ABOUT THE SCORES
*Updated Summer 2026
I review the world's top hotels out of 50 points in five categories. That's the Walker Hotel Index in summary, but in reality, there is so much more to it. Allow me to break it down below:
Each category is judged on a scale of 1 through 10, with "1" being the worst, and "10" being the best, meaning the highest possible score is 50. Average luxury hotels, but very much so upholding baseline expectations, would score a 7/10 in the category. That means anything below a 7/10 is sub-par, and anything above 7/10 is better than the average luxury hotel in that category.
There are currently six (6) major tests, and many other criteria.
Each hotel is judged against all other hotels and hospitality experiences: the hotel with the top score is the best overall hotel I've ever stayed in, and the hotel with the lowest was the worst (at the time of filming).
This means I will be comparing a resort Aman to a skyscraper Park Hyatt, yachts to safaris. The criteria, tests, trials, and scoring system does not change, which creates a constant that has proven to be accurate in all scenarios.
Over time, the tests will evolve, the number of data points will grow, and my tastes will inevitably change. I will always do my best to accommodate for this developed bias, however the older the review, the more likely the score is a little off from what I would give it today. It is likely I will have to return and "re-review" properties.
Another important note, in order for a property to get a score and be ranked, my experience must be 100% authentic. If I feel the review is compromised, I will not post the score or the video.
Use the Index to make travel decisions. Argue about the score. Insist the number is wrong. Enjoy the review. Completely ignore the Walker Hotel Index, if you want. But regardless of what you do, this will always be a resource available to you, based on years of putting these hotels through the closest structure to a scientific method we currently have in hospitality.
With that in mind, let's talk about the categories, trials, tests, and criteria.
AMBIANCE
The Ambiance segment fundamentally reviews the experience and offerings in the "public areas" of the hotel.
Although there are currently no tests in this section, I take into account the:
- • Spa, wellness facilities, and in most cases, the most unique treatment offered
- • Pool, and/or beach
- • Art or lack thereof
- • The grounds, plants, maintenance, flowers
- • The lobby, atriums, welcome area
- • Libraries, interesting ballrooms, conference areas
- • Architecture, overall design, materials, history
- • Complimentary activities directly offered by the hotel (NOT those from a third-party re-sold by the hotel)
ROOM
The Room segment is where the real tests and trials begin. As often as possible, I book the base level room or equivalent to give the most consistent baseline. Here I take into account (ordered from highest weight to lowest impact):
• The Bed Test
- o Mattress
- o Darkness
- o Temperature control
- o Pillows
- o Sleep quality (wearable)
• The Shower Test
- o Size
- o Ease-of-use
- o Pressure
- o Cleanliness
- • Material quality
- • Sanitary condition
- • Size
- • Design
- • Mini bar offerings (dry and wet)
• The Wifi Test
- o Upload
- o Download
- • Technology integrations
- • Waters
- • Room card
- • The top category suite (if possible, just for fun, does not affect score)
*Important to note that although we look at the in-room welcome amenity, turndown service, The Breakfast Test, and average nightly rate, those are considered in scores to come.
DINING
Maybe the most straightforward segment, the Dining score is determined similar to the way Michelin or Forbes reviews restaurants. If I can, I will look at every dining establishment on site at the property (actually owned and operated by the property), including cafés and bars.
I am considering:
- • Flavors
- • Plating aesthetic
- • Presentation
- • Diversity of offerings, both in restaurants and within the menu
- • Atmosphere of establishment
- • Local and unique dish options
*Important to note that although The Water Test, dining cost, and speed of service occur here, they are not taken into account until the next segments.
SERVICE
Service is arguably the most important segment in the review. This score contains my favorite tests; The Breakfast Test and The Service Test, as well as parts from almost every other segment. Let's get into it:
• The Breakfast Test (Eggs Benny & Black Coffee)
- o 7am punctuality of arrival
- o Runny-ness of eggs
- o Temp and amount of coffee
- o Accuracy of order
- o Pricing comparison
• The Service Test
- o Time to answer call
- o Phone attitude
- o Response to test request
- o Execution of test
- • Turndown
- • Welcome amenity in room
- • Welcome drink upon check in
- • Check in experience
- • Staff escorting
- • Communication (whatsapp, text, email, app)
- • Overall dining service, speed, and accuracy
- • Butler service (if applicable)
- • General staff demeanor
- • Allergy acknowledgement and logging
- • Name logging
• The Water Test
- o Speed water is refilled at dinner
IT-FACTOR
The It-Factor is where it all comes together. This segment is broken down into three categories, and also covers the indescribable nature of a hotel: the feeling of being there. I consider:
• The Location
- o House car availability
- o Transportation to/from airport
- o Surrounding area of hotel
- o Interesting locale
• The Unique Nature
- o History
- o Indescribable feeling
- o Memorable
• The Value
- o The average nightly rate, at time of filming
- o Comparison to comparable hotels in area
- o Rate inclusions
- o Dining, spa, and activities cost
- o Worth it?
And there you have it. The closest thing I have ever been able to find to a standardization for luxury hotel stays. The days of reading dozens of TripAdvisor reviews with irrelevant information or uncredible feedback are over.
I will mention this again: the scores are forever growing. If you are reading this far, I'd love to hear from you as to what could be added to the review. Many of these tests and criteria came from comments on the videos. Some came from my dad, others from my grandmother (no, really, she is 85 and came up with The Breakfast Test).
Thank you for being the most important part of this community and channel. I'm Ryan Walker, and I'll check in with you on the next one.