The Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best list celebrates the “highest level of excellence in travel,” based on the quality and quantity of TripAdvisor reviews and ratings during 2025.
According to the list, the west London hotel earned its place for its fantastic location, incredible views and well-maintained accommodation.
It reads: “The luxurious rooms are inviting, bright and well-equipped with amenities. You’ll be impressed by the professional staff who provide exceptional service, including a helpful concierge.
“The dining options are top-notch with excellent food, and the prompt room service is a nice touch.”
The Royal Lancaster is the largest independent hotel in the city and has an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.9 from more than 3,000 reviews in the past 12 months.
GH Universal, a five-star hotel in Bandung, Indonesia, was named the number one resort in the world.
The list cited its majestic design and extravagant amenities, including a courtyard swimming pool and a luxury pet hotel.
Hotel Sporting Family Hospitality in Livigno, Italy, with its scenic mountain views and family-friendly fun activities, came in third.
GH Universal was named the number one resort in the world
Hotel 41, located near Buckingham Palace, is the capital’s second rated hotel, with Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair at number three.
Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer for TripAdvisor Group, said: “This year’s Best of the Best Hotels winners represent the top choices of millions of travellers who stayed, experienced, and took the time to review these properties.
“Whether it’s a luxury resort in Indonesia, an adventure lodge in Oregon, or a crane suspended above Amsterdam, these winners create the foundation of truly unforgettable trips.”
World’s 10 best hotels of 2026:
- GH Universal Hotel – Bandung, Indonesia
- Hotel Colline de France – Gramado, Brazil
- Hotel Sporting Family Hospitality – Livigno, Italy
- Royal Lancaster London – London, United Kingdom
- FivePine Lodge and Spa – Sisters, Oregon, United States
- La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa – Hoi An City, Vietnam
- Abigail’s Hotel – Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba – Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Hotel Moments Budapest – Budapest, Hungary
- La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa – Hanoi, Vietnam
London’s 10 best hotels of 2026:
- Royal Lancaster London
- Hotel 41
- Brown’s Hotel
- Staybridge Suites London – Vauxhall by IHG
- COMO The Halkin
- The Milestone Hotel and Residences
- The Resident Covent Garden
- The Trafalgar St James
- The Ampersand Hotel
- The Beaumont Mayfair