Shangri-La secures spot among the top five world hotel brands in 2025

Ahmed Bin Abdulqader ـ  nabd-alhadath 

• Shangri-La also takes the crown as China’s strongest hotel brand ranked
• JI Hotel is China’s fastest growing hotel brand in the rankings, value up 12%
• Hilton is the world’s most valuable hotel brand for the 10th consecutive year, brand value up 30% to $15.1 billion 

 The combined brand value of Chinese hotel brands ranked this year stands at USD2.56 billion, marking a 19% year-on-year decline from 2024, according to the Hotels 50 2025 report by Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy.

Three of the four Chinese hotel brands featured in this year’s rankings saw a drop in their brand value, amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The shift to hybrid work has reshaped corporate travel, which now tends to be less frequent but longer, combining meetings, events, and training into extended trips.

Shangri-La (brand value down 23% to USD1.5 billion) retains its position as China’s most valuable hotel brand in 2025, and as the fifth most valuable hotel brand ranked globally. Despite the decline in value, the brand has returned to pre-pandemic profitability, with margins exceeding historic levels. Its expansion strategy includes dual-brand concepts and mixed-use developments, with recent openings in Shenzhen and Kunming and further launches planned across mainland China.

Shangri-La also claims the title of China’s strongest hotel brand in the rankings with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 80.8/100. Additionally, the brand ranks as the fourth most valuable in the global Luxury Hotels 2025 sub-ranking.

JI Hotel (brand value up 12% to USD423.5 million) is the fastest growing Chinese hotel brand in this year’s rankings. According to Brand Finance’s research data, the brand’s strong performance is driven by high familiarity and preference among Chinese consumers, who consistently view it as a top choice.

Scott Chen, Managing Director, Brand Finance China, commented:

“Even with ongoing economic pressures, Chinese hotel brands continue to make their mark globally. Shangri-La remains a symbol of trusted, premium hospitality, not just as China’s most valuable hotel brand, but also the strongest. Meanwhile, JI Hotel’s growth reflects a growing preference among travellers for comfort, familiarity, and reliability. As travel habits evolve and international movement picks up again, China’s hotel brands are well-positioned to continue expanding their global presence.”

Other notable Chinese brands in the Hotels 50 2025 report are:

• Hanting Hotel (brand value down 2% to USD353 million) – ranked 39th globally
• Jinjiang (brand value down 38% to USD282 million) – ranked 46th globally

Global Insights

Hilton has retained its position as the world’s most valuable hotel brand for the 10th consecutive year. Hilton’s brand value increased 30% to USD15.1 billion, with the group expanding its global footprint and strengthening its offering in the luxury and lifestyle space.

Taj is the strongest hotel brand ranked, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.2/100. The Indian hospitality group performs exceptionally well in its home market, where its reputation for luxury and service is well established.