Travel + Leisure Top 25 Hotels in the World 2009

The Oberoi,Rajvilas
Goner Road Jaipur, India

From $516 per night

An elegant luxury hotel steeped in the romance of Jaipur's opulent heritage, Rajvilas is a revival of gracious living in the princely style of Rajasthan. Set in the tranquil countryside on 30 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, 8 kilimeters from the Pink CIty of Jaipur, the hotel is a perfect base from which to explore the region's many colourful and exotic attractions. 8km from the city centre, on the Jaipur-Agra Highway. Hotel entrance.

What's Great
Travel + Leisure says... "Rajasthani-style fortress with luxury tents and villas on the edge of Jaipur; it combines the romance of a past era with exacting modern standards. Stats: 71 rooms; 2 restaurants; 1 bar. Rooms to Book: Luxury Tents with classic colonial interiors and private terraces. Insider Tip: Go on an Indian spice-market tour with the hotel’s head chef." Top 25 Hotels 2009

Amenities

The Peninsula Hong Kong
Salisbury Road, Kowloon Hong Kong S.A.R., China

From $538 per night

Located on the tip of the Tsim Tsa Tsui peninsula in Kowloon, The Peninsula offers Hong Kong's best views, and is proximate to all major businesses, attractions and shopping. The Star Ferry and Mass Transit Railway subway stations are only a short walk away, and a heliport is available on the roof of the Hotel. Hong Kong International Airport is located 37 kilometers away, a 45 minute journey by car. Long hailed as one of the finest hotels in the world, The Peninsula Hong Kong opened 75 years ago in the glamorous 1920s. The legendary 'Grande Dame of the Far East' continues to set hotel standards worldwide, offering a blend of the best of Eastern and Western hospitality. A fleet of Rolls-Royce limousines and helicopter shuttle service from the hotel's rooftop helipad, offer hotel guests luxurious transportation to and from Hong Kong International Airport and around Hong Kong. Restaurants and bars at The Peninsula Hong Kong are among the most exclusive and most elegant in Hong Kong. High tea at The Peninsula's Lobby is a Hong Kong institution. Also offered are a world-class rooftop fitness center, heated indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art business center and well-equipped meeting and banqueting facilities. The Peninsula Hong Kong offers the ultimate in luxury accommodations, among the most spacious in Hong Kong. All 300 rooms and suites are furnished to the very highest standards of luxury, and feature in-room fax machine, work desk with complimentary wireless and network high-speed Internet access, 2-line IDD phones, marble bathroom with separate tub and shower, TV located over bathtub, double wash basins, wide screen plasma satellite TV with premium channels and movies, mini-bar, bedside control panel, blackout drapes, CD and DVD players, hair dryer, safe and dual 110V/220V voltage. Many rooms and suites offer commanding views of the harbor and the city.

What's Great
Travel + Leisure says... "Iconic 1928 Neoclassical-style hotel overlooking Victoria Harbour, with old-world grandeur (white-gloved attendants, lobby orchestra) and impeccable service (the staff-to-guest ratio is the highest in the city at 3:1).
Rooms to Book: Grand Deluxe Harbour Views on floors 17 through 27 offer superb views of the harbor.
Insider Tip: Take in Philippe Starck’s avant-garde design and sweeping views of the skyline by night at the 28th-floor Felix restaurant and bar."
-From www.travelandleisure.com-Top 25 Hotels 2008

