Save or Splurge with These Hotels in Asia
Sometimes, we’re in the mood to simply get away and we’re happy to rough it out in some budget accommodation in Asia. Other times, we want to really pamper ourselves and what we need is a luxurious hotel in Bangkok or Hong Kong.
Cheap hotel or luxury hotel? Save or splurge? We’ve put together this list with 2 hotel options on either end of the budget spectrum, in these 5 top destinations in Asia.
Hotel in Bangkok
Credit: The Warehouse Bangkok
Save: The Warehouse Bangkok
Located in old town Bangkok and just a five-minute walk from backpacker favourite Khao San Road, this new hotel is as hip as it gets. The name evokes the design concept – but instead of a dusty warehouse, expect trendy exposed lightbulb fixtures, hanging wires, steel and wood fixtures. Room interiors are accented with warehouse signage: ‘Loading and Unloading Only’ above the bed – fun!
Stay here for: The eclecticism, hipster vibe and location. There’s lots to explore nearby including the Grand Palace, museums, temples, and the stretch of bars and restaurants along Khao San Road.
Splurge: lebua at State Tower
Voted No.1 in Thailand in the Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards, this luxurious hotel lives up to its (tall) standards. Known for its iconic rooftop bar (made famous thanks to a cameo in The Hangover 2) which boasts a stunning bird’s eye view of the city, lebua also offers guests quality suites and amenities. Here you will be treated to sumptuously decorated rooms, a spa, swimming pool, fitness centre, and fine-dining pleasures.
Stay here for: Luxury city living. The hotel offers a glimpse of the high life in a bustling city – not to mention the top-of-the-world views you can retreat to every evening.
Hotel in Bali
Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Pte. Ltd
Save: Rama Candidasa Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for a comfortable base from which to explore the nature that Bali has to offer, this would be it. Near the hotel are both underwater and above ground pockets of nature – there are rice fields, rainforests, mountains and the ocean to uncover! The interior of the hotel boasts lush gardens, swimming pools, a spa, sun decks and rooms with contemporary design.
Stay here for: Beaches and diving. Take your pick from snorkelling, sailing, scuba diving, bicycling or eco touring activities to truly experience what Bali has to offer.
Splurge: Banyan Tree Ungasan
The Banyan Tree properties are synonymous with luxury and this is no different. Your splurge on a stay here gets you access to a private beach, full-service spa (including couple rooms), private pools in all rooms and delectable cuisine. The resort is also located nearby New Kuta Golf for a game or two.
Stay here for: The resort’s holiday packages, to enjoy with the special people in your life. Packages tailored to families and couples are available for sharing a quality getaway with loved ones.
Hotel in Hong Kong
Credit: The Upper House
Save: J Plus Hotel by yoo
A chic boutique hotel located in the middle of the action-packed city with one of the sexiest, most fashionable interiors we’ve come across – the J Plus Hotel was originally designed by Philippe Starck and recently given a facelift by his protégés at YOO Hotels to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2014. The stylish vibe fit is guaranteed to put you in the mood to take on the buzzing city.
Stay here for: The perks! These include complimentary breakfast, afternoon cake, evening wine and drinks
served in the lobby 24/7, complimentary broadband and Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access and best of all – every room comes with a smartphone with unlimited 3G data connectivity. (Very useful for Instagramming the #decor)
Splurge: The Upper House
Ranked No. 2 Top Hotel in The World and No. 1 Top Hotel in Asia in the 2014. Travellers’ Choice Awards, you can hardly go wrong with a stay at this property. Everything, from the design (courtesy of Andre Fu, one of Asia’s most applauded) to the in-room dual temperature wine fridges and espresso machines and the world-class cuisine and drinks at Café Gary Deluxe, comes together seamlessly to deliver an unbeatable stay. The complimentary maxibar (that’s what the minibar is called here) snacks are a nice added touch.
Stay here for: The best service and standards combined. If you must splurge, do it right by booking a suite at this top-notch hotel. Also located nearby are the best malls to indulge in top-label spending.
Hotel in Langkawi
Credit: The Datai
Save: Tubotel Langkawi
Tube + Hotel = ‘Tubotel’. That pretty much sums up your stay here, where the rooms are basically concrete tubes. The design is inspired by architect Andy Strauss’s dasparkhotel in Austria and it all makes for quirky holiday accommodation in this fuss-free hotel. Expect the basics: a bed, electricity and some storage space. Toilets and bathrooms are shared, as are other amenities including the fresh water plunge pools, comfy day beds, a full café, bar and restaurant.
Stay here for: A quiet seaside getaway. The beach is just a five-minute walk away and breakfast is complimentary – this means you’ll wake up, eat and head straight to the beach. Perfect!
Splurge: The Datai
This luxe resort is nestled amid the lush tropical forests between the Cincang Mountain Range and the Andaman Sea, and the only thing to rival its pristine surroundings are the comforts the resort promises. You’ll enjoy a private white-sand beach, an award-winning healing spa, the world’s best golf course (at the inaugural World Golf Awards 2014) boasting 18 holes, delectable cuisine at the restaurants and cafes, and guided eco tours of the forest.
Stay here for: A ‘staycation’ away from home, because you won’t want to step outside. If, for
some inexplicable reason, you need a reason to explore outside the resort, there is the option of chartering the NasaPelangi (‘Rainbow Dragon’), a traditional schooner that offers bespoke cruises with on-board massages.
Hotel in Osaka
Credit: St Regis Osaka
Save: The Dotonbori Hotel
You won’t miss the four statues sitting at the hotel entrance – these larger-than-life busts represent the people hailing from Asian, African, Arabian and Western backgrounds. Together, they represent the hotel’s philosophy of offering the best hospitality to guests from anywhere in the world. This translates to their service (staff are fluent in four languages), amenities and convenient location nearby the popular Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade.
Stay here for: The convenience. The hotel comes with 19 ‘free’ services which range from the standard (such as mineral water, high speed Wi-Fi), to those that go a step further such as the Panasonic ‘face care’ device, Japanese comic books and novels, cosmetic sets for the ladies, massage chair, console games, photos with the four statues and more.
Splurge: The St Regis Osaka
As with all St Regis properties around the world, you can look forward to a pampering stay where every need is taken care of – located within minutes of Osaka’s popular shopping and entertainment districts, no less. The best hospitality complements five-star comforts and thrills including a Sothys Spa, a 12th floor terrace vantage point for unforgettable city skyline views and the unflappable St Regis butler service.
Stay here for: The opulence. The spectacular skyline views extend to the dazzle inside the hotel, ensuring tip-top condition in the rooms and amenities (which include three restaurants with distinct concepts and cuisines).
Feature Image: The Datai