The 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World in 2026

Last year, when we set out to compile Fodor’s Finest Hotels, it was estimated there were roughly 700,000 hotels in the world, from hostels to the uber-luxury. Since then, that number has risen by 65,000, with an estimated 765,159 hotels and resorts now in operation across the globe. It goes without saying that when it comes to narrowing down over half a million hotels into a list of the best in the world, it is no easy feat and one that proves trickier with each coming year.

That is why Fodor’s works with hundreds of experts across the globe—from globetrotting writers to hotel professionals—leaning on their expertise and personal experiences to help narrow things down from a six-figure number to this present list. That’s also why we don’t rank our hotel picks; making it onto this list is an achievement enough.

We are proud to say that every single property on this list has been vetted by our team of editors and writers, each of whom has been tasked with delivering an honest review of what a stay at any one of the following hotels promises, ensuring it is worthy of a place on this list and, more importantly, worthy of your time and money. While there are other properties that some may suggest be added to this list, we’ve had to be brutal and fastidious in our selection process, splitting hairs on minor matters, and ultimately narrowing down our picks to a list of hotels that we love and would recommend visiting in 2026.

Edited by Esme Benjamin, Stacey Lastoe, Rachael Levitt, Eva Morreale, Jeremy Tarr, and Nikki Vargas. Photo editing by Viviane Teles, Shanelle Jacobs, and Zamantta Larios Salazar.