My Ten Best Hotels In The World

It is hard to rank the ten best after the first two. But here goes. A little blurb about each one just to pique your interest.


10. Inn at Spanish Bay (Pebble Beach, CA)
Several things about this 17 Mile Drive Inn make it remarkable. First, the one you have heard about, is the lone bagpiper who walks down the 1st fairway at 6pm every night. He (or she) ends up at the outdoor patio/bar/lounge area where a cozy, warming bonfire keeps the patrons warm. Of course, the Links at Spanish Bay is a very nice and upscale course, difficult on a windy day. Another highlight is Roy's at Pebble Beach, the main restaurant here, and in my opinion, the very best in Roy's vast empire. I have not used the pool or spa facilities here yet, but the pro shop, and the spa shop are excellent. The grounds also are host to an Ansel Adams Photo Hike, and a large tennis complex. Deer roam the course and hotel grounds everywhere. The rooms are nicely appointed, with large bathrooms, balconies, and gas fireplaces. We have had the good fortune to stay in the Presidential Suite once. Our good friend John is the head bellman here. And the notoriously funny and entertaining Marc'ia, the Brazilian hottie, is our dear friend and waitress at Roy's. She is the best!

9. The Lodge Pebble Beach (Pebble Beach, CA)
The Lodge just exudes old time charm and character, as you half expect Bing Crosby or Jack Lemmon to jump out form behind the bar stool. The Tap Room is the site of many a drink fest, hole in one payoffs, and paid or unpaid wagers made on the course. The shops here are extraordinary, with Pebble Beach Shops, U.S. Open Shops, a Robert Talbott Shop, and a jewelry store. The free use of a Lexus coupe does not hurt either. The rooms are very spacious, large bathrooms, real wood burning fireplaces, and most with a view of the Pacific Ocean. It always feels very special to be a guest here. We have hosted many cocktail parties for our friends here. The spa is well known, as are the Beach Club, Equestrian Center, and the Tennis Club. Many of the expensive homes are nearby as well. A car is not necessary once on the grounds, as a shuttle will take you to Spanish Bay or the golf courses anytime you would like. And of course, let me not forget to mention my most favorite golf course in the universe, the LInks at Pebble Beach.

8. Sofitel Royal Angkor (Siem Reap, Cambodia)
No trip to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat can be complete without a stay at a 5 star hotel like the Sofitel. They have a magnificent pool and spa as well. The food is excellent, both in their all day buffets, and their French restaurant, Mahout's Dream. And the bar off the main lobby is a great place for drinks and appetizers any time of day. There are also private rooms for cigar parties, and the like. The rooms are large, and replenished with fresh fruit daily. The grounds feel like you are in the middle of the jungle rather than a hotel. It is on the main road leading to the Angkor complex. And the staff is very helpful and friendly. The spa here is very serene, but make sure you ask for a "Swedish" massage instead of the preztel maker, otherwise known as the Thai massage. Though modern in architecture, it feels like part of the Cambodia, and its wonderful heritage. It is an easy walk to some of the neighborhood shops across the street.

7. JW Marriott Hotel (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Just about any hotel on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach would be memorable. The JW is modern, friendly, right across the street from bikini clad volleyball coeds, and serves an excellent buffet breakfast. The view out the window is second to none. The hotel can supply cars with a driver, who are unmatched. Far superior to a cab any day. The spa on the top floor is also a great complement to a hot day of sightseeing or sun bathing. On Sundays, the main street, Atlantic, is closed to traffic, and everybody walks, runs, bikes, or pushes a stroller down the street. It is where the action is located, day and night. Just around the corner are several authentic Brazilian eateries, bakeries, grocery stores, and bars. But the traffic is horrendous, so do not rent a car, EVER.

6. Mandarin Oriental Hotel (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Kuala Lumpur has many nice hotels, but the location of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is the best. It is right next door to KLCC, the large shopping center, and its upstairs neighbor, the Petronas Twin Towers. Get an upgrade to a corner room, and it will feel like a suite. Fresh fruit daily, and a tasty, plentiful breakfast buffet are included. And it is an easy walk to most of KL's well known sites and shopping. The room overlooks the convention center and lake, unless you have a view of Petronas. The staff is quite friendly as well. The central location puts you in the middle of the action. It is a very classy place, but not so stiff that you can't laugh and enjoy yourself in the bars and cafes on site.

5. The Datai, Langkawi (Malaysia)
The Datai is a unique place, since it is very remote, even on the sparsely populated Malay island of Langkawi. But it is an experience you will never forget. The driver with a big Mercedes picks us up at the airport. We drive to almost the opposite side of the island, past the jungles, and monkeys along the roadside. Once there, no need to go anywhere. The Datai is a self contained place, with several restaurants, activities, recreational facilities, golf course, beach, and wildlife. It is a low key place, meant to be isolated, idyllic, and tropical all at once. You can see Thailand from our patio door. We saw monkeys right outside our patio doors. And the his and hers studio bathrooms are rather unique in Asia.
We met our dear friends, Chun and Jason here.

4. Old Course Hotel, St Andrews (Scotland)
While golf is the main attraction here, the Old Course Hotel is no slouch when it comes to comfort, pretty good food (for the U.K.), really nice stores on site, and the great Road Hole Bar on the top floor. Our first day there, we played 36 holes. So I can vouch for the warmth and comfort of a hot bath. And the Grill downstairs is excellent, mostly modified American fare. I would choose that over the formal dining room upstairs anytime. The Course takes care of tee times, your clubs, and transports us to our appointed tee times. The pro shop is so well stocked, and reasonably priced as well.
A cold beer and a sandwich works well between each round. And the storied town of St. Andrews is just a few hundred yards away. The Old Course is the highlight, so all of the hotel stuff is just a bonus.

3. Pinehurst (North Carolina)
Talk about a taste of the Old South, this is it. Lots of green grass, and white wooden structures. Small windy roads meander through the sandhills and forest. The charm of the staff is second to none. And the food reminds of a trip back into the 50's. There were 8 golf courses here when we visited. The Donald Ross Grill over at Pinehurst #2 was the best place to eat and drink. The rooms are old, but well maintained. It feels like Scarlet will walk down the hall at any moment. And the little town of Pinehurst is worth a half day as well, even lunch or dinner if you have time.

2. Peninsula Hotel (Bangkok, Thailand)
Most anyone who has stayed at a Peninsula Hotel will tell you it is THE best, whether in Beverly Hills, Hong Kong, or Chicago. From the time you step in, it feels like everyone is there just for us. High tea was in progress when we arrived. So we just joined in, as the check in process continued over champagne and dim sum. A four piece jazz combo plays every afternoon and evening. All the rooms face the Chao Praya River. The hotel has its own river shuttle to the other side for shopping and sightseeing. Helicopter pad on the roof for those of you flying in from the airport. The rooms are huge, and the amenities electronic. And so quiet, we never heard anyone.

1. Rasa Sayang (Penang, Malaysia)
If you ever get anywhere in Southeast Asia, you must stay here at least once. It is the BEST hotel we have ever stayed, seen, encountered, or looked at. Until then, I would have said it was the Peninsula. But here, we had an upgrade to a suite, and our own butler. The grounds are magnificent, and the spa is an attraction all on its own. But the highlight to me is the grand buffet at breakfast. Every type of Asian ethnic food is present, freshly prepared, plentiful, and FUN. I could spend the whole day there. And the beach and water activities are included. High tea in our lobby is complimentary and plentiful. Every afternoon, I had champagne, sushi, and dim sum. Take me back. It is walking distance to the Night Market, and to the hawker stalls. Never have I seen such a magnificently managed place.

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