Understanding the Extended List
Before the most prestigious ranking of the top 50 hotels in the world is announced, the organisation releases an extended 51-100 list. This preview serves as a global benchmark for excellence, celebrating a wider range of outstanding properties that are
shaping the future of travel. The list is compiled from the votes of more than 800 anonymous industry experts, including travel journalists, hoteliers, and seasoned luxury travellers from across the globe. For a hotel to be featured here is a significant honour, indicating a world-class experience. This year, the continent of Asia leads the pack with 20 hotels on the extended list, a testament to the region's burgeoning influence in luxury hospitality.
The Johri, Jaipur: A Gem at No. 94
Making its mark on the global stage is The Johri in Jaipur, which secured the 94th spot. This isn't just a hotel; it's an intimate, independent property that offers a unique and deeply personal experience of the Pink City. Located in the city's historic jewellers' bazaar, The Johri is a restored 19th-century haveli that has been transformed into a luxurious five-suite boutique hotel. Each suite is named after a different precious gemstone—ruby, emerald, sapphire, pearl, and diamond—and is decorated with a corresponding colour palette, exquisite textiles, and antique furniture. The hotel blends traditional Rajasthani craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic, creating an atmosphere that is both grand and inviting. It's a celebration of quiet luxury, personalised service, and cultural immersion, making its inclusion on this prestigious list a victory for independent Indian hospitality.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur: Lakeside Grandeur at No. 98
Also featured is The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, making its first-time entry on the list at number 98. This recognition for one of India's most iconic properties is a nod to its consistent delivery of palatial luxury. Set on the banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is a sprawling masterpiece of domes, courtyards, and reflection pools that reflects the heritage of Mewar. The property offers breathtaking views of the lake and the city, with a design that harks back to the era of maharajas. Guests arrive by private boat and are treated to unparalleled service, including rooms with semi-private pools and outdoor dining pavilions. The hotel is often cited not just as a place to stay, but as a destination in itself, offering a regal experience that is both grand and deeply serene. This award reaffirms its status as a pillar of Indian luxury.
A Moment of Pride for Indian Tourism
The inclusion of these two distinct properties highlights the incredible diversity of India's luxury hotel landscape. On one hand, you have The Johri, a small, artfully curated independent hotel that champions local culture and intimate experiences. On the other, The Oberoi Udaivilas represents the pinnacle of grand, palatial hospitality that India is famous for. Together, they demonstrate the country's ability to compete on the world stage across different styles of luxury. This recognition from The World's 50 Best acts as a powerful endorsement, attracting discerning global travellers and providing a significant boost to the nation's tourism sector. It sends a clear message: for authentic, diverse, and world-leading hospitality, India is a destination that truly delivers.
