The 15 Best City Hotels in Asia

The best city hotels in Asia, according to Travel + Leisure readers, capture their destination’s culture and vibrant energy.

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Asia is a land of extremes — superlatives like longest, tallest, largest, and busiest are often used to depict the destination's myriad cities and attractions. But among its many descriptors is also the word best: the continent is home to some of the world's best cities. Major metropolises like Chiang Mai, Tokyo, and Seoul — all meccas for food, culture, and history — made Travel + Leisure's 2022 list of best cities in the world. And, of course, Asia's cities are equally lauded for their incredible hotels, six of which landed on our World's Best Awards' 100 Best Hotels this year.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

Pool at Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
Courtesy of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

India — specifically, Mumbai and New Delhi — had a strong showing, with five hotels making the cut this year, including the No. 1 winner: the Oberoi, New Delhi. At No. 3 was the Taj Palace, also in New Delhi, with a tranquil spa, a massive pool starring a swim-up bar, and several restaurants, namely one inside a train car meant to mimic the Orient Express. For one reader, this hotel is "luxury at its best."

Vietnam and Singapore, meanwhile, took three spots each on this year's list, with Capella Hanoi (No. 2) getting praise for its "excellent personalized service" and ideal footprint near famous landmarks. Thailand and Japan brought in two hotels each: the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, for example, partially owes its No. 4 spot to its "beautiful location," while the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, ranked at No. 6 thanks to amenities like personal butlers, a luxurious spa, and sumptuous Thai-style décor.

Read on for the full list of best city hotels in Asia.

1. The Oberoi, New Delhi

Lobby at Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
Courtesy of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

The Oberoi, New Delhi, is not only the best city hotel in Asia, but it's also one of the 100 best hotels in the world, according to Travel + Leisure readers. That should come as no surprise, though, given the Oberoi Hotels brand's reputation for cocooning its guests in luxury. This 220-room property, well-positioned next to a golf course and popular Delhi attractions like the UNESCO-designated Humayun's Tomb, spoils visitors for choice, with both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, four restaurants (including one from chef Andrew Wong of Michelin two-star restaurant A. Wong in London), a patisserie, cigar lounge, spa, and, to top it off, warm Indian hospitality.

Score: 98.67

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2. Capella Hanoi

Lounge at Capella Hanoi
Courtesy of Capella Hanoi

Score: 98.18

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3. Taj Palace, New Delhi

Pool at Taj Palace, New Delhi
Courtesy of Taj Palace, New Delhi

Score: 97.60

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4. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Pool at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Score: 96.57

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5. Shangri-La Singapore

Guest room at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Courtesy of Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

Score: 96.33

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6. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Guest room at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Score: 96.18

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7. Taj Lands End, Mumbai

Guest room at Taj Lands End
Courtesy of Taj Lands End

Score: 95.73

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8. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Pool at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Courtesy of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Score: 95.65

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9. The Leela Palace New Delhi

Dining room at The Leela Palace New Delhi
Courtesy of The Leela Palace New Delhi

Score: 94.59

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10. Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Ambassador Suite at Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Score: 94.50

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11. Raffles Singapore

Exterior of Raffles Singapore
Coourtesy of Raffles Singapore

Score: 94.48

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12. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

One bedroom suite at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
Courtesy of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

Score: 94.13

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13. Capella Singapore

Pool at Capella Singapore
Courtesy of Capella Singapore

Score: 93.86

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14. Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

Pool at Park Hyatt Saigon
Courtesy of Park Hyatt Saigon

Score: 93.71

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15. Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

Dining at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

Score: 93.60

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