The 10 Best City Hotels in Asia in 2018

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.