Simple question, since we're on the "best in the US/World" issue.

What's the best hotel you've ever been to, and why? Feel free to elaborate and give lengthy descriptions and to list multiple ones.

[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 11-01-2000).]

Hotel Nikko in San Francisco.

The Regent, in Hong Kong.
Here's why: this is my arrival, from the old (Kai Tak) airport on Kowloon: I had pre-ordered a hotel car. I go outside to where the hotel cars wait. I see rows of Mercedes, pulling up to pick up guests at other hotels. I can't see any signs on the cars, so I ask how they know they aren't for the Regent. Man A explains that I will know. Then a Bentley arrives. "That's ours," says A. A puts my suitcase in the trunk, and B (the driver) opens the door for me. Beside me is a fresh copy of today's newspaper.
At the hotel, C opens the car door while D gets my suitcase from the trunk. E opens the hotel door for me. I enter and go to the checkin desk, which has three attendants and no one waiting. F (at the desk) says "Welcome to the Regent, Mr. Law Lord." I hand her my credit card and am checked in in 30 seconds. G (also at the desk) leads me to the elevator, which is open, empty, and waiting with no one holding the door. G takes me to my room. Two minutes later H (who might also be C or D) arrives with my suitcase and asks if he should unpack it.

Three minutes later I and J arrive unbidden, one with hot tea and the other with cold melon.

Total time from getting into the car at Kai Tak to sending I and J away and starting to work on the tea and melon: 18 minutes.

This was my first visit. I was staying in an ordinary room. Neither I nor my company (then a very small one) had any arrangement or deal with the Regent. I was nothing special to the Regent. Yet at every moment they made me feel as if I were.

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"If you want to win the game, write the rules."

There will be a lot of posts on this as it is SOOOO subjective.

For me, the many times I've stayed at the Sheraton Royal Hawaiian (The Pink Palace) have been superb. More based on the staff, their quiet efficiency, the LOCATION obviously, and the fact they REMEMBER you via management each time you stay. There are far swankier rooms, lobbies, better/bigger gardens, etc, etc, worldwide, but that place gets my vote.

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~ Glen ~

Brenner's Park Hotel in Baden Baden, Germany

This one is easy for me, there may be hotels that are more architecturally striking, there may be hotels in better locations, and there may be hotels with more modern amenities, but to me, The Oriental Bangkok is by far the finest hotel in the world. The level of warm, friendly service creates an environment that is unparalleled.

I know there are hotels with a higher level of personal attention and service, such as the Reegent mentioned above, but unquestionably the most memorable hotel experience I have had was the Princeville Hotel on Kauai.

It was just the combination of friendly and helpful staff, the quality and amenities of the rooms and public facilities, and the spectacular setting that I have not encountered anywhere else.

I'm partial to Le Meridian Bora Bora. Just about the most beautiful setting I've seen. Excellent service. Amazing rooms. Obviously it is a resort hotel, not a business hotel so it doesn't really compare to a downtown hotel in a business center. But, man, if you can ever go there, go there.

I can't resist casting a vote for Regent Hong Kong. Everything is "just right" from the gracious people, beautiful location, etc. I don't know if they've changed their check-in policy, but this year when we arrived a young lady met us at the door and walked us to our room, bypassing the front desk entirely.

Bangkok Oriental has an entirely different feel. They certainly serve you to death, but some folks, us included, don't feel at home there for some reason. Food there is pretty ho-hum, especially breakfast.

The Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island. Great service, location, and golf course.

The "best in the US/World" is really tough for me!

In the US, I'd be "forced" to probably go with:

Windsor Court- New Orleans; for best city hotel

Mauna Lani Bay - Big Island, HI; for best resort

While in the world it's really impossible but:

Regent, Sydney; for best worlwide city hotel
(just renovated)

Amandari, Bali, Indonesia; for best worldwide resort.

Yet I'm fairly certain that I've sadly left out some truly wonderful properties!

As a too-frequent traveler, my favorite place is home.

Across the street from the Regent in HK at The Peninsula. Wonderful place. A bit more character than the Regent which is a bit more sterile. Both are beautiful.

There's a Budget Court Hotel on Route 1 that charges for stays in 15 minute increments. This bold innovation makes the Budget Court Hotel on Route 1 the best IMHO...

One especially fabulous plus for the Regent Hong Kong is their wonderful lounge, with large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbor. Panoramic is an understatement.

Thanks to PremEx, for introducing me to this wonderful place. I'll most certainly be visiting the Regent in March, after arriving on a Continental nonstop from Newark.