Bangkok, Thailand

Regarded by many as the world’s finest hotel, the ‘MOBKK’ is an institution of superlatives. It boasts the highest staff-to-guest ratios of any five-star hotel (3:1) and was the first grand hotel ever opened in Asia. The list of former guests reads like an international Who’s Who: Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward, Audrey Hepburn, the British Royals, several American presidents and the Beckhams have all admired the views over the Chao Phraya from its sumptuously decorated suites. The original, double-storey 19th-century ‘Authors Wing’ was recently upgraded, but wears its historic patina lightly. The décor is sumptuous without being gaudy, and service flawless.