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.
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
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
2. Capella Hanoi
Score: 98.18
3. Taj Palace, New Delhi
Score: 97.60
4. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Score: 96.57
5. Shangri-La Singapore
Score: 96.33
6. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Score: 96.18
7. Taj Lands End, Mumbai
Score: 95.73
8. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Score: 95.65
9. The Leela Palace New Delhi
Score: 94.59
10. Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Score: 94.50
11. Raffles Singapore
Score: 94.48
12. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
Score: 94.13
13. Capella Singapore
Score: 93.86
14. Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
Score: 93.71
15. Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
Score: 93.60