Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide

Independent luxury hospitality rating guide

Overview

Forbes Travel Guide is a global source of luxury hospitality ratings. It evolved from the Mobil Travel Guide, which introduced the first Five-Star system in 1958 to evaluate hotels, restaurants, and spas. The guide uses anonymous, paid inspectors who assess properties against objective criteria. In 2009 it was acquired and digitized by Five Star Ratings Corporation, which rebranded the Mobil Travel Guide as Forbes Travel Guide through a licensing deal with Forbes Media. Since 2011 the focus has been on digital, global luxury travel ratings rather than print. The goal is to provide travelers with trusted, standardized luxury ratings and benchmarks for quality across the hospitality industry.

Significant Headcount Growth

About Forbes Travel Guide

Simplify's Rating
Why Forbes Travel Guide is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Data & Analytics

Consulting

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Series C

Total Funding

$2M

Headquarters

Chicago, Illinois

Founded

1958

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • August 5, 2026 Debut and Curated add 14 Mandarin Oriental openings.
  • July 29, 2026 VERIFIED Luxury Residences opens a new fee-based residential category.
  • June 2026 Qatar Tourism training expands quarterly programs through 2026.

What critics are saying

  • Sponsored Debut and Curated listings blur FTG’s trust unless disclosures stay unmistakable.
  • Mandarin Oriental and Qatar partnerships concentrate growth inside a few luxury brands.
  • If travelers see pay-to-play, Star Ratings become marketing, not authority, by 2027.

What makes Forbes Travel Guide unique

  • Since 1958, FTG’s anonymous inspections still anchor luxury hospitality standards globally.
  • MeridianV reaches nearly 10,000 travel advisors, extending ratings into booking influence.
  • ATELIER CX monetizes FTG expertise through consulting, training, and service-design engagements.

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Funding

Total Funding

$2M

Below

Industry Average

Funded Over

1 Rounds

Series C funding is usually for startups that are doing well and are looking for more money to fuel major growth, such as acquiring other companies, expanding into global markets, or launching new product lines. Investors typically include larger venture capital firms and private equity.
Series C Funding Comparison
Below Average

Industry standards

$50M
$2M
Forbes Travel Guide
$40M
Figma
$50M
Medium
$62M
SeatGeek
$100M
Oura

Benefits

Remote Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

13%

1 year growth

13%

2 year growth

13%
PR Newswire
Aug 5th, 2026
Forbes Travel Guide launches Debut and Curated collections with 14 Mandarin Oriental properties

Forbes Travel Guide has launched Debut and Curated discovery collections to expand its luxury travel offerings beyond traditional Star-Rated properties. The inaugural Debut collection features 14 Mandarin Oriental hotels and resorts opening over the next 18 months. The Debut collection showcases properties before launch, whilst the Curated collection includes luxury hotels and cruises in destinations where Forbes Travel Guide does not currently conduct Star Ratings. Properties in both collections undergo review to ensure alignment with Forbes Travel Guide's luxury criteria, though they are not Star-Rated. The profiles are clearly marked as sponsored to maintain transparency. The collections are available on ForbesTravelGuide.com and MeridianV, Forbes Travel Guide's platform for nearly 10,000 registered luxury travel advisors.

AIM Tell-A-Vision Group
Aug 5th, 2026
Forbes Travel Guide expands; Mandarin Oriental headlines inaugural Debut collection.

Forbes Travel Guide expands; Mandarin Oriental headlines inaugural Debut collection. New Debut and Curated discovery collections offer travelers and travel advisors more trusted luxury options worldwide ATLANTA, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the global authority on luxury hospitality, today announced the launch of its Debut and Curated discovery collections, expanding the world's most trusted luxury travel guide with new hotels and cruises beyond its acclaimed Star-Rated portfolio. Headlining the inaugural Debut collection are 14 Mandarin Oriental hotels and resorts scheduled to open over the next 18 months, giving luxury travelers and travel advisors an exclusive first look at one of the industry's most anticipated development pipelines. The collections expand the Travel Guide with luxury hotels and cruises that complement its renowned Star Ratings. Together, they offer discerning travelers new ways to discover luxury experiences while preserving the transparency and credibility that have defined Forbes Travel Guide for more than 68 years. * The Debut collection showcases hotels and cruises before launch, offering an early look at highly anticipated additions from the world's leading hospitality brands. * The Curated collection features luxury hotels and cruises in destinations where Forbes Travel Guide does not currently conduct its independent Star Ratings, expanding trusted choices globally. Properties in the new collections are also showcased on Meridian[V], Forbes Travel Guide's preferred platform for nearly 10,000 registered luxury travel advisors who rely on Forbes Travel Guide's independent authority when choosing accommodations for their high-value clients. While the properties in the Debut and Curated collections are not Forbes Travel Guide Star-Rated, each has been reviewed to ensure alignment with Forbes Travel Guide's foundational criteria for luxury hospitality. The profiles are clearly marked as sponsored to ensure transparency. "As luxury travelers increasingly seek trusted recommendations across every stage of their journey - from iconic, established destinations to remarkable new openings - Forbes Travel Guide's Debut and Curated collections help them discover what's next in luxury hospitality," said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. "We are delighted to partner with Forbes Travel Guide on the launch of its Debut collection, offering an early introduction to the next chapter of Mandarin Oriental's growth," said Amanda Hyndman, Chief Operating Officer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. "As we continue to expand our portfolio in exceptional destinations around the world, this collaboration provides travelers and the global travel advisor community with an opportunity to discover the distinctive experiences, legendary service and essence of destination that define Mandarin Oriental." The Debut and Curated collections are available on ForbesTravelGuide.com. About Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, cruise ships and cruise ship restaurants, helping travelers make informed decisions since 1958. FTG's Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended awards are based on anonymous, in-person inspections. Every Star Rating is earned; no business relationship is required, and awards cannot be bought. Visit ForbesTravelGuide.com to explore Star Ratings, discovery collections and expert luxury travel content that inspire your next journey. SOURCE Forbes Travel Guide

