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Luxury Hospitality
Luxury hospitality is a big part of the global hotel industry and it’s about more than just fancy rooms and fancy amenities. It’s about creating unforgettable experiences – from high end service to bespoke journeys. Whether it’s a tropical hideaway or an urban retreat the top luxury hotel groups deliver the ultimate in hospitality so every stay is personal.
What is Luxury Hospitality?
Luxury hospitality is about more than the basics. It’s the attention to detail and pursuit of perfection that sets luxury hotels apart. These properties offer bespoke services, personalized itineraries and exclusive access to some of the world’s most extraordinary experiences. Whether it’s a private chef cooked dinner, a wellness retreat or a behind the scenes cultural experience luxury hospitality delivers a level of service and accommodation like no other.
The Evolution of Luxury Hotel Brands
The luxury hotel industry has evolved, responding to the changing needs of the modern traveller. Once about lavish decor and grandeur, today’s top luxury hotel brand is about unique experiences and personal service. Hotel brands are no longer just offering luxurious rooms – they’re creating experiences that engage the senses and enrich the soul.
The rise of boutique hotels and independent luxury hotels has also changed the landscape, offering intimate, design focused stays that cater to the individuality of the traveller.
History of Luxury Hospitality
Luxury hospitality has its roots in the early 20th century, with iconic hotels like the Ritz Paris and the Savoy London setting the benchmark for high-end service. Post World War II, the global travel industry expanded, and brands like Hilton and Marriott started to roll out luxury chains, bringing 5-star service to the masses. The 80s and 90s saw the rise of boutique lifestyle hotels, focused on bespoke experiences and personal service, and the way luxury hospitality was delivered changed. Today the best luxury hotels combine history with innovation, offering experiences that are both timeless and modern.
Luxury Hotel Brands
Luxury hotel brands can be divided into several hotel sectors, each with its own characteristics and offerings. Here are the main types of luxury hotel brands:
Independent Luxury Hotels
Independent luxury hotels are standalone properties that are not part of a bigger hotel group. These independent hotels have a unique character and charm and are known for their personal service and attention to detail. Unlike bigger hotel chains independent luxury hotels have the freedom to create bespoke experiences that reflect their own identity and the local culture.
The Brando in Tahiti is an exclusive, eco-friendly retreat on a private island where guests can enjoy overwater villas, pristine beaches and a deep connection with nature. The Little Nell in Aspen is a cosy yet luxurious mountain retreat with ski-in/ski-out access, gourmet dining and personal adventure planning. Independent luxury hotels deliver intimate, memorable experiences that cater to the individual.
Luxury Hotel Brands
Luxury hotel brands are about high-end amenities and services that are designed for luxury travellers and deliver a unique and memorable experience. Here are the key characteristics of luxury hotel brands:
High-End Amenities and Services
Luxury hotel brands offer a range of high-end amenities and services so that every aspect of a guest’s stay at the best hotel brands is indulgent and exceptional. These amenities include fine dining restaurants run by world-famous chefs, bars offering rare and exclusive spirits and luxurious spas with cutting-edge treatments and wellness programs.
For instance, many luxury hotel brands offer bespoke concierge services where hotel owners can arrange everything from private city tours to exclusive access to cultural events. Private butlers are another luxury hospitality hallmark available to attend to every need, whether it’s unpacking luggage, drawing a bath or planning a personal itinerary. These high-end services are designed to anticipate and exceed the expectations of the discerning traveller so a stay is both comfortable and memorable.
Luxury Hotel Groups
Luxury hotel groups are large companies that own and operate multiple hotels under one brand. They may have a mix of luxury and non-luxury properties and offer a range of services and amenities to guests. Here are the key aspects of the business of luxury hotel groups:
Growth and Expansion Strategies
Luxury hotel groups are always looking to grow and expand their business. This may involve acquiring new properties, developing new brands and expanding into new markets. For instance Marriott International has grown its portfolio by acquiring other hotel brands like Starwood Hotels & Resorts and increased its global presence and diversified its offerings.
