Ultimate Guide to
Asia’s Best Hotels
Table of Contents
East Asia Hotels:
Urban Sophistication and Serene Retreats
East Asia is a realm of dazzling contrasts, where futuristic megacities rise alongside serene ancient temples and breathtaking natural landscapes. The region’s hospitality mirrors this diversity, offering some of the most sophisticated and luxurious hotels in the world. When looking for the best hotels in Japan, travelers can choose between high-tech urban sanctuaries in Tokyo like the Park Hyatt or the Palace Hotel Tokyo, and traditional ryokans in Kyoto that offer an authentic taste of Japanese culture and omotenashi hospitality. These establishments are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, minimalist aesthetics, and world-class service, making them a perfect base for exploring the country’s vibrant cities and tranquil countryside.
In China, the scale of luxury is immense, with glittering skyscrapers in Shanghai and Beijing housing some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands. The Peninsula Shanghai, with its stunning Bund views, and the Rosewood Beijing, known for its residential-style luxury, are prime examples of the opulence available. These hotels not only provide lavish accommodations but also serve as culinary destinations, often featuring multiple Michelin-starred restaurants. Beyond the major hubs, unique properties like the Banyan Tree Yangshuo offer a peaceful retreat amidst the dramatic karst mountains of Guilin, blending luxury with spectacular natural beauty. Finding the perfect 5-star hotel in China means choosing between cutting-edge urban design and tranquil, nature-inspired escapes.
South Korea and Taiwan are also key players in East Asia’s luxury hotel scene. Seoul offers chic design hotels and globally recognized luxury brands like the Four Seasons and Signiel Seoul, which occupies the upper floors of the Lotte World Tower, providing staggering city views. In Taiwan, Taipei’s hospitality scene is burgeoning with stylish boutique hotels and established luxury names like the Mandarin Oriental, offering a blend of modern comfort and rich cultural elements. Whether you are seeking the electric energy of a global metropolis or the peaceful seclusion of a mountain hideaway, the hotels of East Asia cater to the most discerning travelers with unmatched elegance, innovation, and a deep respect for tradition.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palace Hotel Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Peninsula Shanghai | Shanghai, China | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Park Hyatt Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Signiel Seoul | Seoul, South Korea | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Rosewood Beijing | Beijing, China | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Aman Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Upper House | Hong Kong | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto | Kyoto, Japan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Mandarin Oriental, Taipei | Taipei, Taiwan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund | Shanghai, China | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi | Tokyo, Japan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Seoul | Seoul, South Korea | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Banyan Tree Yangshuo | Yangshuo, China | Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Rosewood Hong Kong | Hong Kong | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto | Kyoto, Japan | Ryokan-style Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Temple House | Chengdu, China | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hoshinoya Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan | Luxury Ryokan | ★★★★★ |
| The Shilla Seoul | Seoul, South Korea | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Peninsula Hong Kong | Hong Kong | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Amanfayun | Hangzhou, China | Village Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The St. Regis Osaka | Osaka, Japan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The PuXuan Hotel and Spa | Beijing, China | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong | Hong Kong | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Gora Kadan | Hakone, Japan | Luxury Ryokan | ★★★★★ |
| Park Hyatt Busan | Busan, South Korea | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
Southeast Asia Hotels:
Tropical Resorts and Cultural Gems
Southeast Asia is a traveler’s paradise, offering an intoxicating mix of stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and some of the most beautiful and affordable luxury hotels on the planet. The region is famous for its idyllic beach resorts, particularly in Thailand and Indonesia. Finding the best hotels in Thailand can lead you to luxurious beachfront villas in Phuket like Trisara or Keemala with its unique pool villas, or to tranquil island escapes in Koh Samui and Krabi. These resorts are masters of “barefoot luxury,” combining world-class amenities like private pools and spas with a relaxed, natural setting. Similarly, the best hotels in Bali offer everything from cliffside resorts in Uluwatu with dramatic ocean views to serene wellness retreats in the lush jungles of Ubud, like the Four Seasons Sayan.
