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2010 Readers' Choice Awards
Which are your favorite hotels and resorts in the Asia-Pacific region? Where do you return time and again for superlative amenities, service, and location? And which are your top picks for airlines, airports, city destinations, spas, and island getaways?
Six months ago we asked you these questions in our fifth annual Readers’ Choice Awards poll, and the results are compiled here in a list that defines the best that regional travel has to offer
Best Hotels and Resorts
When it comes to comfort and convenience, these lodgings tick all the boxes for business and leisure travelers alike.
For the fifth year running, business travelers rated the Hyatt group as their favorite chain of hotels in the Asia-Pacific region. “Hyatt hotels usually have an excellent location, well- trained staff, and good Gold Passport benefits,” you told us. In your downtime, you love checking into Four Seasons hotels for rest and relaxation. The group’s “beautiful resorts” and “personalized service” keep you coming back, again and again. Below, your favorite individual properties, from Bali to Beijing.
BALI
1_Four Seasons Sayan
Offering a winning combination of “beauty and luxury,” this resort on Ubud’s Ayung River impresses with its “magnificent views and tranquil setting” (62-361/ 977-577; fourseasons.com).
2_Ayana Resort & Spa
Aside from the “serenity and elegance” of this cliff-top resort in Jimbaran, readers continue to rave about the “decadent pampering options” at the spa (62-361/702-222; ayanaresort.com).
BANGKOK
1_Banyan Tree
This slick city hotel is “modern, yet personal” and “exclusive and romantic.” You also prefer it for its central location (66-2/679-1200; banyantree.com).
2_Mandarin Oriental
“Timeless and classic,” this 133-year-old hotel (née The Oriental) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River never fails to inspire you with its old-world charm and “flawless service” (66- 2/659-9000; mandarinoriental.com).
BEIJING
1_Grand Hyatt
With its “unbeatable location,” within walking distance of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, this hotel is also popular for its “classy ambience” (86-10/8518-1234; beijing.grand.hyatt.com).
2_Peninsula
Business and leisure travelers alike rave about the Pen’s “luxurious, modern amenities” (86- 10/8516-2888; peninsula.com).
DUBAI
1_Burj Al Arab
You find checking into the world’s only seven-star hotel the “experience of a lifetime.” In addition to breathtaking vistas of the Arabian Gulf, it offers guests “opulent amenities” and “personal service” (971-4/301-7777; burj-al- arab.com).
2_Shangri-La
Located in the heart of Dubai’s business district, this property stands out for its understated design and “attentive staff” (971-4/ 343-8888; shangri-la.com).
HANOI
1_Sofitel Metropole
The “fabulous French character” is one of the reasons why you return to this landmark 1901 hotel—the “luxurious rooms and attentive staff” are other draws (84-4/3826-6919; sofitel.com).
2_InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
With a “spectacular location” on the banks of Hanoi’s West Lake, the InterContinental matches “resort-style ambience” with state-of-the-art amenities (84-4/6270-8888; ichotelsgroup.com).
HO CHI MINH CITY
1_Park Hyatt Saigon
 “Sleek, modern, and sophisticated,” this hotel scores points across the board, from its “stylish design” to its “unbeatable location” at Lam Son Square in the center of town (84- 8/3824-1234; saigon.park.hyatt.com).
2_Sheraton Saigon
The rooftop bar, offering “great views” of the adjacent Opera House, is one of the main draws of this “well located” hotel, set in HCMC’s entertainment district (84-8/3827-2828; starwoodhotels.com).
HONG KONG
1_The Peninsula
It’s no surprise that this Kowloon-side grande dame took home top honors again—aside from the “class, elegance, and comfort” of its rooms, you recommend indulging in the hotel’s “fabulous high tea” (852/ 2840-7788; hongkong.peninsula.com).
2_Four Seasons
You cannot speak highly enough of the “location and views” of this harborside hotel on Hong Kong Island. The service is also hard to beat: “The concierge team is one of the best ever,” according to one reader (852/3196-8888; fourseasons.com).
