News from Kempinski

Geneva, 7 October 2025 – Kempinski Hotels has once again captured the hearts of discerning travellers worldwide, with five properties across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East recognised in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. From the imperial grandeur of Istanbul’s Bosphorus to Shanghai’s glittering skyline, the sun-drenched shores of Cancún, the vibrant rhythm of Tel Aviv and the coastal elegance of Muscat, each destination reflects Kempinski’s ethos of heritage, refined luxury and heartfelt service celebrated by guests around the globe.

With an unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest running and most prestigious accolades, Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards stand as a symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. Each year, thousands of readers cast their votes to recognise the hotels and resorts that consistently deliver exceptional experiences and lasting memories.

The following Kempinski properties have been ranked among the world’s best in their respective categories:

• Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul – #9 Best Hotel in the World and #2 in World Hotels (Türkiye)
• Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai – #3 in World Hotels (Shanghai, China)
• Kempinski Hotel Cancún – #9 in World Resorts (Eastern Mexico)
• The David Kempinski Tel Aviv – #15 in World Hotels (Middle East)
• Kempinski Hotel Muscat – #18 in World Hotels (Middle East)

Celebrating the properties, Barbara Muckermann, Group Chief Executive Officer, Kempinski Hotels commented, “These recognitions are milestones that tell a story of Kempinski hotels offering refined luxury, culture and heartfelt service around the world. We believe that luxury lives in the details and the emotions we evoke. To be named among the world’s finest by Condé Nast Traveller readers is a validation of what our teams deliver every single day, and it motivates us to push further, reimagine what luxury can be, and always keep the guest at the heart of our journey.”

A Journey Through Each Award-Winning Sanctuary

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul stands out as the world’s only Ottoman imperial palace reimagined as a luxury hotel, offering a unique combination of regal heritage and modern elegance on the shores of the Bosphorus. Recently, the hotel was redesigned to fuse historic Ottoman artistry with contemporary luxury, across its rooms, suites, restaurants, and award-winning spa. From Historical Corridor Tours to Michelin Guide-honored dining, every detail reflects a commitment to preserving imperial grandeur while delivering a refined, world-class experience. Adding to its allure, the property is set to unveil a spectacular new dining concept, promising yet another highlight in Istanbul’s vibrant culinary scene.

Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai

A stylish contemporary hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline, Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai is located in the city’s vibrant Lujiazui financial district. Within walking distance of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Aquarium, Museum of Art Pudong, and the IFC shopping mall, the property places guests at the heart of the metropolis. The pool and health club on the 30th floor, with panoramic views, make it an ideal destination for family staycations. A beacon of luxury in Shanghai, the hotel offers creative services and tailored European and local culinary experiences.

Kempinski Hotel Cancún

Located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Kempinski Hotel Cancún stands as an icon of timeless European elegance woven into Mexico’s vibrant soul. Every room and suite opens to a horizon of turquoise waters, while guests enjoy world-class dining at award-winning restaurants, holistic wellness at Kayantá Spa, and impeccable service shaped by genuine warmth. Whether celebrating life’s milestones or savoring tranquil escapes, the hotel embodies a rare harmony, where the refinement of European heritage meets the authenticity of Mexican culture, creating a setting that is both sophisticated and deeply rooted in place.

 
The David Kempinski Tel Aviv

Perched on the world-renowned Tel Aviv Beach Promenade, The David Kempinski Tel Aviv sets the benchmark for exceptional hospitality in the heart of the city. Guests are immersed in the pulse of vibrant Tel Aviv while enjoying personalised service, sleek contemporary interiors, and expansive views of the Mediterranean Sea. The 34-storey property features 250 rooms and suites, kosher dining experiences, two swimming pools, a spa, and extensive event spaces. Culinary offerings are elevated with Katzir, the signature seasonal farm-to-table concept, while Cloud, the exclusive rooftop destination, offers breathtaking city and sea vistas. The jewel in the crown, The David Penthouse Suite, is a three-storey, two-bedroom sanctuary with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private pool, baby grand piano, artworks, and a private gym, an unmatched retreat blending elegance, comfort, and the energy of Tel Aviv.

 
Kempinski Hotel Muscat

Located in the exclusive Al Mouj community, Kempinski Hotel Muscat is where the warmth of Omani culture meets refined European style. Just a short walk from the marina, the hotel is more than a landmark, it is a destination crafted with extraordinary detail, from its lantern-inspired ballroom and lobby architecture to a world-class culinary journey across 11 distinctive restaurants. Guests can enjoy a thoughtful combination of leisure and business amenities, including a magnificent ballroom for up to 1,500 guests, 11 meeting rooms, Kempinski The Spa, and even a state-of-the-art in-house bowling alley.

As Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski continues to redefine the art of luxury travel. With a pipeline of landmark openings and transformative guest experiences on the horizon, the group remains dedicated to anticipating the evolving desires of modern travellers and to curating moments that transcend hospitality.

The 2025 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveller's website at Readers' Choice Awards.
 

Back to Press Room