The Rs put in an impressive performance at Loftus Road and took the lead on the stroke of half-time through captain Joey Barton, who controlled the ball with aplomb before lashing home. Jamie Mackie's deflected effort doubled the Hoops' advantage 10 minutes after the restart and Akos Buzsaky secured three points for the west Londoners from range.
The victory gives QPR a two-point cushion over the drop zone, and Hughes said: "I thought we were excellent from start to finish."
He added: "I think it was important we understood what was important today as Swansea are a very accomplished side and have a certain way of playing. You have to have a real belief and understanding of what is required to stop them dominating possession and dominating the game.
"Obviously we worked on that all week, which is fine but the guys have to go out there and perform and actually make it happen. That is exactly what we did from start to finish and I thought we frustrated Swansea and when we broke and got the ball in good areas we were a real threat."
While QPR can celebrate three points, Swansea are left nursing a fourth successive league defeat.
The Jacks have failed to pick up a point since winning at Fulham and manager Brendan Rodgers cut a frustrated figure in the post-match press conference.
"We weren't doing the basics of the game," he said. "First of all you have to defend.
"Up until these last few games we had 12 clean sheets, which was the third best at this level. In the last four games we have given away 10 goals and only scored one so we need to be better with and without the ball, there is no question of that or getting away from it.
"We need to do that little bit more, need to work harder and press better as that has been the hallmark of our game this season as when we press well, we pass well."
Source: PA
Source: PA