The Prix Versailles, a prestigious series of architectural competitions, has announced its annual list of the world's most beautifully designed hotels for 2026. Sixteen stunning properties from across the globe have been shortlisted, ranging from a lake house in China to an Italian palazzo.
In China, The ArcadiaPlace, Lugu Lake impressed judges with its 57 guest rooms offering an immersion into one of the world's last matriarchal societies. The Silk Lakehouse in Shangri-La Hangzhou was praised for its opulent spirit and intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a visit to a friend's home.
European highlights include Sir Prague in the Czech capital, following a bold interior renovation by Linda Boronkay, and Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat in Germany, which wowed with understated luxury and Bavarian heritage. In Paris, La Fondation was rewarded for its verdant refuges, while Les Roches further south earned praise for its natural lines and rich history.
Other notable entries include The Telegraph in Tbilisi, a tour de force from Shanghai-based firm Neri&Hu, and Villa Dubrovnik in Croatia, where furniture quietly bridges the gap between yesterday and today. The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace at the gateway to India's Panna National Park was hailed for its princely grandeur, originally a fortress before being converted into a palace.
Also featured were Orient Express La Minerva, a 17th-century palazzo in Rome, and Belmond's Portofino Splendido set in a former 16th-century Benedictine monastery. Kasbah d'If in Marrakech, Naboa in Tulum, Soori Penang in Malaysia, and Desert Rock in Saudi Arabia all impressed with their designs. Rounding off the list, Maison Mystique in Thailand was described as a breathtaking site with grand halls and a hushed ambience.
At the end of 2026, three of the 16 hotels will receive a further world title of Prix Versailles, Interior or Exterior. Jérôme Gouadain, secretary general of the Prix Versailles, said the projects embrace a lifestyle based on enchantment and innovation, fitting perfectly into their local scenes and delivering a positive form of hospitality.
