As any frequent traveller will tell you, Asia’s hotel scene is pretty unparalleled – with everything from sleek city towers to sprawling beachside stays all offering exceptional service at pretty incredible prices. And while we all have our personal favourites, it’s always fascinating to find out what the hotel experts think. Every year, the discerning judges at The World’s 50 Best Hotels put together a definitive guide to the best hotels in the world, and the 2025 list has just dropped. Once again, Asia reigns supreme – with a total of 20 hotels included in the list (more than any other continent) and a Hong Kong property taking the crown.
According to this year’s list, Rosewood Hong Kong is the very best hotel in the world right now. The five-star waterside property was ranked third in last year’s list, which means its offering is only on the up (and at 65 storeys high, that’s saying something). With stunning views across Victoria Harbour, more than ten on-site dining options and a spectacular 25-metre outdoor infinity pool, it’s no wonder this hotel is scoring big.
Second place this year went to Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, a riverside urban resort beloved for its serene design, world-class art collection and flawless Thai hospitality. Last year’s number one, Capella Bangkok, took the bronze award – praised for its intimate riverside setting, personalised service and luxurious suites.
Of all continents, Asia leads the way this year – with 20 ranked hotels included in the list (that’s up from 15 in last year’s awards).
Although the top-awarded hotel this year is in Hong Kong, Japan scored the most awards overall – with four hotels in Tokyo ranking on the list (Bulgari Hotel Tokyo at No.15, Aman Tokyo at No.25, Janu Tokyo at No.37 and The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon at No.45), and one in Kyoto (Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, coming in at No.46).
Three Hong Kong hotels were featured in this year’s awards, with the winning Rosewood property joined by The Upper House Hong Kong (at No.10) and Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong (No.41).
The buzzing Thai capital of Bangkok also scored three properties in this year’s list, with Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River ranking second, Capella Bangkok ranking third and the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok coming in at No.7.
Singapore’s world-famous Raffles came in at No.5, and the always buzzing Desa Potato Head in Bali landed at No.18.
The Asian Hotels included in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025
1. Rosewood Hong Kong
2. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Thailand
3. Capella Bangkok, Thailand
5. Raffles Singapore
7. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand
10. Upper House Hong Kong
14. Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, China
15. Bulgari Tokyo, Japan
19. Desa Potato Head, Bali
25. Aman Tokyo, Japan
28. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
37. Janu Tokyo, Japan
38. The Taj Mahal Palace, India
41. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
45. The Tokyo Edition Toranomon, Japan
46. Hotel The Mitsui, Japan
50. Mandapa, Bali
You’ll find the full list of the World’s 50 Best Hotels for 2025 here.
Have you heard? This Asian country recently ranked as the best place in the world for solo travellers
Plus: These are officially the 10 happiest cities in Asia in 2025, according to locals
And these are the best places to travel in 2026, according to Lonely Planet
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox.