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.
Rosewood Hong Kong — Hong Kong
Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River — Bangkok, Thailand
Capella Bangkok — Bangkok, Thailand
Passalacqua — Lake Como, Italy
Raffles Singapore — Singapore
Atlantis The Royal — Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok — Bangkok, Thailand
Chablé Yucatán — Chocholá, Mexico
Four Seasons Firenze — Florence, Italy
Upper House Hong Kong — Hong Kong
Copacabana Palace — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Capella Sydney — Sydney, Australia
Royal Mansour — Marrakech, Morocco
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen — Beijing, China
Bulgari Tokyo — Tokyo, Japan
Claridge's — London, England, United Kingdom
Four Seasons Astir Palace — Athens, Greece
Desa Potato Head — Bali, Indonesia
Le Bristol — Paris, France
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab — Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Cheval Blanc Paris — Paris, France
Bulgari Roma — Rome, Italy
Hôtel de Crillon — Paris, France
Rosewood São Paulo — São Paulo, Brazil
Aman Tokyo — Tokyo, Japan
Hotel Il Pellicano — Porto Ercole, Italy
Hôtel du Couvent — Nice, France
Soneva Fushi — Maldives
The Connaught — London, England, United Kingdom
La Mamounia — Marrakech, Morocco
Raffles London at The OWO — London, England, United Kingdom
The Emory — London, England, United Kingdom
Maroma — Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Calile — Brisbane, Australia
The Lana — Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo — Monaco
Janu Tokyo — Tokyo, Japan
The Taj Mahal Palace — Mumbai, India
One&Only Mandarina — Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Singita – Kruger National Park — Kruger National Park, South Africa
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong — Hong Kong
Hotel Bel-Air — Los Angeles, California, USA
The Mark — New York, USA
Las Ventanas al Paraíso — Los Cabos, Mexico
The Tokyo Edition Toranomon — Tokyo, Japan
Hotel The Mitsui — Kyoto, Japan
Estelle Manor — Witney, England, United Kingdom
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj — Rovinj, Croatia
Hotel Sacher Vienna — Vienna, Austria
Mandapa — Bali, Indonesia