Best Luxury Hotels in the World
Sep 15, 2017, 9:14 am
#31
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
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Neither would be among our best in the world, but we also would choose the Pen BKK over the MO BKK. The formality and dress code requirements at the MO simply are ridiculous to us--and particularly to me in such a hot and humid environment. We've not been to the Siam yet, but the Pen's location is obviously better for us. We really just loved the Pen.
Last edited by bhrubin; Sep 15, 2017 at 11:18 pm
Sep 15, 2017, 9:31 am
#32
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: NJ
Programs: UA LTG, AA LTG, Bonvoy LTP, IHG Plat, LHW Sterling
Posts: 2,405
Most of the hotels listed in this thread will probably be the usual suspects.
What I'd find interesting is the luxury hotels (or any hotel for that matter) that individuals in this forum love, but would be too embarrassed to admit here for fear of a
and/or an 
response. 
What I'd find interesting is the luxury hotels (or any hotel for that matter) that individuals in this forum love, but would be too embarrassed to admit here for fear of a
and/or an response.
Sep 15, 2017, 11:33 am
#33
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,432
I have a love/hate relationship with these lists.
On the one hand, I like to skim them for hotels I haven't been to yet. On the other hand, there is no way I can make a list of my own. Too many lovely places, all special in their own way!
On the one hand, I like to skim them for hotels I haven't been to yet. On the other hand, there is no way I can make a list of my own. Too many lovely places, all special in their own way!
Sep 15, 2017, 11:42 am
#35
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Join Date: Jun 2006
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IMHO this was the thoughtful/unique thread/question : http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...ot-missed.html
Sep 15, 2017, 6:49 pm
#37
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
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FS hualalai no longer consistent here, though peninsula bangkok has ups and downs
FS lanai is one to watch, under larry ellison ownership, but will service be a focus
US is very tough market, as you noted, always lacked great/consistent here, and the reason why huge number here travel from US to asia, as well as from EU to asia, and not just for resorts.
The_Daddy gets the credit for Likes for their brilliant thread/topic which turned out great. edit - i just Liked their post. my first Like, which may remain my only Like.
FS lanai is one to watch, under larry ellison ownership, but will service be a focus
US is very tough market, as you noted, always lacked great/consistent here, and the reason why huge number here travel from US to asia, as well as from EU to asia, and not just for resorts.
The_Daddy gets the credit for Likes for their brilliant thread/topic which turned out great. edit - i just Liked their post. my first Like, which may remain my only Like.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Sep 15, 2017 at 9:46 pm
Sep 15, 2017, 11:00 pm
#38
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Pen BKK makes my list because I've stayed there 15+ times, and have NEVER had a stay that even comes close to being mediocre. I may have had a superior stay one time at one hotel that I've stayed at once... but the consistently fantastic overall service level of the Pen gives it a huge thumbs up in my book. And, unlike other chains that have a tiered loyalty program structure, Pen has treated me very, very well... in spite of not even being part of their PenClub program! They're straight-up awesome, all the time, to all guests. This includes friends that I've recommended Pen BKK to, and they've all come back glowing about their experience. It's never hit-or-miss; it's a known quantity, and I stand firm in my belief
And in case you're curious.. yes, I've stayed at the MO (3 times) and The Siam (twice.) The Pen takes the cake for me.
And in case you're curious.. yes, I've stayed at the MO (3 times) and The Siam (twice.) The Pen takes the cake for me.
Sep 15, 2017, 11:07 pm
#39
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Join Date: Mar 2013
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Pen BKK makes my list because I've stayed there 15+ times, and have NEVER had a stay that even comes close to being mediocre. I may have had a superior stay one time at one hotel that I've stayed at once... but the consistently fantastic overall service level of the Pen gives it a huge thumbs up in my book. And, unlike other chains that have a tiered loyalty program structure, Pen has treated me very, very well... in spite of not even being part of their PenClub program! They're straight-up awesome, all the time, to all guests. This includes friends that I've recommended Pen BKK to, and they've all come back glowing about their experience. It's never hit-or-miss; it's a known quantity, and I stand firm in my belief
And in case you're curious.. yes, I've stayed at the MO (3 times) and The Siam (twice.) The Pen takes the cake for me.
And in case you're curious.. yes, I've stayed at the MO (3 times) and The Siam (twice.) The Pen takes the cake for me.
Sep 16, 2017, 6:34 am
#41
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: BER
Programs: Amanjunkie, LH SEN
Posts: 750
To get started here is my list:
City Hotels:
1) The Shangri-La, Kota Kinabalu
2) The Ritz, Hong Kong
3) The Shangri-La, Singapore
4) The Grand Hyatt, Kuala Lumpur
5) The Shangri-La, Kuala Lumpur
6) The Lanesborough, London
7) Citidines, Bali
8) Banyan Tree, Bangkok
9) Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
10) Raffles Hotel, Singapore
City Hotels:
1) The Shangri-La, Kota Kinabalu
2) The Ritz, Hong Kong
3) The Shangri-La, Singapore
4) The Grand Hyatt, Kuala Lumpur
5) The Shangri-La, Kuala Lumpur
6) The Lanesborough, London
7) Citidines, Bali
8) Banyan Tree, Bangkok
9) Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
10) Raffles Hotel, Singapore
- Raffles Singapore: a darkish tourist dump
- The Shangri Las & the Grand Hyatt: much, much too large for being real luxury
- Banyan Tree Bangkok: worn hotel, not considered as top luxury
- Citidines Bali: judging from the website, it looks like a nice 3/4 stars hotel with claustrophobic 25-square-meters-rooms. Or did I miss a secret?
Sep 16, 2017, 9:28 am
#42
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 61
City Hotels: Plaza Athenee Paris, Chedi Muscat, Aman Tokyo, Baccarat New York, Le bristol
Hotter/ beach: Amanpulo, Fregate island,
Colder/ skiing: Badrutt Palace, Chedi Andermatt
isolated and unusual places: Explora Rapa Nui, Singita Lebombo, Singita Boulders
Hotter/ beach: Amanpulo, Fregate island,
Colder/ skiing: Badrutt Palace, Chedi Andermatt
isolated and unusual places: Explora Rapa Nui, Singita Lebombo, Singita Boulders
Sep 16, 2017, 4:09 pm
#44
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I agree, but would add Le Bristol. It's actually my favorite hotel in Paris, and for me an experience that exceeds that of FS GV. But everything is subjective as always.
I love all of the above hotels for different reasons. But my favorite place to lay my head in the City of Angels is Anantara Siam Bangkok. They treat me exceptionally well, and their corner suites and cabana accommodation are among my all time favorites.
Speaking of the riverside hotels, I have to say Mandarin Oriental wins overall, but The Peninsula is and always will be a special place for me.
The solution: stay at all of them!
And, Mandarin Oreintal Hong Kong and Ritz-Carlton Tokyo club level, too!
Speaking of the riverside hotels, I have to say Mandarin Oriental wins overall, but The Peninsula is and always will be a special place for me.
The solution: stay at all of them!
And, Mandarin Oreintal Hong Kong and Ritz-Carlton Tokyo club level, too!