Another approach is to develop new brands that target different segments of the luxury market. Hyatt Hotels Corporation for instance has introduced the Park Hyatt brand to offer choice hotels ultra luxury experiences in prime locations. Luxury hotel groups also enter emerging markets as they see growth opportunities in regions like Asia and Middle East. By doing so luxury hotel groups can stay ahead of the competition and deliver the best experiences to their guests.
Top 20 Luxury Hotel Groups
These are the luxury hotel groups that set the standard for excellence in hospitality, each with their own interpretation of what luxury means.
1. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
With over 120 properties in 47 countries, Four Seasons is one of the most famous luxury hotel brands. Four Seasons hotels are renowned for their personal service and attention to detail. Whether you’re in Paris, Tokyo or the Maldives, you can expect a sophisticated atmosphere, world-class dining and some of the best wellness programs globally. The brand is able to blend in with its surroundings and give guests a sense of place. Four Seasons also offers excellent family programs, spa retreats and destination dining, making it a top choice for both leisure and business travellers.
The Four Seasons Private Jet is another highlight, where guests can travel the world in ultimate luxury. From custom itineraries to access to exclusive experiences it’s high end travel taken to the next level. The brand’s attention to detail ensures every guest’s stay is unforgettable.
2. Aman Resorts
Aman Resorts is synonymous with exclusive, intimate luxury. With 34 properties in 20 countries, Aman focuses on delivering bespoke experiences in remote and serene locations. Each Aman property is designed with a minimalist, contemporary style that blends in with its surroundings, a haven of peace. Guests at Aman properties can expect personalized service where privacy is paramount, and the staff are invisible yet always available to anticipate your needs.
Aman’s properties are often in the most beautiful natural environments – from the Moroccan desert to the Caribbean turquoise waters. The Aman experience is as much about being in nature as it is about luxury. Signature wellness programs are another key aspect, as are holistic retreats focused on mind, body, and spirit. The intimate nature of Aman properties makes them a favourite among celebrities and high-profile guests looking to escape the public eye.
3. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has over 30 properties globally, each designed to transport guests into the culture and heritage of the location. Rosewood’s philosophy, “A Sense of Place”, ensures each property reflects the history and culture of the destination it’s in. Whether it’s the classic elegance of The Carlyle in New York or the modern luxury of Rosewood Hong Kong, each hotel offers a local experience infused with the brand’s signature service.
Rosewood properties are known for their blend of contemporary and classic luxury, often in historic buildings that have been restored to their former glory. The attention to detail is meticulous from the design and décor to the bespoke services like private dining experiences created by world renowned chefs. Rosewood is also famous for its wellness retreats offering cutting edge spa treatments and fitness programs in some of the most beautiful environments in the world. And Rosewood Explorers, a curated kids’ program, means even the youngest guests have a great time.
4. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
36 properties in 24 countries, Mandarin Oriental is a luxury hospitality giant famous for its Asian design and world-class spas. The group’s focus on creating an oasis in the midst of the city has made it a favourite among business and leisure travellers. Mandarin Oriental properties are famous for their spa experiences, and each hotel offers a unique blend of holistic treatments inspired by the local culture and traditions.
The hotels are also famous for their dining experiences, often with Michelin starred restaurants showcasing international and local cuisine. The service at Mandarin Oriental is another highlight. With an Asian hospitality ethos guests are treated with warmth, respect and attention to detail.
5. Ritz-Carlton (part of Marriott International)
Ritz-Carlton, with over 100 hotels worldwide, is the epitome of luxury. Whether you’re staying at the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo, Dubai, or New York, the brand guarantees an elegant experience. Every Ritz-Carlton property offers a consistent blend of luxury, world-class amenities, and service. From lavish suites with city views to beachfront properties, Ritz-Carlton ensures every detail is taken care of.
Ritz-Carlton is famous for its Club Level services, where guests can experience an extra level of luxury with personalized concierge services, private dining and access to exclusive lounges. The brand’s properties also have some of the best restaurants and spas in the world, so guests have everything they need taken care of.
6. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts (part of Marriott International)
With 50 hotels worldwide, St. Regis brings old-world charm and sophistication into the 21st century. The brand is famous for its butler service, a personalized service where butlers will pack your bags or arrange personalized excursions for you. St. Regis properties are often in prime city locations like New York or Rome but also extend to exotic resorts in the Maldives and Bora Bora.
The brand is famous for its timeless traditions, such as the daily champagne sabering, a ritual that dates back to the brand’s inception. St. Regis hotels are opulently decorated with classic design mixed with modern luxury. The attention to detail in service and design ensures every guest has the ultimate luxury experience.
7. Belmond Hotels (part of LVMH)
Belmond is a luxury brand that doesn’t just offer hotels, it offers experiences. With 46 properties Belmond takes guests on a journey through time with properties like the Hotel Cipriani in Venice and the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro. Belmond’s offerings also extend beyond hotels, including luxury trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and river cruises in Myanmar and Peru.
Belmond properties often reflect their surroundings, blending vintage charm with modern luxury. The brand puts a big emphasis on local culture with each property offering curated excursions so guests can really experience the region. Whether you’re touring the vineyards of Tuscany or cruising through the Amazon rainforest Belmond ensures your experience is luxurious and culturally enriching.
8. Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Six Senses is famous for eco-luxury, combining sustainability with world class service. With 21 resorts in remote locations like the Maldives, Thailand and Portugal Six Senses focuses on immersive wellness experiences that merge local traditions with modern luxury. From over-water villas to hillside retreats Six Senses properties are designed to blend in with their surroundings so you can escape the stresses of modern life.
Wellness is at the heart of Six Senses. Guests can participate in bespoke wellness programs that include detox, yoga retreats and holistic spa treatments. The brand is also committed to sustainability with zero-waste programs and sustainable farming at each property. With the philosophy of “luxury that treads lightly on the Earth” Six Senses is the perfect retreat for eco-travellers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort or style.
9. Bulgari Hotels & Resorts
With only 8 properties, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts may have a smaller footprint, but it offers an unparalleled luxury experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities. Each property from Milan to Dubai reflects the brand’s heritage of Italian craftsmanship with opulent design and modern luxury. Bulgari properties are renowned for high-end design, with every detail thoughtfully crafted to reflect Bulgari elegance and sophistication.
Bulgari Hotels deliver a curated luxury experience where guests can expect personal service, exceptional dining and stunning views of the world’s most famous skylines. With Michelin-starred restaurants and award winning spas Bulgari properties attract sophisticated travellers looking for a chic and contemporary luxury experience.
10. Oetker Collection
The Oetker Collection has 10 masterpiece hotels, each a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Iconic properties like Le Bristol Paris and the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the French Riviera are part of the portfolio, attracting guests who want the best of European hospitality. Oetker Collection hotels are often housed in historic buildings, so you get the real deal, old-world charm and modern comfort.
These hotels are renowned for attention to detail and personal service so you’ll feel pampered from the moment you arrive. Oetker Collection properties also have some of the best dining in the world with Michelin-starred restaurants and award winning chefs creating culinary masterpieces. Whether you’re lounging by the Mediterranean Sea or exploring the streets of Paris an Oetker Collection stay is an experience of timeless elegance.
11. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
With over 100 properties mainly in Asia Shangri-La has become the badge of Asian luxury hospitality. Founded in 1971 the brand’s name was inspired by James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon where Shangri-La is a mythical utopia. This philosophy of creating a paradise for guests is deeply ingrained in the hotel brand’s DNA. Shangri-La hotels are a serene, almost surreal, escape from the chaos of everyday life.
Shangri-La properties are famous for their large gardens, luxurious interiors and exceptional service. Hotels are located in key cities like Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore and in exotic resort destinations like the Maldives and Oman. The brand also has CHI, The Spa, which offers holistic treatments based on traditional Asian philosophies. Shangri-La masters the art of blending Asian hospitality with modern luxury so you feel pampered and at home.
