TOP HOTELS AND RESORTS

There’s something to be said for having accommodations you can count on to keep you comfortable no matter where you are in the world, which is why we asked DestinAsian readers to select their favorite global brands. For the second year running Hilton Hote

1 Bali

W RETREAT & SPA

Sleek resort on the Seminyak shoreline fronted by a multitiered lagoon pool. STATS: 237 rooms and villas; 3 bars; 2 restaurants. READERS SAY: “A hip atmosphere in a spectacular location.” DON’T MISS: The oxygen lounge at Away Spa. Jl. Petitenget; 62-361/300- 0106; wretreatbali.com RUNNER-UP: Banyan Tree Ungasan

2 Bangkok

MANDARIN ORIENTAL

Legendary riverside hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya; Noël Coward, Somerset Maugham, and James Michener all stayed here in their day.

STATS: 393 rooms; 2 bars; 7 restaurants. READERS SAY: “A timeless cocoon of comfort with direct access to the river.” DON’T MISS: Crossing the river for Thai cooking classes and a turn at the hotel’s Oriental Spa. 48 Oriental Ave.; 66-2/6599000; mandarinoriental.com

RUNNER-UP: Banyan Tree

3 Beijing

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL

Landmark in the western part of the capital, close to Financial Street and many historical sites. STATS: 670 rooms, 2 bars; 4 restaurants. READERS SAY: “A benchmark of luxury.” DON’T MISS: Handcrafted French pastries and desserts in the Pastry Library. 29 Zizhuyuan Lu; 86-10/68412211; shangri-la.com

RUNNER-UP: Grand Hyatt 4 Dubai

BURJ AL ARAB Iconic, sail-shaped landmark on its own islet in the Arabian Gulf, linked by causeway to Jumeirah Beach. STATS: 202 suites; 2 bars; 6 restaurants. READERS SAY: “Iconic design” and “luxuriously grand.” DON’T MISS: Splurging on a helicopter tour of the city, which depart from the hotel’s 211-meter-high helipad. Jumeirah Beach Rd.; 971-4/3017777; burj-al-arab.com

RUNNER-UP: Atlantis, The Palm