The World’s 50 Best Hotels is returning to London with a live awards ceremony on 17 September. Find out about this year’s events programme and how you can follow along from home
The world’s leading hoteliers are headed to England’s capital city for the reveal of the second edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels. After its hugely successful launch in 2023, the event returns with an expanded programme that culminates in the awards ceremony where the new 1-50 list will be unveiled.
Ahead of this year’s ranking, here’s everything you need to know about what's happening around the city and how you can watch the action as it unfolds.
Please note: access to 50 Best events is by invitation only.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels Awards ceremony
Tuesday 17 September at 20:25 London time (UTC+1)
Anticipation and excitement will be high as the teams behind the properties set to feature on the upcoming ranking make their way onto the Guildhall’s red carpet to receive their signature 50 Best red scarves.
After the cocktail and canapé reception, the countdown begins, from the hotel ranked No.50 through to the No.1 spot, which will be named The World’s Best Hotel 2024.
A host of special accolades will also be given throughout the ceremony, such as the Nikka Best New Hotel Award, Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award, SevenRooms Icon Award and Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award, as well as the Best in Continent Awards.
This year will also see the introduction of three new special awards: the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award, the Highest Climber Award and the Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award, which recognises a hotel brand or group which the Academy believes has made the most positive contribution to industry change over the voting period.
From 18:30-20:25, follow The World’s 50 Best Hotels Instagram account for live highlights from the red carpet and drinks reception. At 20:25, switch over to the YouTube channel to watch the ceremony and the reveal of the new ranking.
Instagram Live and press conference with No.1
Immediately following the ceremony
The Passalacqua team share reactions after being crowned The World's Best Hotel 2023
After the ceremony has come to a close, the newly ranked No.1 will take part in an exclusive live interview hosted on The World’s 50 Best Hotels Instagram channel. After sharing initial reactions, the team will make its way to the official press conference to answer questions from the media.
OTHER EVENTS:
Welcome to London
Sunday 15 September, 19:00-22:00 (UTC+1)
Rosewood London's Scarfes Bar will play host to the exclusive Welcome to London event
The first event of the week will take place at Scarfes Bar (No.41 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023) inside Rosewood London. Select industry VIPs, including The World’s 50 Best Hotels nine Academy Chairs and key stakeholders, will enjoy an evening of delicious drinks and live jazz. Follow live highlights on 50 Best’s Instagram stories.
#50BestTalks: Unpacked
Monday 16 September, 11:00-14:00 (UTC+1)
#50BestTalks has an impressive line-up of leading travel and hotel experts
A brand-new addition to this year’s events programme, #50BestTalks: Unpacked will bring an international line-up of hotel and travel experts to The Dorchester London to share insider insights, trends and secrets shaping the hotel industry.
This year’s keynote speakers, who will present on a variety of topics from next-gen travel investment to the future of personalised hospitality, include Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts; Rebecca Burdess, global head of guest experience at Maybourne; Diana Banks, managing director of Maven Hospitality Consultants; and Liam Bailey, global head of research at Knight Frank.
A panel comprising Valentina de Santis from Passalacqua (The World’s Best Hotel 2023), Krissada Sukusol Clapp from The Siam (No.42 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023) and Marlene Poynder from legendary New York hotel The Carlyle, will also share life lessons as leading hoteliers.
Follow along from home via Instagram and stay tuned into 50 Best’s channels for further highlights following the event.
The Opening Banquet
Monday 16 September, 18:30-22:00 (UTC+1)
Chef Mauro Colagreco will create the food for The Opening Banquet on board the Silver Sturgeon
This year’s feast will be held aboard the Silver Sturgeon in collaboration with the newly-opened Raffles London at The OWO. The night will begin on the banks of the river at Woods Quay, where mixologists from Raffles’ The Guards Bar will serve a selection of specially curated cocktails, before guests are invited on the boat for the dinner.
While sailing down the River Thames, guests will feast on a menu created by Mauro Colagreco, the mastermind behind Mirazur (The World’s Best Restaurant 2019). After the cruise docks, guests will be welcomed back to the quay with a cocktail menu created by Raffles’ secret drinking den, Spy Bar. Watch the highlights live on The World’s 50 Best Hotels Instagram account.
Official After Party
Tuesday 17 September at 23:00-03:00 London time (UTC+1)
The Official After Party will be held at NoMad London for a second year
After the awards ceremony, guests will be invited to board three double-decker London buses to take them to the Official After Party. The celebratory evening is returning to NoMad London after its popular debut in 2023 with a refreshed concept, drinks and food offering to bring The World’s 50 Best Hotels events programme to a joyous close.
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