World's Best Business Hotels 2010

Travelers rank the top 25 business hotels worldwide in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best survey.

Ask anyone who logs dozens of hotel nights each year what matters most to them, and you’re apt to get a fairly consistent checklist: top-notch service, hassle-free technology, comfortable rooms, and a convenient location. And business travelers are demanding these needs be met in a growing number of destinations like Beijing and New Delhi, in addition to the usual suspects of New York and London.

So in 2010, which business hotels best delivered that tangible mix of effortless hospitality and being in the right place at the right time? In the annual World’s Best survey, Travel + Leisure asked readers to choose their favorite business hotels—properties that meet the highest standards of convenience, service, and comfort.

In the U.S., 10 properties in nine cities made the top 25. Interestingly, in 2009, only five American cities could claim top business hotels—perhaps this indicates a shift in the most-traveled-to cities during tough economic times. But most significant was the number of new hotels this year: 19 of the top 25 hotels weren’t on the 2009 list.

It’s probably no surprise that 10 of the top 25 hotels are in Asia, long home to legendary properties. Beijing has two hotels on the 2010 list, including the St. Regis, Beijing, which vaulted to No. 6 this year from No. 15 in 2009. And Shanghai has one, the Four Seasons Hotel, Shanghai, which ranked No. 14 (after not making last year’s top 25). The Peninsula, Hong Kong had a very strong showing at No. 2, jumping nine spots from 2009. With its strategic location, legendary service, and spacious, tech-equipped rooms, it remains a favorite of time-strapped executives.

New Delhi broke onto the list with two properties, including No. 7–ranked The Imperial, while Buenos Aires snagged three top spots, including the Hilton Buenos Aires, which tied for No. 15. Notably, it is one of just three top 25 properties deemed a great value, with starting rates of $250 or less.

Which hotel snagged the coveted No. 1 ranking? Was it somewhere close to home or thousands of frequent-flier miles away? To find out, check out our list of the world’s best business hotels. —Donna Heiderstadt

(800) 231-2759 or (713) 680-2626
www.houstonian.com

2010 overall score: 92.97 $

$ Denotes Great Value (starting room rates of $250 or less)

(800) 526-6567 or 66-2-659-9000
www.mandarinoriental.com

2010 overall score: 93.12

(800) 332-3442 or (415) 633-3000
www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco

2010 overall score: 93.19

(800) 223-6800 or 54-11-4808-2100
www.alvearpalace.com

2010 overall score: 93.2

(866) 382-8388 or (312) 337-2888
www.chicago.peninsula.com

2010 overall score: 93.33 *

* Denotes true tie

(800) 223-6800 or 33-1-44-71-15-00
www.crillon.com

2010 overall score: 93.33 *

* Denotes true tie

54-11-4891-0000
www1.hilton.com

2010 overall score: 93.33 *

* Denotes true tie

852-2522-0111
www.mandarinoriental.com

2010 overall score: 93.33 *

* Denotes true tie

(800) 332-3442 or 852-3196-8888
www.fourseasons.com/hongkong

2010 overall score: 93.33 *

* Denotes true tie

2010 overall score: 93.33 *

* Denotes true tie

(800) 221-9083 or (214) 742-8200
www.hoteladolphus.com

2010 overall score: 93.33 *

* Denotes true tie

(800) 332-3442 or 86-21-6256-8888
www.fourseasons.com/shanghai

2010 overall score: 93.53

(888) 448-7867 or (212) 299-1000
www.trumpintl.com

2010 overall score: 93.79

(202) 730-8800
www.sofitel.com

2010 overall score: 93.91 $

$ Denotes Great Value (starting room rates of $250 or less)

(800) 443-5468 or (617) 267-1607
www.eliothotel.com

2010 overall score: 94

(800) 635-1042 or (215) 546-9000
www.rittenhousehotel.com

2010 overall score: 94.4

44-207-493-0111
www.thestaffordhotel.co.uk

2010 overall score: 94.44

91-11-2302-6162
www.tajhotels.com

2010 overall score: 94.67

91-11-2334-1234
www.theimperialindia.com

2010 overall score: 95

(877) 787-3447 or 86-10-6460-6688
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis

2010 overall score: 95.79

(866) 382-8388 or 66-2-861-2888
www.bangkok.peninsula.com

2010 overall score: 96 *

* Denotes true tie

(800) 223-1234 or 54-11-5171-1234
www.buenosaires.park.hyatt.com

2010 overall score: 96 *

* Denotes true tie

(800) 241-3333 or 86-10-6601-6666
www.ritzcarlton.com

2010 overall score: 96 * $

* Denotes true tie
$ Denotes Great Value (starting room rates of $250 or less)

(866) 382-8388 or 852-2920-2888
www.peninsula.com

2010 overall score: 96.74

(800) 332-3442 or (404) 881-9898
www.fourseasons.com/atlanta

2010 overall score: 98.1