The Forbes Traveler 400 was created through the following method:

We recruited panelists based on these qualifications:

• That they have stayed in 12 or more 5-star hotels over the past 24 months
• That they are not economically or otherwise affiliated with any hotel

We then compiled a list of over 600 of the world's top-ranked hotels from a variety of respected sources (brand-new hotels and hotels closed for renovations were excluded); allowed for individual nominations beyond the original pool of properties; and asked our experts to rate each property on seven criteria:

• Service
• Room & Bathroom
• Décor
• Food & Beverage
• Public areas & Facilities
• Sports & Recreation
• Location

The survey results determine the world's top 400 hotels. We assigned the reviews to professional travel writers who visited these properties and did not receive complimentary rates from the hotels they covered.