LTI’s annual World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brands report is not just another ‘World’s Best’ list. During the past 12 months, LTI researchers have applied a rigorous assessment process using a defined algorithm to measure the performance and values of well-known luxury hotel brands. Below, we look at which brands made the list and why.

The algorithm has 130 touchpoints relevant to the luxury hotel sector. Each has its weighted score value with a total maximum accumulative score of 4663. The touchpoints relate to overall brand performance, not the performance of individual properties.

The focus is on a brand’s ability to deliver on its passion, commitment, ethos, and values, together with the quality of its management and staff. Other factors include continuing investment and how it is utilised, particularly regarding new properties and the refurbishment of existing ones.

This year, LTI has increased the number of hotel brands on its list from 12 to 15, and to be considered, each hotel brand must have at least eight properties to qualify (previously 10).

Below are the top fifteen hotel brands, with last year’s positions in brackets:

  • Mandarin Oriental 81.6% (1)
  • Bulgari 81.3% (New Entry)
  • Oetker Collection 80.7% (2)
  • Six Senses 80.2% (4)
  • Aman 78.1% (5)
  • One&Only 77.4% (8)
  • Rocco Forte 76.8% (9)
  • Rosewood 75.1% (10)
  • Belmond 73.9% (6)
  • Auberge 72.1% (3)
  • Dorchester Collection 71.8% (New Entry)
  • Four Seasons 71.5% (7)
  • Peninsula 70.1% (11)
  • COMO 69.7% (New Entry)
  • Raffles 69.4% (12)

About the World’s Best Luxury Brands report
LTI works closely with the global luxury hotel industry. Its researchers obtain information and data from brand CEOs, senior management, staff, and guests.

The process used to determine the list starts from scratch each year, so the results from previous years have no bearing. This inevitably leads to volatility in each year’s results; however, it does accurately reflects any changes.

Mandarin Oriental: World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brand
For 2024, Mandarin Oriental has maintained its #1 position in the rankings, which is due in no small part to consistently impressive new openings. LTI states that it is an engaging brand with a loyal and growing following that appreciates its commitment to excellence.

New Entries

With the adjustment to the minimum number of required properties from ten to eight, Bulgari has made an impressive entry, securing second place, just 0.4 per cent behind Mandarin Oriental.

The Dorchester Collection has also benefitted from the adjustment, entering the list at #11. In addition, COMO has made a well-deserved return at #14 after last being featured in 2022.

Michael Crompton, Founder of LTI, commented, “This year’s increase in the number of brands featured, from 12 to 15, along with the reduction of the number of properties brands require to qualify, from ten to eight, has created an intriguing outcome. The inclusion of Bulgari is particularly prevalent as they are a very focused and well-managed organisation, with each property delivering a truly ultra-luxury guest experience.

“With ongoing senior management shifts across the brands, continued eye-watering investment levels, and the aggressive competition in chasing the growing High Net Worth travel spend, who knows what next year will bring? In the meantime, congratulations to all 15 brands; they fully deserve the recognition.”

Images supplied by LTI—Luxury Travel Intelligence.