Luxury Hotel Brands Ranked: 21 Brands by Tier for 2026

Privacy and architecture. 36 in 21 countries

Aman runs 36 hotels in 21 countries, most with fewer than 55 rooms. Adrian Zecha opened Amanpuri in Phuket in 1988 around a simple idea: very few guests, generous staffing and architecture worth travelling for. Vladislav Doronin owns the group, whose best known destination properties include Amangiri, Amankila and Amanpuri.

There is no points currency or formal advisor programme to reduce the bill, and indicative entry rooms start near US$1,400 a night. The remote resorts express the idea most clearly; the city hotels feel less distinctive. Janu, its larger and livelier sibling, is a separate proposition rather than Aman on a budget.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• 36 in 21 countries hotels
• Small scale and distinctive hotels
• Privacy and architecture
• The honest drawback
• No points or formal advisor programme
• City hotels express the resort idea less clearly

Five maisons, each run like a couture house

Cheval Blanc is LVMH's own hotel brand and the rarest name on this list, with just five maisons: Courchevel, St Tropez, St Barth, Paris and Randheli in the Maldives. Each one is small, staffed far beyond the norm and designed to feel like a private house rather than a hotel.

There is no loyalty programme and rates start around US$2,000 a night, more in season. It's the brand for travellers who want the very top of the market and are happy to pay for it.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• Only five hotels, so every one gets full attention
• Some of the highest staff to guest ratios anywhere
• The honest drawback
• Rates start around US$2,000 a night
• No points or advisor programme to soften the price

The world's best hotel brand, four years running

Capella runs around ten hotels, mostly in Asia and Australia, including Singapore, Bangkok, Ubud, Hanoi, Sydney and Kyoto. Each has a team of Culturists, staff whose job is to introduce guests to the city or island around them, and the hotels are small enough for that to feel personal.

Travel + Leisure readers voted Capella the world's best hotel brand for the fourth consecutive year in 2026. There's no points programme, and rates start around US$1,000 a night.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• Voted world's best hotel brand by Travel + Leisure readers in 2026
• Culturist hosts tailor each stay to the destination
• The honest drawback
• Few hotels outside Asia and Australia
• No loyalty programme

Classic service. 12

The Peninsula runs 12 hotels under Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, controlled by the Kadoorie family. The original Hong Kong hotel opened in 1928. Owning as well as operating its buildings gives the group unusual control over upkeep, and the small portfolio keeps the quality gap narrow across cities including Tokyo, London and Istanbul.

PenClub is an advisor programme rather than a points currency, offering breakfast, a hotel credit and an upgrade confirmed at booking on eligible reservations. Peninsula Time can allow very early arrival and late departure when available. Rooms start around US$700 a night. The traditional interiors can feel conservative, and twelve hotels offer little coverage for regular travellers.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• 12 hotels
• PenClub, advisor benefits
• Classic service
• The honest drawback
• Only twelve hotels
• Traditional interiors can feel conservative

A jewellery house's idea of a hotel, with Marriott points

Bulgari Hotels and Resorts is a partnership between the Roman jeweller, now part of LVMH, and Marriott. There are around a dozen, from Milan and Rome to Bali, Dubai, Tokyo and Paris, all designed by the Italian studio Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel with the same dark wood, marble and polished brass.

It's the only ultra luxury brand here that earns Marriott Bonvoy points, which makes it a rare chance to stay somewhere this exclusive and still earn. Rates start around US$1,100 a night.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• Earns Marriott Bonvoy points
• Consistent Italian design across every hotel
• The honest drawback
• The look is similar from city to city
• Rates are high even by ultra luxury standards

Big name island resorts with real glamour

One&Only is Kerzner International's luxury resort brand, with around 15 resorts in places such as the Maldives, Mauritius, Cabo San Lucas, Cape Town, Dubai and Rwanda. One&Only Reethi Rah in North Malé Atoll and One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos are the two best known.

The resorts are large by ultra luxury standards and lean into glamour, with big villas, strong kids clubs and serious dining. There's no loyalty programme, and rates start around US$1,200 a night.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• Superb resort locations
• Very good for families as well as couples
• The honest drawback
• Larger and busier than Aman or Cheval Blanc
• No loyalty programme

Consistency everywhere. 135 in 47 countries

Four Seasons runs 135 hotels and resorts in 47 countries, with the narrowest quality gap of any large luxury brand. Isadore Sharp opened the first hotel in Toronto in 1961. Cascade Investment and Kingdom Holding own the company, whose portfolio now ranges from San Domenico Palace in Taormina to working vineyards in Napa Valley.

There is no points programme. Four Seasons Preferred Partner instead adds breakfast for two, an upgrade when available and a hotel credit through approved travel advisors. The appeal is certainty rather than novelty, particularly for families. Large city hotels can feel corporate, so frequent guests often say the resorts show the brand at its best.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• 135 in 47 countries hotels
• Preferred Partner, advisor benefits
• Consistency everywhere
• The honest drawback
• No points to earn or redeem
• Large city hotels can feel corporate

A sense of place. About 38

Rosewood runs about 38 hotels and belongs to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. Its A Sense of Place philosophy is visible in properties as different as The Carlyle in New York, Rosewood Hong Kong and Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany. A restored apartment building, a harbour tower and a vineyard estate do not share a design formula.