12. One&Only Resorts
One&Only Resorts has 12 properties and is all about ultra-luxury experiences in the most incredible locations. From the Maldives and Mauritius to Mexico and Montenegro each resort is a private sanctuary. The brand is famous for delivering the highest level of personal service often in the most stunning natural environments.
One&Only caters to couples looking for intimate retreats and families looking for luxury vacations with activities for all ages. The properties have sprawling private villas some with direct access to pristine beaches or stunning views. One&Only is also renowned for culinary excellence often bringing in world renowned chefs to create unforgettable dining experiences. With a strong focus on wellness guests can enjoy everything from yoga on the beach to state-of-the-art spa treatments. One&Only creates a world where you feel at home and utterly removed from your daily life.
13. Soneva
Soneva redefines luxury travel by combining sustainability with ultra-luxury experiences. With only 3 properties—two in the Maldives and one in Thailand—Soneva has a small but mighty presence in the luxury resort world. What sets Soneva apart is its eco-conscious luxury. The brand’s philosophy is about barefoot luxury—an unpretentious, laid back atmosphere where you can reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort.
Each Soneva property is designed to blend into its surroundings using sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices. At Soneva Fushi in the Maldives guests can stay in over-water villas, enjoy organic farm-to-table cuisine and participate in conservation activities like coral planting. The resorts also offer world-class wellness programs with treatments from traditional healing therapies to cutting edge beauty treatments. Soneva balances sustainability with the luxury of indulgence making it a favourite among eco-conscious travellers.
14. Waldorf Astoria (part of Hilton Worldwide)
The Waldorf Astoria brand is a symbol of heritage and modern luxury. With 34 properties worldwide, it delivers historic grandeur and contemporary luxury in every location. The original Waldorf Astoria in New York was the iconic hotel that set the standard for luxury hospitality. Today, the brand continues to live up to its legacy, offering elegant rooms and exceptional service.
Waldorf Astoria properties are located in key destinations, from city centres to beach resorts. What sets Waldorf Astoria apart is its sense of place, properties like Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, which is an island paradise or Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, which is steeped in Dutch history. Waldorf Astoria also offers personal services like the Waldorf Astoria concierge so every guest has a bespoke experience from the moment they check in. Known for its luxurious amenities and service, Waldorf Astoria is a favourite among high-end business and leisure travellers.
15. The Peninsula Hotels
The Peninsula Hotels group has 10 properties and is one of the most luxurious names in hospitality. Known for its subtle elegance and Asian-inspired service the Peninsula brand combines tradition and modern luxury. The group’s flagship property The Peninsula Hong Kong is one of the best hotels in the world and has been around since 1928. The brand is famous for its classic architecture and modern amenities often located in iconic buildings.
Every Peninsula hotel is luxurious and personal. The brand is also famous for its fleet of Rolls-Royces for guest transfers and adds another layer of luxury to the arrival and departure experience. Peninsula hotels often incorporate local culture into their design so guests can feel the essence of the place. It’s the attention to detail that makes The Peninsula stand out—from signature afternoon teas to beautifully curated art collections guests have an experience like no other.
16. Rocco Forte Hotels
With 14 properties across Europe, Rocco Forte Hotels has built a reputation for offering guests European heritage and modern luxury. Each property in the Rocco Forte portfolio is a reflection of its location’s culture and history. For example, Hotel de Russie in Rome is Italian elegance and contemporary design, and The Balmoral in Edinburgh is a Scottish experience steeped in heritage.
What sets Rocco Forte Hotels apart is its authenticity and personal service. Every hotel is family-run, and this family’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the guest experience. The properties are often located in historic buildings that have been beautifully restored to maintain their original charm and modern comforts. The brand also puts a big emphasis on wellness with world-class spas and wellness programs tailored to each guest. Whether you’re in the heart of London or the streets of Florence, Rocco Forte Hotels offers a true luxury experience.
