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Capella Sydney is the sole Australian property in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2026 top 50, while The Calile dropped out of the main list and Rosewood Hong Kong retained the top spot.
Capella Sydney is the only Australian hotel in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2026 top 50, announced at an awards ceremony in Paris overnight. The $300 million heritage restoration by Singapore-based Capella Hotels and Resorts continues its world stage run following its No.12 debut in 2025.
The luxury property is housed in the early-1900s Edwardian baroque former NSW Department of Education building. It features 192 contemporary rooms and suites, art-studded interiors, and a 20-metre indoor rooftop pool. Capella Sydney sits within a growing precinct, including Lands by Capella, the brand's dedicated events, retail and hospitality destination. That precinct is housed in the Department of Lands building.
It just welcomed Italian restaurant Spezia, helmed by executive chef Jae Bang, formerly of Michelin-starred Re-naa in Norway. Capella Sydney's inclusion marks a shift in Australia's representation. Brisbane's urban resort The Calile dropped out of the main list for the first time since the awards' inception. It landed at No.83 on the extended top 100 longlist unveiled earlier this month.
The Calile previously held Oceania's top ranking for two years running. It placed No.12 in 2023, No.25 in 2024, and No.34 in 2025. Other local hopefuls, including Hobart's The Tasman and Southern Ocean Lodge, did not make the top 50. Rosewood Hong Kong secured the top spot for the second consecutive year, retaining its title of World's Best Hotel.
The 413-room Victoria Harbour landmark was praised for its Asaya wellness offering and 11 restaurants and bars. Asia was the second most-represented continent with 18 properties, sweeping the top three rankings. Behind Rosewood Hong Kong, Thailand excelled with Capella Bangkok at No.2 and another property at No.5. The No.5 property, a previous World's Best Hotel winner, also clinched the Best Boutique Hotel award for a third consecutive year.
It was identified as Passalacqua on Lake Como. The 2026 rankings welcomed 10 new entries spanning seven destinations. Italy's Casa Maria Luigia led at No.18, taking the Highest New Entry Award. The extended 51-100 longlist, introduced in 2025 to highlight a broader spectrum of hospitality experiences, spanned 40 cities worldwide.
France's La Reserve Paris topped it at No.51. New Zealand's historic Huka Lodge in Taupo joined The Calile as Oceania's only other longlist inclusion at No.82. For the first time since the awards' launch, the ceremony moved away from London to Les Salles du Carrousel in Paris. The World's 50 Best Hotels list faces ongoing criticism for favouring European properties and platforming major hospitality brands over smaller independent stays.
Critics maintain that allowing judges to accept free stays invites PR gaming. Compiled by UK-based William Reed Business Media, the organisation behind the global top restaurant and bar guides, the rankings are determined by the 800-strong World's 50 Best Hotels Academy. The academy comprises hoteliers, travel journalists, educators, and luxury travellers across 13 regions. Panel members submit seven votes based on stays experienced over a strict three-year voting window, with final results independently audited by Deloitte.
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brisbanetimes:Just one Australian hotel makes World’s 50 Best list 
smh:Just one Australian hotel makes World’s 50 Best listThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Hotel Ranking Sydney Hotel Capella Sydney The Calile World's 50 Best Hotels World's 50 Best Hotels 2026 Rosewood Hong Kong Hotel Rankings
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