"We try not to focus on rankings," says Hugo Montanari, managing director of Rosewood Hong Kong, while in conversation with Robb Report India. It is a telling stance from the head of a hotel just named No. 1 on The 50 Best Hotels 2026 (formerly The World's 50 Best Hotels) for the second year running. Then again, the title of the 'best hotel in the world' only holds if the hotel can back it up, and this one can.
Rosewood Hong Kong sits at Victoria Dockside on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, its rooms framing either Victoria Harbour or the Kowloon skyline and Kowloon Peak. It has 91 suites with butler service, plus 186 residences for longer stays. Its 11 restaurants and bars include two with Michelin stars: The Legacy House, for Cantonese cooking rooted in Guangdong, and Chaat, a refined take on Indian street food and home cooking that has held its star every year since 2022. DarkSide pairs cocktails with live jazz. Asaya, the hotel's wellness offering, brings together a spa by Guerlain, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 25-metre outdoor infinity pool on the sixth floor overlooking the harbour. Guests can also take a private tour of the hotel's art collection.
Montanari has led the property since January 2023. In conversation, he tells us about what being crowned one of the world’s best hotels looks like day to day, how the luxury traveller has changed, and what comes next.
Robb Report India (RR): This is Rosewood Hong Kong's second consecutive year at No.1, and the first repeat win in the ranking's history. What does that back-to-back distinction mean to you personally, and to the team?
Hugo Montanari (HM): It is an extraordinary honour and a deeply meaningful recognition for all of us at Rosewood Hong Kong. More than anything, it reflects the passion, craftsmanship, and genuine care that our associates bring to every guest experience. While we are incredibly proud of this achievement, we also believe awards do not define us. They serve as a reminder to stay humble, remain curious, and continue earning our guests' trust every single day.
RR: How does being in the top three since 2023 shape the way the team thinks about pressure and standards day to day?
HM: We try not to focus on rankings. Instead, we focus on our purpose: creating meaningful experiences and fostering genuine human connections. Recognition brings a responsibility to never become complacent. It motivates us to keep learning, refining our craft, and finding new ways to exceed expectations with humility and consistency.
RR: What does the day-to-day work of maintaining this level of recognition look like, behind the scenes?
HM: Excellence is rarely defined by grand gestures; it is built through countless small moments every day. Behind the scenes, it is a culture of collaboration, attention to detail, and people caring deeply about their craft. Our associates take tremendous pride in what they do, and that commitment to thoughtful, personalised hospitality is what guests ultimately feel.
RR: With 413 rooms and 11 F&B venues, how do you approach keeping service feeling personal at that scale?
HM: True luxury is not about scale; it is about how a guest feels. We empower our associates to build authentic relationships, understand individual preferences, and anticipate needs with genuine care. Whether a guest visits one of our restaurants or stays with us for a week, our goal is always to create a sense of belonging and personal connection.
RR: Asian properties swept the top three this year. What do you think is driving that shift globally?
HM: Asia has become one of the most exciting regions in luxury hospitality, combining world-class service with a strong sense of place and cultural authenticity. Today's travellers are looking for experiences that feel meaningful and immersive, and many Asian properties excel at blending exceptional hospitality with rich local character and innovation.
RR: How is the profile of the guest walking through Rosewood Hong Kong's doors today different from five years ago?
HM: Today's luxury traveller is increasingly seeking authenticity and purpose. Beyond exceptional accommodations and service, guests want meaningful cultural connections, transformative wellness experiences, and memorable dining. They are looking for experiences that enrich their lives and create lasting emotional connections.
RR: What's next for Rosewood Hong Kong?
HM: Our focus remains on continuously evolving the guest experience while staying true to what makes Rosewood Hong Kong special. We will continue to invest in wellness, culinary excellence, art and cultural programming, and experiences that celebrate the creativity and energy of Hong Kong. Most importantly, we remain committed to delivering hospitality that feels thoughtful, personal, and emotionally meaningful.
HM: I hope we will continue to be recognised not only for excellence, but for the warmth, care, and sense of connection we create for our guests, associates, and community. Our aspiration is to remain a leading destination for luxury hospitality while staying humble, forward-thinking, and constantly striving to be better than we were the day before.