JAKARTA
1_Grand Hyatt
 Overlooking the Welcome Monument, this Hyatt impresses you with its “good location in the heart of the city,” and its “excellent restaurants and bars” (62-21/390-1234; jakarta.grand.hyatt.com).
2_Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place
The “superb rooms and service” at this all-club hotel score points among readers. Set atop Jakarta’s Pacific Place building, the property also “offers endless conveniences for travelers” (62-21/2550-8888; ritzcarlton.com).
KUALA LUMPUR
1_Mandarin Oriental
 The location of this hotel, between the Petronas Twin Towers and the KL City Centre Park, is “second to none.” Readers agree that the “superb spa and leisure facilities” are almost as noteworthy as the “fabulous city views” (60-3/2380-8888; mandarinoriental.com).
2_Hilton
Readers love the fact that this hotel is so accessible, with “unbeatable train connections to the airport.” The “impeccable service, visit after visit” is also a draw (60-3/ 2264-2264; hilton.com).
MANILA
1_Shangri-La Makati
The Shangri-La may be “well located” among Makati’s restaurants and shops, but you still find it a “tranquil retreat,” with “fantastic restaurants” and “good quality rooms” (63-2/813-8888; shangri-la.com).
2_The Peninsula
Also popular for its “great Makati location,” this five-star stalwart charms you with its “warm welcome” and facilities, which one reader believes to be “the best of any Manila hotels” (63- 2/887-2888; manila.peninsula.com).
MUMBAI
1_Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
 This 107-year-old landmark hotel, with its newly reopened heritage wing, offers the perfect blend of “tradition and modernity.” Aside from the luxurious rooms, readers rave about the hotel’s “diverse collection of paintings and artwork” (91-22/6665-3366; tajhotels.com).
2_JW Marriott
Favored for its “great location on Juhu Beach,” not to mention its shimmering swimming pool, this 358-room hotel complements its water attractions with “extremely comfortable rooms” (91- 22/6693-3000; marriott.com).
NEW DELHI
1_Taj Mahal
You find the Mughal-inspired architecture here to be “graceful and luxurious,” with “legendary service” to match (91-11/ 2302-6162; tajhotels.com).
2_The Oberoi
Set between Delhi’s Golf Club and Humayun’s Tomb, the Oberoi is like a “city oasis” with its “harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication” (91-11/ 2436-3030; oberoidelhi.com).
PHUKET
1_Banyan Tree
From the “excellent service” to the “superb rooms,” you find this beachfront resort an overall “wonderful experience.” One reader told us: “I wish I lived there for two months of every year” (66-76/324-374; banyantree.com).
2_Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa
Thanks to its secluded location along Phuket’s northwest coast, the newly opened Anantara won you over as a place for “rest and relaxation.” The pool villas are “extremely nice”—one reader rated them as “the best I’ve ever stayed in” (66-76/ 336-100; phuket.anantara.com).
SEOUL
1_Westin Chosun
Aside from its “excellent location,” within walking distance of the subway and downtown Seoul’s restaurants and shops, this hotel was also favored for its “impeccable facilities” (82-2/771- 0500; starwoodhotels.com).
2_Grand Hyatt
Business and leisure travelers alike return to this hotel for its serene hilltop setting, with “great views over the Han River” and “lovely landscaped gardens.” The sleek, Super Potato- designed rooms and restaurants are also a popular (82-2/797-1234; seoul.grand.hyatt.com).
SHANGHAI
1_Grand Hyatt
 This towering Pudong property offers “fantastic views,” not to mention “excellent restaurants and bars.” It may not be the highest hotel in Shanghai anymore (that honor now goes to the nearby Park Hyatt), but you still love staying in the “smartly designed” rooms (86-21/5049- 1234; shanghai.grand.hyatt.com).
2_Four Seasons
On the Puxi side of Shanghai’s Huangpu River, you rate the Four Seasons for its “boutique feel” and “great services.” When it comes to cuisine, one reader calls the Cantonese restaurant here, Si Ji Xuan, “number one in town” (86-21/6256-8888; fourseasons.com).