There is no points currency. Rosewood Elite offers breakfast for two, an upgrade when available and a property credit through approved advisors. Rates start around US$700 a night. Individuality is both the attraction and the risk: hotels vary more than at Four Seasons, while a large development pipeline could test the personal attention that defines the brand.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• About 38 hotels
• Rosewood Elite, advisor benefits
• A sense of place
• The honest drawback
• No points currency
• Standards vary between individual hotels

City hotels and spas. 47 in 30 countries

Mandarin Oriental is owned by Jardine Matheson and runs 47 hotels in 30 countries. Bangkok, Hong Kong and London are among its strongest city addresses, with serious spas and restaurants rather than facilities added simply to complete a list. The Bangkok and Hong Kong hotels remain the clearest expressions of the brand's service style.

Fans of M.O. offers privileges rather than points, while the separate advisor Fan Club can add breakfast, an upgrade and credit. Travellers should compare the channels rather than assume they combine. Rates start around US$650 a night. The city hotels are the safer bet; resorts and converted palace hotels can feel different from the core brand.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• 47 in 30 countries hotels
• Fans of M.O. benefits
• City hotels and spas
• The honest drawback
• No points to earn or redeem
• Resorts are less consistent than city hotels

Wellness. 27

Six Senses has 27 hotels and belongs to IHG. Wellness is the product rather than an extra: sleep, nutrition and spa programmes sit alongside the Earth Lab and Alchemy Bar. Laamu, Zighy Bay and Yao Noi show the remote resort approach, while Rome demonstrates how the same idea can work in a city.

IHG One Rewards applies only at some resorts, so earning and redemption should be checked against the specific hotel. Entry rates start around US$700 a night. The remoteness that creates the atmosphere can also mean a seaplane or a long transfer, and deliberately quiet evenings will not suit guests looking for a busy bar.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• 27 hotels
• IHG One Rewards, some hotels benefits
• Wellness
• The honest drawback
• IHG One Rewards only at some resorts
• Remote locations mean longer transfers

Points value. About 48

Park Hyatt is the value pick among the classic luxury brands, with about 48 hotels and World of Hyatt points commonly valued near 1.5 US cents each. That is about double a Marriott Bonvoy point. The strongest city hotels include Tokyo, Paris Vendome and Sydney, where restrained rooms and prominent art do the talking.

Globalist status adds breakfast, suite upgrades when available and late checkout, making repeat stays particularly useful. Cash rates start around US$450 a night, below many independent luxury names. Coverage is the drawback: there is no Park Hyatt in many destinations, and the quiet, minimal style will not suit anyone seeking a theatrical lobby.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• About 48 hotels
• World of Hyatt benefits
• Points value
• The honest drawback
• Limited global coverage
• Minimal interiors can feel cool

Heritage hotels and trains. About 47 properties, including trains hotels and properties

Belmond belongs to LVMH and runs about 47 properties, including hotels, trains and boats. Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Caruso in Ravello and Monasterio in Cusco are buildings with histories that predate the brand. The Venice Simplon Orient Express makes it the only name here where the journey itself can be the principal booking.

There is no points programme. Bellini Club advisors add breakfast, an upgrade when available and a property credit. Indicative hotel rooms start around US$600 a night, while celebrated Italian addresses and trains cost more. Old buildings bring awkward rooms and uneven layouts, and seasonal closures mean the desired property may not be open for the trip.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• About 47 properties, including trains hotels and properties
• Bellini Club, advisor benefits
• Heritage hotels and trains
• The honest drawback
• Old buildings bring uneven room layouts
• Seasonal closures limit choice

The best luxury resort brand most people outside the US haven't heard of

Auberge Collection, owned by The Friedkin Group, runs about 37 hotels and resorts, mostly in the United States and Mexico, from Napa Valley and the Colorado mountains to Esperanza and Chileno Bay in Los Cabos. It also includes the Grace hotels in Greece and a growing safari business in Tanzania.

Each property is designed around its setting rather than a brand template. There's no points programme, and rates start around US$900 a night.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• Exceptional American resort portfolio
• Every property feels distinct
• The honest drawback
• Thin coverage outside the Americas
• No loyalty programme

Butler service. About 60

St Regis has about 60 hotels and belongs to Marriott. John Jacob Astor opened the New York original in 1904, and the brand still leans on butler service, evening champagne rituals and a local version of the Bloody Mary. Bora Bora, Rome and Venice show how that formal style can work in very different settings. For a city comparison, see the best luxury hotels in Mexico City.

