In our eighth annual poll, DestinAsian readers name their favorite hotel properties, destinations, airlines, and more, compiled here In a list that identifies the crème de la crème of travel In the Asia-Pacific region and beyond
A departure from past surveys, this year we asked DestinAsian readers to assess their global brand favorites in the ever-competitive world of luxury accommodation. For North America, you chose Hilton Hotels & Resorts as your top-rated chain, as much for its “great loyalty program” and “consistent service levels” as for its extensive portfolio of properties. In Europe, top marks went to Accor, which operates nearly 2,000 hotels on the continent across eight brands—a “remarkably extensive network” that offers a “vast range of choices with different levels of affordability.” Back in Asia, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is the homegrown favorite; readers were impressed by how every property in the group “represents the country and culture in which it is located,” not to mention “impeccable staff ” and “luxurious rooms.” The results are considerably more diverse—but no less enticing—when it comes to your ranking of individual hotels in the Asia-Pacific region. Read on to discover which made the grade this year.
BALI
W Retreat & Spa Jl. Petitenget; 62-361/473-8106.
Sleek two-year-old resort on the seminyak shoreline, fronted by a multitiered lagoon pool.
Stats: 237 rooms and villas; 2 restaurants; 3 bars. readers say: “a completely different experience from your typical balinese resort.”
Don’t miss: Recharging at away spa, where facilities include an oxygen lounge and meditation platforms.
Runner-up: Ayana Resort & Spa
BANGKOK
Shangri-La 89 Soi Wat Suan Lu, New Rd.; 66-2/236-7777.
Two-wing property on the Chao Phraya; rooms in the more exclusive Krungthep Wing come with river-view balconies and butler service.
Stats: 802 rooms; 5 restaurants; 3 bars. readers say: “a style all its own.”
Don’t miss: Buffet dinner cruises aboard the hotel’s private riverboat, Horizon.
Runner-up: Mandarin Oriental
BEIJING
Grand Hyatt 1 Dong Chang’an Dajie; 86-10/8518-1234.
Curving glass high-rise on Beijing’s main boulevard, just down the road from the Forbidden City and adjacent to the popular shopping street of Wangfujing.
Stats: 825 rooms; 6 restaurants; 1 bar.
Readers say: “Tasteful decor, spacious rooms, and high levels of attentiveness.”
Don’t miss: Club Oasis, an underground (and over-the-top) spa and pool complex with waterfalls, lush tropical foliage, and a “virtual sky” ceiling.
Runner-up: The Peninsula Beijing
DUBAI
Burj AL ARAB Jumeirah Beach Rd.; 971-4/301-7777.
Iconic, sail-shaped landmark on its own islet in the Arabian Gulf, linked by causeway to Jumeirah Beach.
Stats: 202 suites; 6 restaurants; 2 bars.
Readers say: “Discreet in-suite check-in and a brigade of highly trained butlers assure the ultimate in personal service.”
Don’t miss: Splurging on a helicopter tour of the city, which depart from the hotel’s 211-meter-high helipad.
Runner-up: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