Beyond the beaches, Southeast Asia’s cities are home to spectacular urban hotels that serve as oases from the vibrant energy outside. In Singapore, Marina Bay Sands is an architectural icon, famous for its incredible rooftop infinity pool, while the historic Raffles Hotel offers a taste of colonial elegance. Bangkok’s hotel scene is equally impressive, with riverside properties like the Mandarin Oriental and The Siam providing stunning views and serene escapes from the bustling city. In Vietnam, the French colonial influence is beautifully preserved in historic hotels like the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, while modern luxury can be found in resorts along the coast of Da Nang and in the rapidly developing Phu Quoc island, offering travelers a wide range of 5-star experiences.
For those seeking unique and adventurous accommodations, Southeast Asia delivers in spades. Cambodia offers luxurious tented camps like Shinta Mani Wild, providing a glamorous base for exploring the Cardamom Mountains. In Laos, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang is home to charming boutique hotels and resorts like the Rosewood, which blends French colonial style with traditional Laotian design. From the Philippines’ pristine island hideaways to Malaysia’s lush rainforest resorts like The Datai Langkawi, the region’s hospitality is deeply connected to its environment and culture. This guide to the 25 best hotels in Southeast Asia is your key to unlocking a world of tropical luxury, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soneva Kiri | Koh Kood, Thailand | Luxury Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Nihi Sumba | Sumba, Indonesia | Luxury Eco-Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Marina Bay Sands | Singapore | Iconic Hotel & Casino | ★★★★★ |
| Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok | Bangkok, Thailand | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan | Ubud, Indonesia | Jungle Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection | Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia | Luxury Tented Camp | ★★★★★ |
| The Reverie Saigon | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Opulent Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Siam | Bangkok, Thailand | Boutique Villa Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Raffles Singapore | Singapore | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Datai Langkawi | Langkawi, Malaysia | Rainforest Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Keemala | Phuket, Thailand | Unique Pool Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi | Hanoi, Vietnam | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Capella Ubud, Bali | Ubud, Indonesia | Luxury Tented Camp | ★★★★★ |
| Rosewood Luang Prabang | Luang Prabang, Laos | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Amanpulo | Pamalican Island, Philippines | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Six Senses Yao Noi | Koh Yao Noi, Thailand | Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Amankila | Manggis, Indonesia | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Resort Langkawi | Langkawi, Malaysia | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons The Nam Hai, Hoi An | Hoi An, Vietnam | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Trisara | Phuket, Thailand | Luxury Pool Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Soori Bali | Tabanan, Indonesia | Design Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Song Saa Private Island | Koh Rong, Cambodia | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Shangri-La Boracay | Boracay, Philippines | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Capella Bangkok | Bangkok, Thailand | Riverfront Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort | Da Nang, Vietnam | Hillside Resort | ★★★★★ |
South Asia Hotels:
Palatial Grandeur and Himalayan Hideaways
South Asia is a land of incredible depth, spirituality, and diversity, with a hospitality landscape that ranges from opulent former palaces to serene mountain retreats. The search for the best hotels in India invariably leads to the majestic palace hotels of Rajasthan. Properties like The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, and the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur offer guests the chance to live like royalty. These sprawling heritage hotels are architectural marvels, featuring lavish suites, immaculate gardens, and impeccable service that transports you to a bygone era of maharajas. Beyond the palaces, India’s major cities boast world-class luxury hotels, such as The Imperial in New Delhi and the iconic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, which blend colonial charm with modern sophistication.
The region’s natural beauty is equally compelling, with stunning accommodations set against diverse backdrops. In the tropical paradise of the Maldives, overwater villas are the epitome of luxury. Resorts like The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Kudadoo Maldives, and the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru offer private havens perched above turquoise lagoons, complete with personal butlers, underwater restaurants, and unparalleled privacy. These resorts are global benchmarks for honeymoon and luxury travel. Similarly, Sri Lanka’s best hotels include stunning beachfront resorts along its southern coast, chic boutique hotels within the historic Galle Fort, and tranquil tea plantation bungalows in the misty hill country, such as those offered by Ceylon Tea Trails.
