Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

In the heart of the Financial District stands the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong—a landmark of the city since 1963. Despite this Grande Dame's age, she's still in good shape, with 502 sleek and contemporary rooms and suites decked out in the woods and color schemes of the Orient. The real downside is that the ceilings in every public space and guest room are low, and overall the hotel feels a bit dark and tired, despite its elegance. If you're looking for a respite from the fast and furious pace of Hong Kong, I recommend the spa; 8 private treatment rooms, including 2 couples' suites, Ayurvedic Sanctuary, herbal steam rooms, water therapies and treatments drawing on Chinese medicinal practices. To finish it of, you can visit the salon or barber, leaving you looking your gorgeous self for a night out. I do not recommend the well-known Cantonese restaurant there (ManWah); it's a boring room—you can do better! However, whether you have a sweet tooth or not, you must the visit the Mandarin cake shop—the high couture of the cake world. Kids are equally well catered for, with gifts, mini robes and slippers, children's TV, board games and Xboxes and special menus and activities in several of the restaurants.

Room rates from $460.