Top 10: Cities with Most 5-star hotels!
Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome back to Brooke In The Air! Today we’re going to examine the top 10 cities with the most 5-star hotels in the world!
From Istanbul's transcontinental grandeur to Batumi's surprising emergence as a luxury haven, the global distribution of 5-star hotels reveals fascinating insights about economic development, tourism strategies, and traveler preferences.
In an age where travelers Instagram their hotel lobbies before their breakfast, the race for 5-star supremacy has become more heated than a Turkish bath. Cities worldwide are transforming their skylines with gleaming towers of hospitality.
Each is vying to become the ultimate destination for luxury seekers with deep pockets and discerning tastes.
Let's dive in!
Ranking is 1 - 10. Best to worst though let's be honest, there is no “worst” here.
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Istanbul: 201 Hotels.
Istanbul’s luxury hospitality scene reflects its rich cultural tapestry, where Ottoman grandeur meets contemporary sophistication. The Park Hyatt Istanbul is a select hotel, as it combines modern Turkish design with international luxury standards. The city’s strategic position as a gateway between Europe and Asia has fueled massive tourism investments.
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Waldorf Astoria, Shanghai
2. Shanghai: 201 Hotels
Matching Istanbul’s impressive count, Shanghai showcases China’s economic prowess through its 201 five-star establishments.
Shanghai’s luxury hotel scene represents a fascinating blend of traditional Chinese hospitality and cutting-edge international standards.
The Waldorf Astoria on the Bund epitomises Shanghai’s luxury credentials. It occupies a historic Art Deco building that once housed the prestigious Shanghai Club. Its Long Bar, stretching an impressive 34 meters, holds the title of the longest hotel bar in the world.
China’s rapid economic growth has created a sophisticated domestic luxury market, with international hotel chains racing to establish flagship properties.
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Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
3. Bangkok: 200 hotels
Just one hotel shy of the leaders, Bangkok’s 200 five-star properties reflect Thailand’s mastery of hospitality. This is where genuine warmth meets world-class service.
The Oriental, now known as Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, stands as perhaps the most legendary hotel in Southeast Asia. This riverside hotel has welcomed literary giants like Somerset Maugham and continues to set standards for luxury service.
Bangkok’s five-star hotels excel in combining international luxury standards with distinctive Thai touches, from traditional dance performances to authentic royal Thai cuisine.
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The Savoy, London
4. London: 162 hotels
With 162 five-star hotels, London maintains its position as a global luxury capital. Here, centuries-old traditions seamlessly blend with contemporary sophistication.
The Savoy remains London’s most iconic luxury hotel, where afternoon tea is an art form and the American Bar has been serving cocktails since 1893.
Modern additions like The Shard’s Shangri-La Hotel London offer contemporary luxury with breathtaking city views, while established players like The Dorchester maintain their reputation for old-world glamour.
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5. Dubai: 133 hotels
Burj Al Arab hotel - Dubai
Dubai’s 133 five-star hotels represent the emirate’s transformation from a desert trading post to a global luxury destination.
The Burj Al Arab, often called the world’s only 7-star hotel, stands as Dubai’s most recognisable luxury landmark. Its sail-shaped silhouette and helipad tennis court epitomise Dubai’s appetite for the spectacular.
The Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach provides a more understated luxury experience, while the Armani Hotel Dubai, designed by Giorgio Armani himself, brings Italian sophistication to the Middle East.
Dubai’s luxury hotels benefit from the emirate’s tax-free shopping, world-class dining scenes, and strategic location as a hub between East and West.
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The Manila Hotel, The Philippines
6. Manila: 127 hotels
Manila’s impressive collection of 127 five-star hotels reflects the Philippines’ growing prominence in the luxury hospitality sector.
The Manila Hotel stands as the grand dame of Philippine hospitality, having welcomed guests since 1912. This historic property has hosted everyone from General MacArthur to The Beatles, maintaining its reputation for Filipino hospitality excellence.
Modern additions like the Shangri-La at the Fort and the Fairmont Makati demonstrate Manila’s evolution into a sophisticated luxury destination. The city’s 5-star hotels excel in showcasing Filipino culture through local art, cuisine, and warm hospitality that reflects the nation’s reputation for service excellence.
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The Ritz, Paris
7. Paris: 116 hotels
Paris’s 116 five-star hotels embody the French art de vivre, where luxury is not just about amenities but about creating an atmosphere of effortless elegance.
The Four Seasons Hotel George V showcases French luxury at its finest, with Michelin-starred dining and flower arrangements that are works of art. Le Bristol Paris epitomises Parisian elegance with its rooftop garden and impeccable service.
Modern luxury finds expression in properties like The Peninsula Paris, which brings contemporary sophistication to the Avenue Kléber, while established hotels like Hotel Plaza Athénée continue to attract fashion industry royalty during Paris Fashion Week.
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The Peninsula Hotel, Beijing
8. Beijing: 112 hotels
Beijing’s 112 five-star hotels reflect China’s capital status and its role as the gateway to the world’s second-largest economy.
The St. Regis Beijing offers contemporary luxury in the heart of the diplomatic district, while the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing provides an oasis of calm amid the bustling capital.
Traditional Chinese luxury finds expression in properties like the Emperor Hotel, which incorporates classical Chinese architectural elements, while international chains like the Shangri-La Hotel Beijing demonstrate how global luxury brands adapt to local preferences and cultural sensitivities.
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Four Seasons Hotel, Mexico City
9. Mexico City: 88 hotels
Mexico City’s 88 five-star hotels showcase the vibrant culture and sophisticated tastes of Latin America’s largest metropolis.
The Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City occupies a prime position on Paseo de la Reforma, offering guests luxury accommodations in the heart of the financial district.
The city’s luxury hotels excel in incorporating Mexican cultural elements, from authentic regional cuisine to local art and traditional craftsmanship, creating distinctly Mexican luxury experiences that appeal to both domestic and international travelers.
And finally,
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Sheraton Batumi Hotel, Batumi
10. Batumi: 86 Hotels
Rounding out the top 10, Batumi’s 86 five-star hotels represent one of the most surprising entries on this global luxury map.
The Hilton Batumi brings global hospitality expertise to this emerging destination, while local properties like the Dazzler by Wyndham Batumi showcase Georgian hospitality traditions.
Batumi’s rise as a luxury destination reflects Georgia’s (the country) broader tourism development strategy, with the government investing heavily in infrastructure and positioning the country as a bridge between Europe and Asia for luxury travelers seeking undiscovered destinations.
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Conclusion
While traditional luxury destinations like London and Paris maintain their prestigious positions, the dominance of Asian cities in this ranking reflects the region’s economic dynamism and growing affluence.
Credit to A2Z Aviation.