PR Newswire
Jul 29th, 2026
FirstService Residential-managed high-rises earn VERIFIED(TM) Luxury Residences designation from Forbes Travel Guide.

FirstService Residential-managed high-rises earn VERIFIED(TM) Luxury Residences designation from Forbes Travel Guide. Jul 29, 2026, 09:00 ET Seven residential communities recognized among the inaugural collection for their commitment to hospitality-inspired service and delivering exceptional resident experiences DANIA BEACH, Fla., July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - FirstService Residential, the leading property management company in North America, today announced that seven residential communities it manages have earned the VERIFIED(TM) Luxury Residences designation from Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on hospitality. Developed by ATELIER CX, Forbes Travel Guide's consulting division, the designation recognizes properties committed to delivering exceptional resident experiences inspired by the world's finest hospitality brands. The program introduces independently verified service standards to residential living, establishing a new benchmark for service excellence in the property management industry. The seven FirstService Residential-managed buildings are among the inaugural collection of properties to receive this recognition: * 53 West 53 | New York City, New York * ALINA Residences | Boca Raton, Florida * Jade Signature | Sunny Isles Beach, Florida * PIER 4 | Boston, Massachusetts * Residences at the Stoneleigh | Dallas, Texas * Residences by Armani/Casa Miami | Miami, Florida * The Sun Rose Residences | West Hollywood, California The VERIFIED(TM) Luxury Residences designation represents a significant advancement for the residential industry. For the first time, luxury residential communities can earn recognition based on independently verified service standards, not solely architecture, amenities, or location. As luxury buyers increasingly seek personalization, consistency, and assurance of quality, the program establishes a new benchmark for residential living inspired by the world's leading hospitality brands. To earn the designation, each property completed a comprehensive training program and verification process that evaluated its service culture, operational practices, and service delivery against the program's criteria. "At FirstService Residential, our goal is not simply to manage properties, but to create moments that make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents," said David Diestel, chief executive officer of FirstService Residential. "We are grateful to Forbes Travel Guide and ATELIER CX for collaborating with us to innovate and bring world-class hospitality to residential living. Together, we are bringing the principles of anticipatory service to residential communities, creating experiences that feel personal, intuitive, and reflective of each property's unique character." "Luxury today is defined not only by beautiful residences and exceptional amenities, but by how people feel every day in the place they call home," said Hermann Elger, Chief Executive Officer of Forbes Travel Guide. "The VERIFIED Luxury Residences designation recognizes communities that have embraced the service philosophy of the world's finest hotels, creating resident experiences that are thoughtful and consistently exceptional." The designation also reflects the continued evolution of FirstService Residential's collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide and ATELIER CX to bring hospitality-inspired service principles to residential communities. Through customized standards, training, and ongoing assessments, the program establishes a framework for delivering exceptional service with consistency and accountability, while allowing each property to express its own distinctive identity and vision for residential living. "This level of achievement is reserved for a truly exceptional group of high-rises," said Robert Smith, president of the South Region at FirstService Residential. "These communities are recognized not only for their architecture, amenities, and locations, but for the quality and consistency of the service residents receive every day. Earning the VERIFIED(TM) Luxury Residences designation reflects a commitment by boards and onsite teams to creating experiences that rival the world's finest hospitality brands. It reinforces each property's position among the most distinguished residential addresses in its market while delivering lasting value for residents." About FirstService Residential FirstService Residential is simplifying property management. Its hospitality-minded teams serve residential communities across the United States and Canada. The organization partners with boards, owners, and developers to enhance the value of every property and the life of every resident. Leveraging unique expertise and scale, FirstService serves its clients with proven solutions and a service-first philosophy. Residents can count on 24/7 customer care and tailored lifestyle programming, amenity activation, and technology for their community's specific needs. Market-leading programs with FirstService Financial, FirstService Energy, and special districts teams deliver additional levels of support. Boards and developers select FirstService Residential to realize their vision and drive positive change for residents in the communities in their trusted care. FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ and TSX: FSV), a North American leader in providing essential property services to a wide range of residential and commercial clients. About Forbes Travel Guide and ATELIER CX Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the global authority on luxury hospitality, provides world-class professional services through its consulting division, Atelier CX, to service-oriented businesses including luxury residential communities, retail brands, private aviation, clubs and other experience-driven organizations. Through bespoke training solutions, custom service standards and expert evaluation services, Atelier CX helps organizations elevate service excellence and create meaningful customer experiences. SOURCE FirstService Residential

Really Rocket Science
Jul 29th, 2026
News for rocket scientists.

