Mandarin Oriental has once again been named the year’s top luxury hotel brand in the Luxury Travel Intelligence annual ranking.
Changes to this year’s ranking include the extension of the final list from 12 to 15, and the new stipulation that brands must have at least eight properties to qualify – down from 10.
The Hong Kong-headquartered hotel group held onto the top spot with a rating of 81.6%. LTI described the company’s performance as “consistently impressive” in terms of new openings, and highlighted its improvement across several touchpoints.
“It is an engaging brand with a loyal and growing following that appreciates its commitment to excellence,” it said.
The changes to the inclusion criteria meant Mandarin Oriental was followed by a new entrant to the list – Bvlgari with 81.3%. Although the hotel company first launched in 2004 with its Milan property, it has recently ramped up its expansion, opening hotels in Miami, Tokyo and more in 2024.
Germany-based Oetker Collection came in third place with 80.7%, with Six Senses in fourth with 80.2% and Aman fifth with 78.1%.
“This year’s increase in the number of brands featured, from 12 to 15, along with the reduction of the number of properties brands require to qualify, from ten to eight, has created an intriguing outcome,” Michael Crompton, LTI Founder said.
“The inclusion of Bvlgari is particularly prevalent as they are a very focused and well-managed organisation, with each property delivering a truly ultra-luxury guest experience.
“With ongoing senior management shifts across the brands, continued eye-watering investment levels, and the aggressive competition in chasing the growing high net worth travel spend, who knows what next year will bring? In the meantime, congratulations to all 15 brands; they fully deserve the recognition,” Crompton added.
And the results of this year’s assessment, reflected as percentages and with last year’s positions in brackets are:
1. Mandarin Oriental 81.6% (1)
2. Bulgari 81.3% (New Entry)
3. Oetker Collection 80.7% (2)
4. Six Senses 80.2% (4)
5. Aman 78.1% (5)
6. One&Only 77.4% (8)
7. Rocco Forte 76.8% (9)
8. Rosewood 75.1% (10)
9. Belmond 73.9% (6)
10. Auberge 72.1% (3)
11. Dorchester Collection 71.8% (New Entry)
12. Four Seasons 71.5% (7)
13. Peninsula 70.1% (11)
14. COMO 69.7% (New Entry)
15. Raffles 69.4% (12)
The LTI assessment process measures the performance and values of luxury hotel brands across 139 touchpoints.
“The touchpoints relate to overall brand performance, not the performance of individual properties,” LTI explained. “The focus is on a brand’s ability to deliver on its passion, commitment, ethos and values, together with the quality of its management and staff.
“Continuing investment and hot it is utilised are also significant factors, particularly regarding new properties and the refurbishment of existing ones.”