For those seeking adventure and spiritual rejuvenation, the Himalayan nations of Nepal and Bhutan offer unique and breathtaking hotel experiences. In Bhutan, exclusive lodges like the Amankora and Six Senses properties are scattered across several valleys, offering a seamless journey through the serene “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” with a focus on wellness and cultural immersion. In Nepal, hotels like Dwarika’s in Kathmandu are living museums, preserving the country’s rich artisanal heritage, while lodges in the Annapurna foothills provide comfortable bases for trekking with spectacular mountain views. From the ultimate luxury of a Maldivian private island to the regal splendor of an Indian palace, the hotels of South Asia promise journeys that are as rich and varied as the subcontinent itself.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur | Udaipur, India | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort | Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Taj Lake Palace | Udaipur, India | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Ceylon Tea Trails | Haputale, Sri Lanka | Tea Plantation Bungalows | ★★★★★ |
| Umaid Bhawan Palace | Jodhpur, India | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Kudadoo Maldives Private Island | Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Amankora | Thimphu, Bhutan | Luxury Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra | Agra, India | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Dwarika’s Hotel | Kathmandu, Nepal | Heritage Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Cheval Blanc Randheli | Noonu Atoll, Maldives | Luxury Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Rambagh Palace | Jaipur, India | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Amanwella | Tangalle, Sri Lanka | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| One&Only Reethi Rah | North Malé Atoll, Maldives | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Leela Palace New Delhi | New Delhi, India | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Six Senses Bhutan | Thimphu, Bhutan | Luxury Lodge Circuit | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru | Baa Atoll, Maldives | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai | Mumbai, India | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Wild Coast Tented Lodge | Yala, Sri Lanka | Luxury Tented Camp | ★★★★★ |
| Amanbagh | Rajasthan, India | Mughal-style Resort | ★★★★★ |
| JOALI Maldives | Raa Atoll, Maldives | Art Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari | Chitwan National Park, Nepal | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| The Imperial, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi | South Malé Atoll, Maldives | Luxury Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Cape Weligama | Weligama, Sri Lanka | Cliffside Resort | ★★★★★ |
| SUJÁN Jawai | Rajasthan, India | Luxury Tented Camp | ★★★★★ |
West Asia (Middle East) Hotels:
Unparalleled Opulence and Desert Grandeur
West Asia, more commonly known as the Middle East, is a region synonymous with superlative luxury and architectural ambition. The hospitality landscape here is defined by iconic, world-renowned hotels that consistently push the boundaries of opulence. The search for the best hotels in the United Arab Emirates inevitably leads to Dubai, a city of architectural wonders. Here, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah stands as a global icon of luxury, while Atlantis, The Palm offers a sprawling resort experience with its own waterpark and aquarium. In Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental exudes palatial grandeur, set on a private beach with acres of lush gardens. These hotels are not merely places to stay but comprehensive destinations offering unparalleled service, celebrity chef restaurants, and every imaginable amenity.
Beyond the UAE’s glittering cityscapes, the region’s vast deserts provide a stunning backdrop for exclusive and romantic escapes. In Oman, resorts like Six Senses Zighy Bay and Alila Jabal Akhdar offer a blend of adventure and serenity, with dramatic mountain and coastal settings. In Jordan, travelers can experience the world-class Kempinski Hotel Ishtar on the shores of the Dead Sea or find luxury camps in Wadi Rum that allow for magical nights under a canopy of stars. Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a new luxury frontier with ambitious projects like AlUla, home to the architecturally stunning Maraya and tranquil desert resorts like Banyan Tree AlUla, offering access to ancient historical sites.
