Luxury Travel Intelligence has named the world’s best luxury hotel brands for 2024, with Hong Kong-based Mandarin Oriental taking the top spot for the second year in a row. The brand operates three hotels in the United States, including one in New York City. To determine the winners, LTI analyzed 130 “touchpoints” relevant to the luxury hotel sector, focusing on a brand’s ability to deliver on its passion, commitment, ethos, and values, as well as the quality of management and staff.
Mandarin Oriental currently operates 40 hotels and numerous branded residential properties around the world. Bulgari, Oetker Collection, Six Senses, and Aman rounded out the top five on the list. Brands like Bulgari, Dorchester Collection, and COMO made the list for the first time, with LTI highlighting Bulgari’s well-managed organization and ultra-luxury guest experience as key reasons for their selection. Aman, Rosewood, Auberge, Four Seasons, and Peninsula all have locations in New York City.
LTI Founder Michael Crompton noted ongoing senior management shifts, high levels of investment, and aggressive competition in the luxury hotel market as factors that could impact future rankings. The list of winners includes a range of prominent luxury hotel brands like One&Only, Rocco Forte, Belmond, and Raffles, all recognized for their high standards of service and guest experience. With the industry constantly evolving and adapting to new trends, Crompton emphasized the unpredictability of future rankings.
The inclusion of new brands like Bulgari reflects the evolving landscape of luxury hospitality, with a focus on delivering exceptional experiences for high-net-worth travelers. These brands are known for their attention to detail, commitment to quality, and dedication to providing unparalleled luxury for their guests. The recognition of brands that may be lesser-known but offer exceptional service and experiences speaks to LTI’s dedication to identifying the best in luxury hospitality.
As the luxury travel sector continues to grow and evolve, competition among top hotel brands intensifies. Brands must continuously invest in their properties, offerings, and guest experiences to maintain their competitive edge and attract high-net-worth travelers. The winning brands on LTI’s list for 2024 have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and luxury, positioning themselves as leaders in the industry. The future of luxury hospitality remains uncertain, with new trends, technologies, and challenges shaping the landscape of the industry.