We honor the Best^TM

Five things to know about our ratings

1. Each category has its own published standard. A hotel, a meal, a voyage and any future category are judged on what matters to that experience.

2. Evidence supports every rating. The required research, records and assessment become more demanding at higher levels.

3. A rating cannot be bought. Advertising, partnerships and award-mark licences remain separate from rating decisions.

4. We judge the whole experience. Reputation, price or one impressive feature cannot make up for weak or inconsistent performance.

5. Ratings and rankings are separate. Ratings measure a published standard; Best 100 compares an eligible field for one annual edition.