The region’s rich history and culture are also reflected in its hospitality. In Qatar, Doha’s skyline is dotted with luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton, which blend modern luxury with traditional Arabian hospitality. Israel offers a dynamic hotel scene, from chic boutique hotels in Tel Aviv’s historic neighborhoods to the legendary King David Hotel in Jerusalem, steeped in history and offering magnificent Old City views. Whether it’s a high-rise city hotel with a rooftop infinity pool, a secluded desert retreat, or a palatial beach resort, the best hotels in West Asia are designed to impress and pamper, offering guests an unforgettable taste of modern Arabian luxury and timeless desert mystique.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burj Al Arab Jumeirah | Dubai, UAE | Iconic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Atlantis, The Royal | Dubai, UAE | Iconic Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Six Senses Zighy Bay | Musandam Peninsula, Oman | Villa & Spa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Banyan Tree AlUla | AlUla, Saudi Arabia | Desert Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa | Dubai, UAE | Desert Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Doha | Doha, Qatar | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea | Dead Sea, Jordan | Luxury Spa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The King David | Jerusalem, Israel | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| One&Only The Palm | Dubai, UAE | Boutique Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Alila Jabal Akhdar | Jabal Akhdar, Oman | Mountain Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara | Liwa Desert, UAE | Desert Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay | Manama, Bahrain | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Tel Aviv, Israel | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Bulgari Resort Dubai | Dubai, UAE | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Doha | Doha, Qatar | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Chedi Muscat | Muscat, Oman | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| W Amman | Amman, Jordan | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Armani Hotel Dubai | Dubai, UAE | Fashion Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya | Kuwait City, Kuwait | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Shaden Resort | AlUla, Saudi Arabia | Desert Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai | Dubai, UAE | Beachfront Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Setai Tel Aviv | Tel Aviv, Israel | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha | Doha, Qatar | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
Central Asia Hotels:
Silk Road Grandeur and Modern Comfort
Central Asia, the historic heart of the Silk Road, is a region of epic landscapes, ancient cities, and a burgeoning hospitality scene that is increasingly blending modern luxury with timeless traditions. For travelers exploring this fascinating crossroads of cultures, finding high-quality accommodation is becoming easier, especially in the region’s rapidly developing capitals. The best hotels in Kazakhstan are found in its gleaming modern capital, Astana (Nur-Sultan), and its cosmopolitan former capital, Almaty. Here, international 5-star brands like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and InterContinental offer world-class service, luxurious rooms, and extensive business and leisure facilities, catering to a growing market of international business travelers and discerning tourists.
Uzbekistan, with its legendary Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, is the jewel in Central Asia’s tourism crown. The hotel scene here is a charming mix of grand, modern hotels and intimate, family-run boutique properties. Searching for the best hotels in Uzbekistan can lead you to the modern Hilton Tashkent City or to beautifully restored historic buildings within the ancient city walls of Khiva and Bukhara. These boutique hotels offer an authentic experience, often featuring traditional courtyards, intricate tilework, and warm, personal hospitality that gives guests a true sense of the region’s rich history and culture. In Samarkand, new luxury hotels are opening, providing comfortable bases from which to explore the city’s awe-inspiring mosques and mausoleums.
In the surrounding ‘Stans,’ the hotel offerings are also improving steadily. In Kyrgyzstan, the Hyatt Regency in Bishkek stands out as a leading 5-star option, offering views of the Tien-Shan mountains, while unique yurt camps around Lake Issyk-Kul provide an unforgettable nomadic experience. In Tajikistan, Dushanbe is home to excellent properties like the Hyatt Regency and Serena Hotel, providing secure and comfortable lodging. While the region may not have the sheer number of ultra-luxury properties found elsewhere in Asia, the unique blend of post-Soviet grandeur, emerging international luxury, and authentic, family-run hospitality makes a journey through Central Asia a truly unique adventure. The best hotels here serve not just as a place to rest, but as a welcoming gateway to exploring one of the world’s most historically significant and least-explored regions.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ritz-Carlton, Astana | Astana, Kazakhstan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hilton Tashkent City | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hyatt Regency Bishkek | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty | Almaty, Kazakhstan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hyatt Regency Dushanbe | Dushanbe, Tajikistan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Savitsky Plaza | Samarkand, Uzbekistan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The St. Regis Astana | Astana, Kazakhstan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| InterContinental Tashkent | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Orion Hotel Bishkek | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Minzifa-I-Boutique Hotel | Bukhara, Uzbekistan | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| InterContinental Almaty | Almaty, Kazakhstan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Dushanbe Serena Hotel | Dushanbe, Tajikistan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Wyndham Tashkent | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Rixos Khadisha Shymkent | Shymkent, Kazakhstan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Wellness Park Hotel Bukhara | Bukhara, Uzbekistan | Spa Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Jannat Regency | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | Historic Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Rahat Palace Hotel | Almaty, Kazakhstan | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Farovon Khiva Hotel | Khiva, Uzbekistan | Modern Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Oguzkent Hotel | Ashgabat, Turkmenistan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Rixos Almaty Hotel | Almaty, Kazakhstan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hilton Garden Inn Samarkand | Samarkand, Uzbekistan | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Sheraton Bishkek | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Pan Pacific Tashkent | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hilton Astana | Astana, Kazakhstan | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
