The The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 rankings were announced in Paris today, featuring a stellar Italian presence on the podium of international hospitality. Passalacqua, located in Moltrasio on the shores of Lake Como, secured fifth place worldwide, making it the highest-ranked hotel in Europe. For the third consecutive year, the property was also crowned the World's Best Boutique Hotel.
Passalacqua is the only Italian hotel to crack the Top 10, while the top spot went to the Rosewood Hong Kong for the second year running. Beyond its stunning location, the 18th-century villa boasts a rich history, once belonging to Count Andrea Lucini-Passalacqua and hosting composer Vincenzo Bellini. Today, owned by the De Sanitīs family, it operates as an intimate, aristocratic retreat with just 24 rooms. Naturally, exclusivity comes at a price, with rates starting around 950 pounds a night.
Overall, the rankings are a major point of pride for Italian hospitality. Italy and France emerged as the most-represented European nations, with six hotels each. Hot on Passalacqua's heels as one of Europe's top performers is Florence's Four Seasons, taking twelfth place.