17. Jumeirah Group
Best known for its flagship property the Burj Al Arab in Dubai the Jumeirah Group is a Middle Eastern luxury hospitality leader with 25 hotels around the world. Jumeirah is all about luxury with lavish rooms, modern amenities and exceptional service. The Burj Al Arab with its sail-like design has become the symbol of Dubai as a luxury destination and offers everything from gold plated suites to private butler service.
Jumeirah’s hotels go beyond Dubai, with properties in Europe, the Maldives, and China that are designed to reflect their location while maintaining the brand’s grandeur. Each Jumeirah hotel is an indulgent experience with lavish rooms, gourmet dining and unique experiences like underwater dining at Al Mahara or a private yacht tour along the Dubai coast. Jumeirah also puts a big emphasis on wellness and recreation with world-class spas, fitness centres and large pools. If you want the ultimate in luxury, Jumeirah is the obvious choice.
18. Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas
Anantara is famous for its immersive luxury experiences in 40 properties across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The brand’s philosophy is local culture and authentic experiences whether it’s through its elephant sanctuary in Thailand or a desert resort in the UAE. Anantara’s properties are often located in stunning natural environments, and the brand prides itself on integrating local traditions and culture into the guest experience.
At Anantara, guests can enjoy private villas with infinity pools, personalized wellness programs and curated dining experiences. The brand also offers unique activities like cooking classes, yoga on the beach or guided tours through local villages. Sustainability is a big part of Anantara’s DNA, with many properties that implement eco-friendly practices and community-based initiatives. With a focus on wellness, adventure and culture, Anantara ensures every stay is as meaningful as it is luxurious.
19. Kempinski Hotels
As Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group Kempinski has 79 hotels in 34 countries. Each Kempinski property is a blend of European elegance and local culture often in historic buildings or prime urban and resort locations. From the glamour of Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Berlin to the tropical beauty of Kempinski Seychelles the brand is all about making you feel like you are there.
Kempinski hotels are about timeless luxury – classic European design with modern touches. Many of the properties are landmarks in their own right, and the brand takes great care in preserving the cultural and historical integrity of its hotels while ensuring guests have the ultimate in contemporary comfort. The brand excels in culinary experiences with gourmet restaurants, often featuring local ingredients. Kempinski’s commitment to personalized service and its European heritage makes it a favourite among travellers looking for style and substance.
20. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (part of AccorHotels)
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, with over 80+ properties, is a global luxury leader with iconic and historically significant properties like The Plaza in New York and The Savoy in London. Fairmont hotels are often landmarks in their cities, offering guests a stay steeped in history but with all the modern amenities of a luxury hotel.
Fairmont is all about personalized and authentic luxury. From the art-deco elegance of the Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai to the wilderness of Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, each property reflects its location’s history and culture while offering state-of-the-art facilities and services. The brand also puts a big emphasis on sustainability with its Fairmont Sustainability Partnership, which ensures every hotel reduces its environmental impact while contributing positively to the community. With a rich heritage and a commitment to luxury, Fairmont sets the standard for high-end hospitality.
Conclusion: The Future of Luxury Hospitality
The luxury hospitality industry is the ultimate service industry; it’s not just about rooms. It’s about creating experiences that guests will remember for life. The top 20 hotel groups above are the best in luxury, from the urban chic of the Ritz-Carlton and the Waldorf Astoria to the eco resorts of Six Senses and Soneva. Each brand has its own take on luxury, whether it’s through personal butler service, culinary expertise or immersive wellness programmes.
As the industry moves forward, driven by the demand for experiences and sustainability, these hotel groups are pushing the boundaries with their modern luxury and timeless traditions. Whether you want adventure, relaxation or cultural immersion, these brands are setting the new standard for what it means to truly experience luxury.
With their focus on excellence, attention to detail and global expansion, the future of luxury hospitality has never looked brighter. These brands will continue to shape the industry by redefining luxury, creating more personal, sustainable and exclusive experiences for the world’s most discerning travellers.
