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The 10 Best City Hotels in Asia in 2018

The 10 Best City Hotels in Asia in 2018

By John Wogan

July 10, 2018

Courtesy of The Temple House

From the glittering lights of Tokyo to the bustling streets of Mumbai, Asia is home to some of the most spectacular cities in the world. And if you love hotels, you’re in luck: there’s everything from strikingly modern airport hotels to soaring urban sanctuaries and shikumen-style villas.

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 were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Related: The 2018 World's Best Awards

Taking five spots, India was well represented on this year’s list. The second-place winner, the Oberoi Mumbai, is located on Marine Drive, a scenic coastal boulevard with stunning Art Deco architecture and numerous restaurants and heritage buildings. Before you go exploring, hit the hotel’s 24-hour spa and the heated outdoor swimming pool, where there are jaw-dropping views of the Arabian Sea and the Mumbai skyline.

In Bangalore, India, the contemporary Taj hotel, which came in at No. 7, has the distinction of being a true airport hotel — Kempegowda International’s check-in desks are steps from the lobby. But there’s also a large infinity swimming pool with sunbeds; a decadent spa that’s open until 9 p.m.; and three standout restaurants, including Soi & Sake, a fusion restaurant with live teppanyaki and sushi stations.

In Singapore, the venerable Raffles is set to begin a new chapter in its 131-year history. This fall, the iconic property will reopen its doors after an ambitious 18-month renovation. Interior designer Champalimaud Design, who also conceived the guest suites at Los Angeles’s Hotel Bel-Air and London’s Dorchester, is overseeing the extensive overhaul to the rooms and lobby.

Eager to see what property earned the winning title? It’s located in Chengdu, the capital of China’s Szechuan province. In this emerging city, you can try the region’s renowned fiery cuisine, visit a giant-panda research center, and use this hotel as your home base.

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10. Taj Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi

Courtesy of Taj Palace

Score: 94.73

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9. Raffles, Singapore

Courtesy of Raffles Hotel Singapore

Score: 94.83

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8. Palace Hotel, Tokyo

Courtesy of Palace Hotel, Tokyo

Score: 95.20

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7. Taj, Bangalore, India

Courtesy of Taj Bangalore

Score: 95.29

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6. The Oberoi, Gurgaon, India

Courtesy of The Oberoi, Gurgaon

Score: 95.33

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5. The Oberoi, New Delhi

Courtesy of The Oberoi, New Delhi

Score: 95.58

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4. The Peninsula, Tokyo

Courtesy of The Peninsula Tokyo

Score: 96.00

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3. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Score: 96.07

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2. The Oberoi, Mumbai

Courtesy of The Oberoi, Mumbai

Score: 96.42

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1. Temple House, Chengdu, China

Courtesy of The Temple House

Score: 97.26

Taking top honors for the second year in a row is the Temple House, which looks like it comes straight out of a period film. Though it incorporates a Qing-dynasty courtyard building, the interiors are a study in contemporary minimalism, with sleek white sofas, local materials (timber, bamboo, stone), and rooms with rain showers and serene courtyard views. Said one reader of the hotel’s design: “The combination of the heritage building and the ultramodern interiors is quite breathtaking.” And while the temptation is to hole up in your restful room all day, the restaurants here are considered among the best in Chengdu. Readers were especially fond of Mi Xun, a traditional teahouse. The spa has a steam room, a hammam, and pampering treatments like diamond facials and tea body wraps.

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2018.

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