Marriott Bonvoy points and the fifth night free on eligible award bookings are useful for existing members. Indicative entry rates start near US$550 a night. Standards vary with the property owner and renovation cycle, and the formality can feel stiff in resort destinations. Check recent room photographs and the last renovation rather than relying on the name alone.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• About 60 hotels
• Marriott Bonvoy benefits
• Butler service
• The honest drawback
• Standards vary by owner and renovation
• Formal service can feel stiff

Reach. About 120

Ritz Carlton has about 120 hotels and belongs to Marriott. Its reach makes it an option in destinations where the smaller names do not operate. Tokyo, Kyoto and Hong Kong are among the strongest hotels, with Kyoto's restrained riverfront building showing how good the brand can be when the setting and investment align.

Marriott Bonvoy earning attracts regular guests, while Ritz Carlton Reserve offers a more exclusive proposition at much higher rates. Standard entry rooms start around US$450 a night. The quality gap is the widest here: frequent guests often report tired rooms and dated finishes at weaker properties. Research the individual hotel and renovation date, not the crest.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• About 120 hotels
• Marriott Bonvoy benefits
• Reach
• The honest drawback
• The widest quality gap here
• Some properties have dated rooms

Landmark buildings. 40

Waldorf Astoria is Hilton's top brand, with 40 hotels. Its strongest properties occupy distinctive settings: canal houses in Amsterdam, a private tunnel leading to Los Cabos Pedregal and the restored New York landmark. Waldorf Astoria New York reopened in July 2025 with 375 rooms after a long renovation of the original 1931 building.

Every stay earns Hilton Honors points, commonly valued near 0.5 US cents each. Elite benefits can include breakfast or a food credit and upgrades when available, rather than the stronger confirmed benefits offered by Hyatt. Rates start around US$450 a night. A large development pipeline and hotels converted from other uses make recent property research worthwhile.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• 40 hotels
• Hilton Honors benefits
• Landmark buildings
• The honest drawback
• Hilton points have a lower typical value
• Converted hotels can vary in quality

Grand colonial hotels. 25

Raffles has 25 hotels and belongs to Accor. The original Singapore hotel opened in 1887 and remains an all suite landmark. Newer addresses include the restored Old War Office in London and an island hotel in Udaipur, extending a portfolio known for grand buildings rather than a single repeatable room design.

ALL Accor points convert predictably into money off the bill instead of opening up an award chart sweet spot. Rooms start around US$600 a night. Restored buildings bring character but also inherited room sizes and layouts, so photographs of a magnificent lobby are not enough. Compare the exact room category before choosing between Raffles and another historic hotel.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• 25 hotels
• ALL Accor benefits
• Grand colonial hotels
• The honest drawback
• Inherited room layouts vary
• ALL points are a rebate rather than award nights

Ian Schrager's design and nightlife brand, on Bonvoy points

Edition was created by Marriott with the hotelier Ian Schrager, and now has around 20 hotels in cities such as London, New York, Miami Beach, Tokyo, Rome and Barcelona. The formula is a dramatic lobby, a busy bar that locals use too and calm, pared back rooms.

The London EDITION, in a restored Edwardian building near Oxford Street, is the flagship many people know. Every stay earns Marriott Bonvoy points, and rates start around US$450 a night.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• Lively bars and restaurants
• Earns Marriott Bonvoy points
• The honest drawback
• Rooms can be small in the city hotels
• Can be noisy at weekends

Hilton's design led brand, with one of the world's most famous resorts

Conrad Hotels and Resorts has 51 hotels and sits just below Waldorf Astoria in Hilton's portfolio. The city hotels are polished and business friendly, and the resorts can be spectacular.

The best known is Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in South Ari Atoll, home to the undersea restaurant Ithaa and close to year round whale shark sightings. Every stay earns Hilton Honors points, and rates start around US$300 a night.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• Earns Hilton Honors points
• Strong value for the standard
• The honest drawback
• Less consistent than the true luxury brands
• City hotels can feel corporate

The original international hotel brand, with landmark hotels in most capitals

InterContinental opened its first hotel in Belém, Brazil in 1946 and now has 242 hotels, more than any other brand on this page. It's IHG's flagship luxury name and earns IHG One Rewards points.

Quality varies, but the best are true landmarks, such as the Willard InterContinental two blocks from the White House in Washington DC. Rates start around US$250 a night, which makes it the most affordable brand here.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• Hotels in almost every major city
• Earns IHG One Rewards points
• The honest drawback
• The widest quality range in this tier
• Many hotels feel more business than luxury

Grand landmark hotels, from Banff to the Savoy

Fairmont has 97 hotels and is known for grand landmarks such as the Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City and The Savoy in London. Accor bought the brand in 2016 and it earns ALL Accor points.

Outside the landmarks the hotels are more variable, but the resorts, such as the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, can be excellent value. Rates start around US$300 a night.

The verdict

• Worth it for
• Some of the most famous historic hotels in the world
• Earns ALL Accor points
• The honest drawback
• Uneven outside the landmark hotels
• ALL Accor points are a rebate rather than free nights