The World's 50 Best Hotels 2026 list has been announced, and three London properties have secured their places among the world's elite hospitality venues. Claridge's in Mayfair leads the London contingent at 13th place, followed by Raffles London at The OWO at 28th and The Connaught at 49th. The annual ranking, which moved its awards ceremony to Paris for the first time this year, continues to recognise the British capital's enduring appeal in the luxury hotel sector.
Claridge's Leads London at 13th Place
Claridge's, a Mayfair institution known for its art deco style, achieved the highest ranking among London hotels. The property features a black-and-white marble lobby with a swirling glass chandelier, around 200 rooms, and the Fumoir bar, which is noted for its old-world glamour. Time Out's own reviewers named Claridge's London's best hotel in July, and the property also earned Time Out's title of Europe's most Christmassy hotel last year.
Since 2009, Claridge's has handed over its lobby each December to a different fashion designer to reimagine its famous Christmas tree. Designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Louboutin have participated in this tradition. The hotel's atmosphere has been described as stepping into a film set, with its distinctive design elements playing a key role in its global recognition.
Raffles London at The OWO Ranks 28th
Raffles London at The OWO, which opened in 2023, secured the 28th position. The hotel is located inside the former Old War Office in Whitehall, a building that once served as the nerve centre of British military intelligence. Its monumental architecture has drawn comparisons to a James Bond film, reflecting its historical significance.
The hotel combines heritage with modern luxury, offering nine restaurants, a subterranean pool, and three bars. Despite being the newest London property on the 2026 list, it has already accumulated international awards from publications including Time magazine and National Geographic. Its rapid rise in the rankings highlights the strength of its offerings and the appeal of its historic setting.
The Connaught Rounds Out the List at 49th
The Connaught, a discreet Mayfair institution, took the 49th spot. The hotel is home to Hélène Darroze's three-Michelin-starred restaurant and features corridors lined with museum-grade art by Damien Hirst. Guests can also access a hidden underground Aman Spa, which offers steam and relaxation facilities.
The Connaught Bar remains a major draw, having been named the best bar in the UK on Europe's 50 Best Bars 2026 list. It is famous for its tableside martini trolley, where white-jacketed mixologists wheel a black cart to guests' tables, guide them through a selection of house-made aromatic bitters, and pour cocktails from a height into frosted crystal glasses. This ritual has made the bar a crowd-pleaser and a key part of the hotel's reputation.
London's Ongoing Presence in Global Rankings
London's hospitality scene has a strong track record with the World's 50 Best Hotels. In 2025, Claridge's, The Connaught, Raffles London at The OWO, and The Emory all made the cut. In the 2026 longlist, Rosewood London placed 56th, just outside the top 50. The continued recognition underscores the depth of luxury offerings in the city, from historic properties to newer entrants.
The full 2026 list of the top hotels in the world is available on the 50 Best website. For those looking to explore further, Time Out has compiled a guide to the best five-star hotels in London, and it has also reported that one of London's best French restaurants is taking over a Shoreditch gastropub. These developments reflect the ongoing evolution and strength of London's hospitality and dining scenes.
