London heads list of five-star hotels rated by Forbes Travel Guide

London has more five-star hotels rated by the US-based Forbes Travel Guide than any other city in the world.

The newly launched 2020 star ratings from Forbes announced today saw 19 of the capital's hotels awarded the guide's top rating. Among them were six new additions: Brown's hotel (pictured), Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, Rosewood London, the Berkeley, and two properties belonging to Red Carnation: the Egerton House hotel and the Milestone Hotel & Residences.

The UK now has 59 hotels rated by Forbes, including 20 five-star, 25 four-star and 14 recommended hotels.

The newly rated four-star hotels include the Ned, Prince Akatoki and Sofitel London St James, all in London, and Heckfield Place in Hampshire.

Stuart Johnson, managing director of Brown's, believed that the five-star rating from Forbes will have a positive influence on travellers from the US, where the guide is well known. "I believe it confirms the high level of personalised and engaged service delivered naturally and supports the image of a good establishment to work and be trained in," he said.

Forbes, which started in 1958 as the Mobil Travel Guide, went global in 2005. After ditching the paper guide in 2011, it today operates online only.

This year 1,700 properties in 74 countries were awarded a Forbes star rating, which were evaluated following an incognito inspection, with a focus on service.

Filip Boyen, chief executive of Forbes Travel Guide, said: "Our role at Forbes Travel Guide is to establish our annual star ratings with absolute independence and integrity and champion those at the very top of their game."

Forbes Travel Guide launches into London with six five-star hotels

Forbes Travel Guide 2016 announces two new UK five-star hotels

Adam Byatt appointed chef director of Brown's hotel in Mayfair