News for rocket scientists. Forbes Travel Guide launches VERIFIED(TM) Luxury Residences. Designation Sets a New Standard for Residential Hospitality ATLANTA, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - As expectations for luxury residential living evolve, exceptional service has become as important as world-class design. Today's buyers and residents increasingly expect the personalized, intuitive experiences long associated with the world's finest hotels. To help residential developers, operators and management companies meet that demand, Forbes Travel Guide today announced the launch of VERIFIED(TM) Luxury Residences, a comprehensive service excellence and quality assurance program created exclusively for luxury residential communities. Properties that successfully complete the program earn the VERIFIED Luxury Residences designation, recognizing their commitment to hospitality-inspired service. Coinciding with today's launch, forbestravelguide.com/residences showcases the inaugural collection of VERIFIED Luxury Residences. The site provides buyers, residents and real estate professionals with a trusted resource for discovering communities recognized for exceptional service. "Hospitality has become one of the greatest opportunities for differentiation in luxury residential," said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. "VERIFIED Luxury Residences gives developers and operators a proven framework for building exceptional service cultures while providing meaningful recognition from one of the world's most trusted names in luxury hospitality." The program helps organizations embed service excellence throughout the resident experience through professional training, operational guidance, ongoing quality assurance and continuous improvement. "For today's discerning buyers and residents, luxury is defined not only by where they live, but by how they are cared for every day," said Elger. "The VERIFIED Luxury Residences designation helps consumers identify communities that have invested in the people, culture and operational excellence that create exceptional everyday experiences." About Forbes Travel Guide As the only independent, global rating system for the world's finest hotels, restaurants, spas, cruise ships and cruise ship restaurants, Forbes Travel Guide is the global authority on luxury hospitality. Through the VERIFIED Luxury Residences designation, Forbes Travel Guide extends its trusted expertise to residential communities committed to delivering hospitality-inspired service excellence. SOURCE Forbes Travel Guide

Zawya
Jun 11th, 2026
Qatar Tourism launches new hospitality training programme with Forbes Travel Guide.

Qatar Tourism launches new hospitality training programme with Forbes Travel Guide. The expanded programme builds on the strategic partnership signed between Qatar Tourism and Forbes Travel Guide at the World June 11, 2026 RELATED TOPICS RELATED COMPANIES Qatar Tourism has delivered the inaugural edition of a new hospitality leadership training programme in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide, which brought together hotel leaders and hospitality professionals from across Qatar as part of ongoing efforts to further enhance service excellence and strengthen the destination's hospitality offering. Held from June 8 to 11 at Qatar Tourism's headquarters in Doha, participants engaged in immersive workshops based on Forbes Travel Guide's globally recognised methodology, which encourages hospitality professionals to view every interaction through the eyes of the guest. The programme explored the principles that define exceptional luxury hospitality, with a focus on emotional connection, personalisation, consistency, and attention to detail. Participants also examined the defining characteristics of effective luxury leadership and the critical role leaders play in shaping team performance, organisational culture, and service delivery standards. Through practical tools, real-world applications, and international best practices, attendees gained valuable insights into fostering accountability, developing high-performing teams, and creating environments where exceptional service can be consistently delivered and sustained. The programme forms part of a broader series of quarterly training sessions that will continue throughout 2026, supporting the ongoing development of hospitality talent across Qatar and reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement throughout the sector. Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, said: "At Qatar Tourism, we remain committed to advancing service excellence through strategic international collaborations that support long-term sector development and contribute to enhancing visitor experiences. Our continued partnership with Forbes Travel Guide reflects our focus on equipping hospitality professionals across Qatar with globally recognised expertise and operational standards that further strengthen Qatar's position as a leading luxury tourism destination." Megan Torrance, Senior Vice President, Learning & Development said, "Our partnership with Qatar Tourism reflects a shared commitment to elevating service excellence through globally recognized standards and practical, performance-driven training. By equipping hospitality leaders with the tools to lead with intention, consistency, and emotional intelligence, we are helping to shape a culture where exceptional guest experiences can thrive across Qatar's hospitality sector." The expanded programme builds on the strategic partnership signed between Qatar Tourism and Forbes Travel Guide at the World Travel Market London 2025, which covers hotel assessments, standards alignment, international marketing collaboration, and long-term hospitality development initiatives designed to further strengthen Qatar's evolving tourism ecosystem. The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages. (C) ZAWYA 2026

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