'The World's 50 Best Hotels': I've visited most of them; here's what they're really like

I'm a luxury-travel journalist and consultant working with luxury-travel brands who has visited 27 of the hotels listed in the inaugural World's 50 Best Hotels awards.
There was plenty of debate about whether the list is accurate or not, so here's my take on some of the inclusions and how the judging process actually works.

[@BARUtubbig]

I would say the best hotels aren't the most luxurious, that would be hell and just for the rich. Best hotels would be good price/quality, uniqueness and hospitality.

[@lutetheluxurytraveledit]

I agree with you. There are lots of shortcomings with how the list was produced, and there are loads of incredible hotels it will never feature