Then there are the luxury hotels. I’m of the opinion that luxury hotels in Asia are of an entirely different breed than luxury hotels elsewhere in the world. It’s no surprise, after all, that the hotel consistently ranked best in the world is located in Asia. Of Singapore’s luxury hotel offerings, here are my top five choices:

Historical Heaven: Raffles Hotel

I first visited Raffles Hotel when it was newly renovated, sometime in the early 90′s. And I was wowed. This is less of a hotel, more of a cultural experience. It is, after all, where the Singapore Sling cocktail originated, and where the last tiger in Singapore was reportedly shot. There are no ordinary “rooms” here, either- just luxurious suites, each with a private parlor, period piece furnishings, and a 24-hour room valet. Book a suite at the Raffles Hotel »

Best in Sentosa: The Sentosa Spa & Resort

For those in search of something other than a city experience, there’s this, a “spa & resort” that sits high on the cliffs of Sentosa island, overlooking the South China Sea. You almost forget you’re in Singapore- but then, this is so much a part of Singapore that you realize you’re just experiencing another facet of the country. If you can, book a garden villa- and make sure you try out their spa treatments. More on The Sentosa Spa & Resort »

Best Service: The Ritz Carlton Millenia

I know some people who refuse to stay anywhere but the Ritz Carlton Millenia when in Singapore- and it’s more than just the bathtubs overlooking the harbor. To its loyal regulars, the service at The Ritz is simply unparalleled, the hotel luxurious yet not garishly opulent. They also serve a mean Sunday Brunch buffet. Experience the Ritz Carlton Millenia »

Location, Location, Location: Fullerton Hotel

Who knew that a former post office could be so luxurious? The Fullerton used to be the General Post Office, and retains its colonial charm and majesty beautifully. Of all these hotels, the Fullerton wins for best location. The Singapore River, the Esplanade, the Boat Quay, the Marina… everything is within steps of it. Its spacious rooms and friendly, efficient service is nothing to sneeze at either. Check in to the Fullerton Hotel »

City Tranquility: Shangri-La Hotel

I’ll be honest: Shangri-La hotels very rarely make it on my personal “top 5″ lists, because they seem the same all over the world. The Shangri-La Singapore, however, is an exception- and it is exceptional. It allows you to be away from the madding crowds of Orchard Road, yet well within walking distance of the best hot-spots in the City. For this reason, I particularly like it for business trips, offering a peaceful respite after hours and hours of meetings, without requiring a trip to Sentosa. Get some peace at Shangri-La Hotel »

Which are your favorite luxury hotels in Singapore?

Traveling for business to Beijing? Check out the Ritz Carlton’s Business Limousine package. It includes breakfast for one or two, round-trip limo transportation to the airport, and- of course- accommodations, and starts at about US$250.

The Ritz Carlton Beijing is, like most Ritz properties, absolutely beautiful- so this is a great deal. Good until December of this year.

I’ve always had a soft spot for rooms with views and am one of those people who would spend an extra $$ for that upgrade to get my fabulous view. A few months ago I was in Japan, and before I decided on where I was staying (my favorite part of planning), I did some sleuthing on where I could find a Tokyo hotel with great views.

What I found was that there is a huge selection as most of the top hotels in Japan have rooms with exquisite views. You have a choice of gorgeous Japanese gardens like the Imperial Palace or Meiji shrine, the glittering neon-lit buildings of the city, of Tokyo Tower, of bustling Ginza and I could go on…….all from the comfort of your bed or bathtub!

After much deliberation, I settled on the Four Seasons at Chinzan-so (pictured above), which unlike all the other hotels which were all in the center of the somewhat crazed city that Tokyo is, promised to be an oasis a mere 15 minutes away from Ginza- with its very own Japanese gardens (which once belonged to one of the Royals).

So the idea of drawing my curtains for a room service breakfast to the sight of green tranquility (complete with a lovely pagoda) was a wonderful part of the trip, but after dinner at the Park Hyatt (pictured above), I have to confess that the views of Tokyo at night were just amazing! It will definitely be a city view to try out next time.

What sets most of these hotels apart, of course, are their impeccable service- and it’s no different at The Oriental.

This hotel gives a whole new meaning to luxury, where every guest is a VIP, and needs are anticipated before they even surface.

Sound heavenly? If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, stay at The Oriental. Warning: you might never want to leave.

With rates starting at $425 a night, the VU (pronounced “view”) will open this summer and offer loft-inspired guest rooms complete with plasma tvs, iPod docking stations and stone-tiled bathrooms. The VU is a Kimpton Hotel- one of my favorite Hotel companies- so I’m expecting the best!

Visit VU Hotel’s website or see other New York hotels we love »

Inspired by the Louis XV style of French decor, rooms are impeccably adorned with custom-made furnishings, meticulously selected decorative accents and rich fabrics. The Plaza is proud to be the only hotel in the world offering stunning 24-karat gold plated Sherle Wagner sinks and fixtures, delicately cradled in hand-crafted solid white marble vanities, in every bathroom.

But what we’re really excited about are the new “Guest Services touch panels” by AMX, which provide access to personal butler and concierge assistance among other things.

The Plaza resumed operations on March 1st, 2008. Their grand opening will be held in May. If you plan to be there, start looking for a New York hotel now »

Learn more about the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius »

The Encore Suites resort will feature five restaurants, eleven retail shops, seven bars and lounges, a nightclub, and a spa and salon. Of course, what we really care about here at Hotelaholic are the rooms- and these promise to be very lovely: 2034 suites, with the Resort Suites measuring 700 square feet, and VIP suites at 5,800 square suites!