Amenities

The Peninsula Bangkok
333 Charoennakom Road Bangkok, Thailand

From $209 per night

Located on the legendary Chao Phraya river in the Thonburi district of Bangkok, The Peninsula Bangkok's unique W-shape offers wonderful panoramic views from every guest room. The Peninsula Bangkok is near the Sathorn Bridge, offering nearby access to river crossing, as well as all of Bangkok's major tourist attractions and business addresses. The Peninsula Bangkok is located 37 kilometers southwest of Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport. Similar to the flagship property in Hong Kong, the distinctive architecture of The Peninsula Bangkok has now added a statement to the Bangkok skyline. The charming Peninsula riverboat shuttle service and sky train bring the hotel close to all major shopping areas and tourist attractions. The hotel offers five restaurants and two bars featuring many different types of local and international cuisine. A fully-equipped business center and 24-hour room service and concierge are also available. Recreation facilities include a fully equipped spa and fitness center, 60-meter, three-tiered outdoor swimming pool and two floodlit tennis courts. Traditional Thai massage is also provided at the fitness center. Golf bookings and transportation can be arranged at Thai Country Club, a well-known golf course in Thailand. The Peninsula Bangkok has received numerous international awards including 'World's Best Hotel' by Travel and Leisure and 'Best Hotel in Asia' by Conde Nast Traveler. All 370 river view guestrooms and suites including 308 spacious guestrooms, 62 one-bedroom suites and 5 Theme suites are equipped with a private fax machine, data port, complimentary network and wireless high-speed Internet service, data ports, bedside control panel, 110V/220V dual-voltage, safe, CD player, IDD telephone, voice mail, luxurious marble bathroom with two vanity units, hands-free telephones and built-in TV in bathtub.

What's Great
Travel + Leisure says...
"A 39-story tower with sleek Asian-influenced interiors, impeccable service, and one of Bangkok’s best spas, the 19,000-square-foot Espa.
Rooms to Book: Deluxe rooms, which have full views of the river.
Insider Tip: Dine on deep-fried snow fish with sweet-and-sour sauce from the hotel’s Thai restaurant, Thiptara."
-Top 25 Hotels 2008

Amenities

The Oberoi Udaivilas
Haridasaji Ki Magri Udaipur, India

From $516 per night

A breathtakingly beautiful Mewar-style residence on the shores of Lake Pichola. The Oberoi Udaivilas is a magnificent blaze of domes and spires set around courtyards, and surrounded by gardens, pools and fountains. The food is superb, the spa and fitness suite state-of-the-art and the location perfect for exploring Udaipur. The impressive lobby with its vast domed ceiling and fountain is undeniably palatial. In the gardens, a moat-like pool meanders past the terraces of each Lake View room providing semi-private swimming. Suites have private pools, tented dining pavilions and butler service. Picnic on a private gondola or enjoy traditional dance and music whilst dining alfresco on authentic regional dishes. Relax in the spa against a backdrop of stunning lake views for a holistic treatment and then, venture into Udaipur and soak up the bustling atmosphere of the market. The Oberoi Udaivilas is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property.

What's Great
Travel + Leisure says... "The full package: an impeccable replica palace in marble, sandstone, and gold leaf, set in an idyllic setting (it’s on 30 lakeside acres of former royal hunting grounds), with cosseting service. Stats: 86 rooms; 2 restaurants; 1 bar. Rooms to Book: Premier Lake View rooms with semiprivate pools overlooking Lake Pichola. Insider Tip: Arrange a dinner for two on a floating pontoon in the lake."

Amenities

The Oberoi Amarvilas
Taj East Gate Road Agra, India

From $680 per night

A palace, overlooking a palace, The Oberoi Amarvilas is renowned for great views of the Taj Mahal, yet it is palatial in its own right. Influenced by Moorish and Mughal architecture the majestic mansion encircles an impressive colonnade filled with fountains and reflection pools. The lobby is breathtaking with an impressive domed ceiling, solid pillars, gold paintwork and an abundance of marble, plush sofas and chandeliers everywhere. Every guestroom has a view of the Taj Mahal and an enormous bed, many have private terraces. Make a reservation at the Indian Restaurant where funky decor of cubes and stripes accompanies exquisite local dishes. The therapies in the spa combine Indian and Thai. Here you can luxuriate in a bath with marigold petals before balancing your mind and body in a variety of yoga classes. The Oberoi Amarvilas is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property.

What's Great
Travel + Leisure says...
"Contemporary Moorish and Mughal fantasy of marble pools and fountains, designed so that all rooms look out on the Taj Mahal.
Rooms to Book: Premier rooms with balconies.
Insider Tip: Take a ride on elephant or golf cart to the Taj Mahal, which is five minutes from the hotel."

Amenities

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