Hotel Sacher Wien has earned a spot among the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025, marking the first time the venerable Viennese institution appears on the prestigious list. Sitting proudly at 49th place, it is the only hotel from a German-speaking country to feature in the top 50.

Located opposite the Vienna State Opera in the heart of the Austrian capital’s Old Town, the 5-star Superior hotel has more than 152 rooms and suites. Founded by Eduard Sacher, whose father invented the Original Sachertorte, Austria’s renowned chocolate cake, the property blends tradition, luxury, and cultural significance with Austria’s famed cordiality.

The jury of over 800 international industry experts — hoteliers, travel writers, and seasoned luxury travellers — evaluated service, food, facilities, location, and views. They noted the Sacher’s celebration of its heritage alongside its excellent restaurant, bars, spa, and gym.

Leading the list are hotels in Bangkok, Thailand, including Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (2nd), Capella Bangkok (3rd), and Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (7th). Hong Kong shines next with its Rosewood Hong Kong (1st), Upper House Hong Kong (10th), and Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong (41st). Other countries with multiple mentions include Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Dubai, Mexico, and Australia. Notable single-country mentions include Singita – Kruger National Park in South Africa (40th) and Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo in Monaco (36th).

What makes these hotels exceptional, according to luxury travel experts, is not only the flawless service and comfort but also a sense of place, attention to detail, wellness offerings, privacy, and innovation. Every element, from interiors to cuisine and spa experiences, is intentionally curated to leave a lasting impression.

For the Philippines, this ranking presents an opportunity. While the country is globally renowned for natural wonders, beaches, and eco-destinations, the challenge lies in pairing this natural charm with modern, world-class hospitality. Imagine resorts and hotels that merge luxury service, culinary excellence, wellness, and immersive local culture without compromising the country’s natural beauty. The Philippines could be competing with the best in the world.

With Hotel Sacher Wien celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the recognition underscores how heritage, tradition, and meticulous hospitality can create a global benchmark. Perhaps it is time for Filipino hoteliers to dream big, combining local culture, natural splendor, and contemporary luxury.

The World's 50 Best Hotels | Published by 50 Best

1. Rosewood Hong Kong — Hong Kong

2. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Bangkok, Thailand

3. Capella Bangkok — Bangkok, Thailand

4. Passalacqua — Lake Como, Italy

5. Raffles Singapore — Singapore

6. Atlantis The Royal — Dubai, United Arab Emirates

7. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok — Bangkok, Thailand

8. Chablé Yucatán — Chocholá, Mexico

9. Four Seasons Firenze — Florence, Italy

10. Upper House Hong Kong — Hong Kong

11. Copacabana Palace — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

12. Capella Sydney — Sydney, Australia

13. Royal Mansour — Marrakech, Morocco

14. Mandarin Oriental Qianmen — Beijing, China

15. Bulgari Tokyo — Tokyo, Japan

16. Claridge's — London, England, United Kingdom

17. Four Seasons Astir Palace — Athens, Greece

18. Desa Potato Head — Bali, Indonesia

19. Le Bristol — Paris, France

20. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab — Dubai, United Arab Emirates

21. Cheval Blanc Paris — Paris, France

22. Bulgari Roma — Rome, Italy

23. Hôtel de Crillon — Paris, France

24. Rosewood São Paulo — São Paulo, Brazil

25. Aman Tokyo — Tokyo, Japan

26. Hotel Il Pellicano — Porto Ercole, Italy

27. Hôtel du Couvent — Nice, France

28. Soneva Fushi — Maldives

29. The Connaught — London, England, United Kingdom

30. La Mamounia — Marrakech, Morocco

31. Raffles London at The OWO — London, England, United Kingdom

32. The Emory — London, England, United Kingdom

33. Maroma — Riviera Maya, Mexico

34. The Calile — Brisbane, Australia

35. The Lana — Dubai, United Arab Emirates

36. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo — Monaco

37. Janu Tokyo — Tokyo, Japan

38. The Taj Mahal Palace — Mumbai, India

39. One&Only Mandarina — Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

40. Singita – Kruger National Park — Kruger National Park, South Africa

41. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong — Hong Kong

42. Hotel Bel-Air — Los Angeles, California, USA

43. The Mark — New York, USA

44. Las Ventanas al Paraíso — Los Cabos, Mexico

45. The Tokyo Edition Toranomon — Tokyo, Japan

46. Hotel The Mitsui — Kyoto, Japan

47. Estelle Manor — Witney, England, United Kingdom

48. Grand Park Hotel Rovinj — Rovinj, Croatia

49. Hotel Sacher Vienna — Vienna, Austria

50. Mandapa — Bali, Indonesia