A Prestigious Global Benchmark
Before the main list celebrating the world's top 50 hotels is unveiled, the organisation releases an extended ranking covering positions 51 to 100. This is not a consolation prize; it is a significant honour in itself, highlighting properties that deliver
exceptional hospitality and are shaping the future of travel. The ranking is decided by the votes of The World's 50 Best Hotels Academy, a diverse group of more than 800 anonymous leaders in the travel industry, including journalists, hoteliers, and seasoned luxury travellers. Their votes recognise establishments that offer truly unforgettable experiences. For 2026, Asia has made a particularly strong showing, claiming 20 spots on the extended list and signalling the continent's growing influence in high-end hospitality.
The Johri, Jaipur: A Boutique Gem (No. 94)
Securing the 94th spot is The Johri, an independent boutique hotel in Jaipur. This is not a sprawling resort but an intimate sanctuary tucked away within the bustling lanes of the city’s historic Johri Bazaar, or jewellers' market. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century merchant's home, or haveli, the hotel features just five suites. Each suite is uniquely designed and named after a precious gemstone—like Manak (ruby) or Neelam (sapphire)—blending traditional Rajasthani craftsmanship with contemporary elegance. Life at The Johri revolves around a tranquil inner courtyard, offering a peaceful escape from the vibrant city outside. It is celebrated for its quiet luxury, highly personalised service, and a season-focused vegetarian restaurant that has won accolades of its own.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur: A Modern Palace (No. 98)
Just four spots down, at number 98, is The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, a hotel that offers a completely different vision of luxury. Making its first appearance on this prestigious list, Udaivilas is a breathtaking property that evokes the grandeur of a royal Rajasthani palace. Sprawled across 30 acres on the banks of the serene Lake Pichola, the hotel is built on the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. Its magnificent architecture is a landscape of interconnecting domes, sunlit courtyards, and shimmering reflection pools. Unlike the intimate scale of The Johri, Udaivilas is about majestic scale and romantic grandeur, offering guests an experience of palatial living, complete with panoramic views of the lake and City Palace.
Two Sides of Indian Luxury
The inclusion of both The Johri and The Oberoi Udaivilas paints a fascinating picture of what luxury hospitality in India looks like today. They represent two distinct, yet equally compelling, approaches. On one hand, there is the rise of the independent, design-led boutique hotel that offers an authentic, curated, and deeply personal connection to its surroundings. The Johri is a prime example of how heritage can be thoughtfully repurposed for the modern traveller seeking character and charm. On the other hand, The Oberoi Udaivilas represents the pinnacle of grand, service-driven resort luxury that India is globally renowned for. It delivers a fantasy of royalty and romance on an epic scale. That both can be celebrated on the same global stage is a testament to the depth and diversity of the country’s travel landscape.
What's Next? The Countdown to the Top 50
With this early recognition for two of its properties, the Indian hospitality industry now waits with bated breath for the main event. The final list of The World's 50 Best Hotels for 2026 will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony in Paris on Tuesday, September 15th. The extended list has set the stage, proving India's place among the world's elite travel destinations. The only remaining question is whether any other Indian hotels will break into the most coveted ranking of all: the top 50.