SINGAPORE
1_Ritz-Carlton, Millenia
 Space is not an issue at this hotel, sprawling over seven acres in the heart of the Marine Centre on Raffles Avenue. You love its “big bedrooms and bathrooms,” but what really stands out is the “excellent service” (65/6337-8888; ritz-carlton.com).
2_St. Regis
One of the newest hotels in Singapore, the St. Regis takes luxury up a notch with its “amazing, classically inspired rooms” and “sophisticated room amenities.” The “VIP service,” extended to all guests, is also appreciated (65/6506-6888; starwoodhotels.com).
SYDNEY
1_Park Hyatt
 Set right on Sydney Harbour, overlooking the city’s iconic bridge and Opera House, this hotel is hard to beat for “breathtaking views.” But there are other draws, including acclaimed restaurants and “sleek, contemporary” rooms (61-2/9241-1234; sydney.park.hyatt.com).
2_Shangri-La
Also loved for its “stunning views” of the harbor, this 563-room property in the Rocks district charms readers with its “excellent service” as well as “some of the city’s best restaurants and bars” (61-2/9250-6000; shangri-la.com).
TAIPEI
1_Grand Hyatt
This huge 856-room hotel adjacent to Taipei 101 gives you “easy access to the very best of the city,” complemented by “gracious hospitality and service” (886-2/2720-1234; taipei.grand.hyatt.com).
2_Sheraton
Praised for its “quality rooms” and decor, this hotel won you over with its convenient location, a “stone’s throw from the city’s main train station” (886-2/2321-5511; sheraton-taipei.com).
TOKYO
1_Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt stands tall in Tokyo, wowing you with its “amazing views.” Looking inward, you’ re equally impressed by the “contemporary Japanese design” in the smart rooms, not to mention the acclaimed restaurants and bars (81-3/5322-1234; tokyo.park.hyatt.com).
2_Mandarin Oriental
One of the city’s newest five-star hotels, the Mandarin Oriental impresses with its “stylish rooms” and “fabulous concierge offerings”—one service that you feel is essential in Tokyo (81- 3/3270-8800; mandarinoriental.com).
Best Serviced Apartments
Ascott continues to deliver all the comforts of home
Readers gave Ascott top marks for its “well-managed properties in key cities” across the region. You were particularly happy with the group’s “attention to detail,” as well as the “great service.” Frasers Hospitality was a hot runner-up, praised for its “warm service,” “consistent quality” and “family-friendly environment.”
Best Spas
Once again, the Banyan Tree pampers readers with its indulgent city and resort spas
Banyan Tree seems to have perfected its spa offerings in Thailand; from Bangkok to Phuket, you found the group’s outlets the best in the region. In the Thai capital, the Banyan Tree Bangkok was your favorite city spa, while farther south, the Banyan Tree Phuket came up trumps for its “experienced therapists” and “great selection of massage experiences.”
Best Airline and Airport
Singapore’s ever-efficient flag carrier and airport fly high
Singapore Airlines does it again, taking home all the top awards in our airline poll for the fifth year in a row. The carrier not only offers you the best Premium and Economy Class travel experiences, but also delights with its in-flight entertainment service and frequent-flyer program. With its “top-notch service,” it’s no surprise that you also voted it the Best Airline overall, with Cathay Pacific coming in second for its “efficient, friendly service” and “great in-flight entertainment.”
Changi Airport was once again voted as your favorite regional hub. “I have no objection to flight delays, as long as I am stuck at Changi,” one reader told us, citing “great shopping and facilities” as ways to pass the time.
Best Places to Visit
Southeast Asia remains at the top of your travel agenda
Bali still beguiles as an island destination, offering an “unbeatable mix of natural beauty, luxe hotels, fabulous food, and friendly people.” When it comes to city breaks, you find it hard to look past the “vibrant offerings” of Bangkok. While food was one of the main reasons you return to the Thai capital, you also appreciate the “shopping, temples, and culture, still as strong as ever despite all the development.” Besting Hong Kong for the first time, Singapore is your favorite city when it comes to doing business. Not only is the city-state “very convenient and safe,” but it is “modern and up to date” and has a real “international outlook.”
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