Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) dropped its 2026 report including Capella’s debut and Aman’s tumble. See the top ten rankings here.
Mandarin Oriental has secured the top spot in the Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) 2026 ranking of the World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brands for the fourth straight year. While the luxe annual list is by no means definitive, LTI says it determines its rankings with a proprietary algorithm evaluating 134 key touchpoints including corporate leadership, brand ethos, staff quality, strategic investment, and other factors. Notable shifts in this year’s rankings include Capella making the highest new entry at No. 8, while perennial top contender Aman tumbled seven spots to No. 9 after LTI claimed it didn’t properly address a data breach. Check out the travel firm’s top ten luxury hotel brands below.
10. Airelles (75.2%) — New Entry
Making a strong debut on the list at No. 10, French luxury hospitality brand Airelles earned a 75.2% score. Known for its ultra-exclusive, intimate micro-properties situated in high-end European destinations like Courchevel, Gordes, and Château de Versailles, Airelles impressed judges with its strong commitment to bespoke heritage experiences, property refurbishments, and high-touch staff service across every single touchpoint.
9. Aman (75.5%) — Last Year: 2
Aman experienced a dramatic tumble this year, dropping seven places from No. 2 to No. 9 with a score of 75.5%. Despite its legendary reputation for ultra-luxury privacy and minimalist design, the hallowed brand suffered in LTI’s evaluation due to a client data breach that supposedly damaged consumer trust and hurt its operational score.
8. Capella (76.1%) — New Entry
Capella entered the global rankings as this year’s highest new entry, capturing the No. 8 spot with a 76.1% rating. The brand’s performance is driven by its exceptional storytelling, thoughtful cultural immersion programs, and smart capital deployment into standout luxury properties. Capella demonstrated stellar execution in service quality, positioning itself as a formidable force in high-end travel.
7. Belmond (76.6%) — Last Year: 11
Climbing four places into the top ten, LVMH-owned Belmond achieved a score of 76.6% to secure No. 7. Belmond’s gain reflects well-directed investments across its prized portfolio of historic hotels, luxury trains, and river cruises. Their elevation of guest touchpoints and staff performance ensured a strong year-over-year surge in the ratings.
6. Dorchester Collection (76.9%) — Last Year: 12
The Dorchester Collection made one of the most impressive moves of the year, jumping six spots from No. 12 to No. 6 with a 76.9% score. The brand’s impressive ascent underscores meticulous management standards at flagship properties and highly effective reinvestment strategies that elevated overall guest experience standards.
5. Rosewood (78.0%) — Last Year: 5
Rosewood maintained its grip on the No. 5 position, scoring an impressive 78.0%. The group continues to excel through its “A Sense of Place” philosophy, delivering consistent top-tier service and refined localized design. Strong ongoing capital investments in new properties and thoughtful refurbishments enabled Rosewood to protect its elite standing.
4. Four Seasons (78.7%) — Last Year: 6
Four Seasons climbed two spots to claim No. 4 overall with a score of 78.7%. Renowned for its global consistency and gold-standard service culture, the hospitality giant benefited from major strategic investments in property enhancements and new residential developments, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s most reliably high-performing luxury hotel brands.
3. Bulgari (80.2%) — Last Year: 3
Retaining its podium finish at No. 3, Bulgari scored 80.2% thanks to its uncompromising focus on high-fashion elegance and ultra-exclusive hospitality. With a carefully curated portfolio, the brand consistently scores well for architectural grandeur and personalized guest services that uphold its luxe jewelry heritage across global gateway cities.
2. Oetker Collection (80.6%) — Last Year: 4
Oetker Collection surged into the No. 2 spot with an impressive score of 80.6%, moving up two places from last year. Celebrated for its signature “Masterpiece Hotels,” Oetker scored high in property management and staff excellence, proving that a concentrated focus on high-touch, family-style luxury delivers world-class guest satisfaction.
1. Mandarin Oriental (81.1%) — Last Year: 1
Mandarin Oriental claimed the coveted No. 1 title for the fourth consecutive year, achieving a market-leading score of 81.1 percent in the annual report. The revered Asian-rooted hospitality juggernaut continues to set the benchmark for global luxury through flawless service and operational consistency across its expanding international footprint of world-class hotels and residences, according to LTI.
