For hotels to be featured in our collections, we use an independent scoring system that indicates whether a hotel aligns with both The Luxury Editor’s values and our readers’ expectations. We then conduct further due diligence to corroborate that the hotel should feature within the collection. This scoring system is also used to help us rank the order in which the hotels appear within the collection, with the highest-scoring hotel listed first.
The Scoring Scale
10. Supreme.
The world’s very best properties, which are well established and have defined luxury hospitality on a global scale.
9. World-class.
Consistently exceptional properties from operators with a proven track record at the highest level.
8 Excellent.
Properties delivering a genuinely premium experience.
7 Very good.
Solid luxury or upper upscale properties.
6 Good.
Reliable properties at the upper end of the market that are worth including but aren’t destination hotels in their own right:
5 Standard.
Hotels that meet the minimum quality threshold for inclusion but need greater personal investigation. Hotels that score 5 rarely feature in our collections.
4 and below.
These hotels and mass-market resorts do not feature in our collections.
Scoring Criteria
The score draws on our extensive experience and editorial knowledge of the global luxury hotel market and considers the following aspects:
Brand and operator pedigree.
Operators that demonstrate consistently across multiple properties that they deliver every aspect of hospitality at the highest level.
The individual property.
Brand alone isn’t enough. A Ritz-Carlton in a secondary city ranks differently to the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto or the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. The specific property’s reputation, design, service record, and standing within its destination are all considered.
Iconic status.
Hotels that are destinations in their own right. Those who plan trips around score higher regardless of brand.
Industry recognition.
Hotels that are consistently recognised by highly respected hospitality associations, including Relais & Châteaux membership, Leading Hotels of the World, and Small Luxury Hotels.
Attention to detail / tangible and intangible perfection.
This must be evident at every point of the guest experience. Examples include high-thread-count linens, curated art, ambient scenting, high-end toiletries, and daily turn-down service.
Service.
High staff-to-guest ratio with a personalised, seamless, and effortless delivery of guest experience.
Amenities and facilities.
The provision of personalised and anticipatory amenities and extensive high-quality facilities.
Design and architecture.
Interiors and exteriors that are well-considered and finished to an exceptionally high standard.
Unique characteristics.
A story, history, or a defining factor/s that is inimitable and enhances the overall guest experience.
Hotel Reviews
All the hotels we visit that meet our exacting standards are included in our Hotel Review collection and come with a whole-hearted recommendation by the editorial team. If we visit a hotel and it doesn’t meet our expectations, then we provide feedback why this is the case to the hotel’s GM, and it is not featured on The Luxury Editor.
