Travel enthusiasts planning their next holiday can look to the latest global hospitality rankings for inspiration. Condé Nast Johansens has revealed its 2027 Awards for Excellence, highlighting the best newly opened hotels across the planet. Properties are evaluated across various criteria, including design, service, bars, and culinary experiences, giving travellers a curated list of exceptional destinations to visit.
Standing out in these prestigious rankings, Aethos London Shoreditch was named the best new hotel in the UK overall, as well as earning a spot among the finest properties worldwide. Having opened in October 2025, this British addition offers travellers an affordable luxury option in the heart of the capital, with nightly rates starting from around £180. The property sets a high standard for contemporary hospitality in a competitive urban market.
What Makes Aethos London Shoreditch a Top UK Destination
The award-winning London property features a modern aesthetic throughout its interiors, characterized by calm and warming tones that create a peaceful atmosphere. Accommodation options include 164 rooms in total, featuring balcony suites and the expansive Aethos Panorama Suite, which includes a private outdoor terrace overlooking the London skyline. Guests can enjoy casual refreshments at the Aethos Cafe London, an ideal spot for pastries and coffee during the day or a glass of wine in the evening.
For fine dining, the hotel houses the Mitsu restaurant, which serves Japanese sharing dishes such as flame-grilled meats. Wellness enthusiasts have access to a dedicated wellness floor with a studio and gym open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, the building contains a dedicated members space called The Willow Room, designed for members to meet, work, and socialise in a private setting.
Exploring the Surrounding Shoreditch Area
The hotel sits in a prime location in the heart of Shoreditch, placing guests within walking distance of popular local attractions. Visitors can easily explore bustling shopping hubs such as Old Spitalfields Market and the famous Columbia Road Flower Market. This vibrant east London neighbourhood provides an energetic backdrop for tourists wanting to experience local culture, independent boutiques, and diverse culinary spots.
Global Winners in Europe, the Americas, and Africa
Beyond the UK, Condé Nast Johansens recognized top newly opened properties across other international regions. In Europe and the Mediterranean, the Andaz Lisbon in Portugal took the title of best new hotel. Having opened in early 2026, it features 170 rooms and suites, a restaurant serving regional Portuguese seafood, and a rooftop venue overlooking the Tagus River, with nightly rates starting from £240.
Across the Atlantic, Birch House, a private coastal club and retreat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, won the category for North, Central, and South America. This exclusive property contains only five suites nestled behind private gardens and sits just a two-minute walk from Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Marina, with suites starting from around £370 per night.
In the Africa, Asia, and Middle East category, Maloba Private Game Reserve in South Africa claimed the top prize. This all-inclusive safari destination features a main safari lodge with luxury suites complete with plunge pools overlooking the open bush, alongside a farm and gardens villa set among the property lands. Guests staying at the reserve frequently spot local wildlife, including zebras, white rhinos, cheetahs, and Cape buffalos. Staying at this reserve typically costs from £2,100 per night, with a mandatory minimum stay of three nights.
Broader UK Awards and Regional Winners
Alongside the primary new hotel category, Condé Nast Johansens issued awards for various other specialist categories across the United Kingdom. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh in Scotland received the accolade for best design. Meanwhile, Horsted Place Hotel in Sussex Downs won best rural hotel, Sopwell House in St Albans took home the prize for best hotel spa, and The Belfry in the Midlands was named best for families.
Other notable UK winners include Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences for best service, Kimpton Fitzroy London for best concierge, and Ness Walk in Inverness for best boutique hotel. Mount Juliet Estate in Kilkenny won best resort, while the Royal Parks View Suite at The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences in London secured best suite. The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House in the Lake District won best for honeymoons, and Acleaf at Boringdon Hall Hotel and Gaia Spa in Devon took the award for best destination restaurant.
Additional category winners span various hospitality sectors across the country. The Grand in York won for best culinary experience, Seven Park Place Bar at St James Hotel and Club Mayfair in London won best bar, and Middle Eight in London was named best city hotel. Grantley Hall in Yorkshire won for best landscape architecture and garden design, Glenfinnan House Hotel in Scotland won best waterfront, and The Tawny in the Peak District won for best commitment to sustainability.
Rounding out the extensive UK list, Matfen Hall in Northumberland won best for weddings and events, The Grove won best immersive experience, and Yorebridge House in the Yorkshire Dales National Park claimed the Reader Award. These properties demonstrate the diverse range of luxury and boutique accommodation options currently operating across the British Isles.
