As we’ve done quite a few posts on Asian destinations, it was interesting to see the Asian winners at the World Travel Awards.
The coveted title of Asia’s Leading hotel went to nonother than the Oriental in Bangkok, a fine choice, as after staying there I cannot imagine a better hotel I’ve ever stayed at. It was also nice seeing another grand old hotel win a top award when Tokyo‘s “Imperial Hotel” won as “Japan’s Leading Hotel”
The Peninsula group also won a quite a number of awards in the region, including “Leading Hotel Brand”, “Hong Kong’s Best Business Hotel”, “Thailand’s Best Business Hotel”, “China’s Leading Hotel (Beijing) and “The Philippines Leading Hotel”. I’ve visited most of them, and I quite agree that you cant go wrong with the Peninsula anywhere.
In Sri Lanka, I was mildly surprised to find that “The Hilton, Colombo” won as the country’s leading hotel, and the best Spa/Resort was “The Lighthouse” in Galle Fort. Having been to both places, I must say that neither were at the level of some of the other Leading Hotels like say the Hong Kong Pen or even The Philippines Best Spa/Resort Winner, the decadently luxurious Amanpulo. They were okay, but not brilliant. But then again Sri Lanka is a country whose travel industry is really just beginning, so theres still plenty of time for improvement there.
[tags]travel,travel awards,hotels,asia[/tags]