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The 15 Best City Hotels in Asia of 2025
City views from a lounge area at the Regent Hong Kong.
Thailand, our 2025 Destination of the Year, remains ever-popular with readers, and this year is no exception. The Southeast Asian nation had four hotels on the list, including Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (No. 7), a longtime favorite for 'service that's best in class,' according to a reader. Another superfan noted that 'my wife and I have stayed here over 250 nights over the last 23 years. They always welcome us back like it's home.'
Rising up the list this year is the runner-up, EQ Kuala Lumpur, which improved from its No. 5 spot in 2023 (and was absent from last year's awards). Located in the city center, the 440-room luxury hotel stood out for its 'amazing food and accommodations,' and the 'stunning view from Sky51,' referring to the property's rooftop bar, which hosts live bands and DJs.
The highest ranked hotel from India is the recently renovated Taj Mahal in New Delhi (No. 4), and was joined by Taj Lands End in Mumbai (No. 10), which has sweeping views over the Arabian Sea. China, meanwhile, had five properties on the list, including the 213-room The Middle House (No. 10) in Shanghai's Dazhongli neighborhood, known for its extensive art collection and sleek, contemporary interiors by Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni.
Read on to learn this year's winner, which earned a near-perfect score.
My wife and I have stayed here over 250 nights over the last 23 years. They always welcome us back like it's home.
— T+L Reader
Regent Hong Kong Details in a Regent Hong Kong guest room.
Not only did Regent Hong Kong take top honors in this category (improving on its runner-up status last year), but it was also the winner in our Hong Kong city hotels category. And it's no wonder: This 497-room Kowloon property underwent a complete makeover in 2023, overseen by Hong Kong-born, Milan-based designer Chi Wing Lo, and is known for delivering on all fronts. As one reader put it, the Regent has an 'incredible location, views, very sophisticated design, and attentive service.' Another reader concurred that 'the view is just too beautiful. No one can compete with that,' referring to the hotel's position overlooking Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Other first-rate amenities here include the rooftop terrace with three infinity pools; the Regent Club, a separate and exclusive lounge where guests can stop in for breakfast and refreshments throughout the day; and the Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, Lai Ching Heen, popular for its dim sum lunch.
1. Regent Hong Kong
Reader score: 99.10
2. EQ Kuala Lumpur
Reader score: 98.73
3. The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
Reader score: 98.64
4. Taj Mahal, New Delhi
Reader score: 98.59
5. Rosewood Bangkok
Reader score: 98.43
6. Regent Beijing
Reader score: 98.40
7. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader score: 98.32
8. (tie) Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
Reader score: 98.00
8. (tie) The Middle House
Reader score: 98.00
10. Taj Lands End, Mumbai
Reader score: 97.93
11. Rosewood Phnom Penh
Reader score: 97.92
12. Capella Hanoi
Reader score: 97.87
13. Palace Hotel Tokyo
Reader score: 97.66
14. Lebua at State Tower
Reader score: 97.58
15. Capella Bangkok Reader score: 97.43
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