays.
- Cultural storytelling: Rosewood and Oetker celebrate local history in their design and programming.
New York: A Global Luxury Hub
One striking observation from the ranking is how many of the top brands have properties in New York City. From Mandarin Oriental and Aman to Rosewood’s Carlyle and the Peninsula, Manhattan is arguably the epicenter of luxury hospitality. Travelers no longer see New York hotels as just places to sleep—they are destinations in themselves.
Why These Rankings Matter
The LTI ranking serves both travelers and the industry:
- Travelers: It guides discerning guests who prioritize consistent excellence across multiple destinations.
- Industry: It pushes brands to uphold standards of innovation, design, and service.
- Investors: It validates which brands are future-proof in a competitive global market.
The Future of Luxury Hotels
The world’s best luxury hotel brands in 2025 are more than just places to stay—they are global symbols of hospitality innovation. From Mandarin Oriental’s timeless elegance to Aman’s serene sanctuaries, these brands redefine what luxury means in a rapidly changing travel landscape.
The rise of sustainability, wellness, and cultural immersion signals that the future of luxury travel will be deeply human, authentic, and globally connected. For travelers, this ranking is not just a list—it’s an invitation to experience the art of hospitality at its highest form.
