The Best Hotels in the World

22 June 2017

Once-in-a-lifetime incentives start with incredible hotels. Every year a new crop of world-beaters raises the bar for the industry, and every year we share our list of top picks for the best hotels in the world right now.

And here it is. All offer incredible rooms, jaw-dropping locations and facilities that make them ideal bases for incentives that drive colleagues and channel partners to greatness.

Get in touch to talk about arranging your incentive around one of the best hotels in the world, and read on!

London: The Ned, City of London

Soho House and Sydell Group’s highly anticipated new reimagining of the former Midlands Bank building is a showstopper.

Stylish 1920s-style decor oozes decadence throughout, and facilities include a spa, salon, gentleman’s barbers, events spaces and 12 restaurants and bars, including a roof terrace overlooking St Paul’s. Jaw-droppingly designed and finished by some of the best in the game, this isn’t just immediately one of London’s best hotels – it’s one of the best hotels in the world. Image © www.thened.com, all rights reserved.

Scotland: Gleneagles, Perthshire

Created in the roaring '20s, Gleneagles and its 850 acre setting soon became known as 'the playground of the Gods'. Today Europe's premier resort is undisputedly one of the best hotels in the world.

Opulent and immersive, it has recently undergone extensive redevelopment, including a redesign of the iconic Century Bar. The hotel's PGA Centenary course hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup, and it boasts the best spa in Scotland, as well as Andrew Fairlie's two Michelin-starred restaurant.  Image © 2017 www.Gleneagles.com, all rights reserved.

Paris: W Paris-Opera

W's first hotel in France houses sleek, modern Parisian design and outstanding service in a grand, historic building. The result is a stunning hotel opposite the opulent Palais Garnier in the heart of the buzzing Opéra district, just a short walk from the Louvre.

Bookable events spaces include meeting rooms and studios, as well as suites for events needing real impact. The usual lounge and gym facilities are given a stylish Parisian twist, and on-site restaurant Coquette is as good a dining option as any in the area. Image: © 2009-2017 Marriott International  Inc, all rights reserved.

Switzerland: 7132 Hotel, Vals

Architect Peter Zumthor’s Vals thermal baths is an architectural masterpiece. 7132 is a breathtaking, design-led hotel worthy of sharing space with Zumthor’s Vals Therme.

7132 is ideal for an off-site summer exec meeting thanks to the thermal baths, fine-dining restaurant and jazz concerts in the hotel bar, or as a base for a winter ski trip (the hotel has a private instructor and a 36° Celsius outdoor pool). Extras here are spectacular – think flights down the valley in 7132’s private helicopter and you're in the right ballpark. Image: © www.7132.com, all rights reserved.

New York: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

One of New York’s greenest, freshest new hotels, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has immediately grabbed attention and staked a claim to being one of the best hotels in the world.

Laid-back eco luxury is the name of the game – think salvaged materials, wind power and contemporary lines softened with plants. Brooklyn is on the doorstep, Manhattan is a cab or boat ride away, and guests can enjoy drinks with cityscape views from the roof terrace, borrow one of the hotel’s electric cars, or hire a private screening room. Meditation and yoga are encouraged too, naturally. Image © www.1hotels.com, all rights reserved.

Middle East: Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai

Dubai isn’t known for its crisp minimalist styling – that's what sets the Jumeirah Al Naseem apart. The landscaped gardens, with their sprawling outdoor swimming pools and hanging seats, are a focal point, and guests have access to tennis courts, exceptional meeting and spa facilities and more.

Airy, impeccably finished rooms boast spectacular views over the sea or gardens from private balconies. Steps from the Burj Al Arab and the beach, and just 30 mins from the airport. Image: © 2011-2017 Marriott International, Inc., all rights reserved.

Far East: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Marina Bay Sands is one of the most stunning hotels on the planet. It’s best known as home to the world’s most spectacular infinity pool, but the complex also houses an expansive 55th floor spa, near-endless events space, over 170 retail stores and more than 60 restaurants.

With all you could need for an incentive on your doorstep and the Central Business District just a 10 min cab ride away, it's not a question of whether you should visit, it’s a question of when. Image ©2017 Marina Bay Sands, all rights reserved.

Marrakech, Morocco: Royal Mansour

The only hotel that’s made it onto our list of the best hotels in the world for two years running, the Royal Mansour is simply astonishing.

Crafted by artisan tradesmen in 2010, it’s the details that elevate this opulent, immersive collection of private riads – unrivalled 24hr personal service, car rental with or without a driver, and an on-site restaurant that 3 Michelin-starred chef Yanick Alléno calls home. Simply superb. Image . © The Leading Hotels of the World Ltd, all rights reserved.

Mexico: Unico 20°N 87°W

One of the best new hotels in the world for incentives, Unico 20°N 87°W is an all-inclusive, adults-only offering on the breathtaking Mexican Riviera Maya.

One set (finance-pleasing) price includes all food, all drink and unlimited activities including golf, spa treatments, land and water sports, local tours, salon and barbershop services and more. All alongside five-star accommodation, four restaurants, three bars, a fitness centre, pool- and beach-side service and some of the most beautiful coastline on the planet. Image © Copyright 2013  Iconic Hotels Group Property, all rights reserved.

Talk to Us About Booking the Best Hotels in the World Now

We would love to help you plan your perfect event or incentive trip to any of our best hotels in the world – or any of yours that we haven’t included. Get in touch now via the Contact page or call +44 (0)161 482 8222, let’s talk.