Connaught is awarded five stars in update by Forbes Travel Guide

London now matches Hong Kong as the top destination in the world for first-class luxury hotels, according to the Forbes Travel Guide.

Launched in the UK in April, the USA-based guide initially awarded its top five-star rating to just six hotels in the capital. Now, with its upgrade from four to five stars, the Connaught joins 45 Park Lane, Claridge's, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, the Dorchester, the Lanesborough and the Savoy.

The guide's mid-year update has also seen four new hotels being awarded the four-star rating. Dorset Square, Dukes, the Halkin and St Ermin's hotels have joined what is now the 19-strong four-star category.

The newly announced ratings mean that London and Hong Kong now have the greatest concentration of five star properties in the more than 150 markets rated and inspected by Forbes Travel Guide.

Michael Cascone, president of Forbes Travel Guide, said: "We are rapidly expanding our star rating coverage, and it's more important than ever that consumers receive timely updates to our official list of star rated properties."

Forbes Travel Guide, formerly known as Mobil Travel Guide, has been providing ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since its founding in 1958.

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