IN 2020 STAR RATING AWARDS
107 Properties Globally Including 17 Properties in MEA and Indian Ocean Earn New Five-Star Accolades
Largest-Ever Global Expansion as Awards Launch in 16 New Countries
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Triumphs as Hotel Brand with Most Five-Star Hotels
Dubai Takes Starring Role as the Five-Star Capital City of the MEA region
DUBAI — (February 12, 2020) — Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the global expert on genuine Five-Star service, today presented a galaxy of “Stars” to the world’s most luxurious properties. Of the 1,898 Star-Rated properties included in the guide, 115 hotel and spa properties were from the Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean region.
Owing to the company’s significant expansion across 16 countries, a record 107 new Five-Star awards have been announced, of which 17 properties were from the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
The 2020 awards celebrate 1,898 Star-Rated properties in 73 countries; the full list can be found here. The new awards add 70 Five-Star, 120 Four-Star and 81 Recommended hotels to the annual winners list. Among restaurants, there are 13 new Five-Star, eight new Four-Star and two new Recommended winners. The recipients also include 24 new Five-Star and 22 new Four-Star spas.
This year sees the most extensive global expansion in Forbes Travel Guide’s 62-year history. The company spotlights new international markets, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Indian Ocean.
A total of 106 hotels in the Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean were awarded in this year’s Forbes Travel Guide, including 23 Five-Star, 52 Four-Star, and 31 Recommended hotels. 38 Properties in the UAE received accolades, with 26 properties based in Dubai. Saudi Arabia is one of the latest counties to be included in the guide, with six properties being awarded for the first time.
London cemented its position as the global Five-Star capital city with 19 top hotels, including six new additions: Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel; Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square; Rosewood London and The Berkeley. The Egerton House Hotel and The Milestone Hotel & Residences join Hotel 41 to give Red Carnation hotels a triple Five-Star hotel win for the city.
“It’s a privilege for Forbes Travel Guide to honor such magnificent hotels, restaurants and spas from all corners of the globe. Each deserving recipient excels at enriching people’s lives through the power of exceptional service,” said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “Our role at Forbes Travel Guide is to establish our annual star ratings with absolute independence and integrity and champion those at the very top of their game.”
More than 600 Star-Rated winners and invited VIP guests will gather to celebrate at Verified, The Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Summit at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on February 18 and 19. As the recipients of multiple Five-Star awards, the MGM International property will be packed with inspirational speakers and discovery sessions. The event will culminate in a gala dinner hosted by Oscar-winning actress Marisa Tomei, followed by an exclusive afterglow hosted by Wynn Las Vegas XS nightclub where headline DJ Dillon Francis and other exciting surprises await the 2020 award winners.
About Forbes Travel Guide:
Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best luxury experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit forbestravelguide.com.