underground what the readers say
Readers' Choice Awards 2012

Which are your favorite hotels and resorts in the Asia-Pacific region? Where do you return time and again for unmatched amenities, service, and location? And which are your top picks for airlines, airports, city destinations, spas, and island getaways? Last year, we asked you these questions in our seventh annual Readers' Choice Awards poll, and your answers are compiled here in a list that defines the very best in regional travel.
BEST HOTELS AND RESORTS
For the seventh year running, DestinAsian readers have selected the Hyatt group as their favorite chain of business hotels in the Asia-Pacific region, citing "reliable, top-notch service," and "convenient locations." When it comes to leisure stays, however, you prefer Four Seasons hotels and resorts, which consistently deliver on the promise of "beautiful views" and "peaceful ambience." From Sydney to Seoul, your favorite individual properties are listed below.
BALI
Ayana Resort and Spa
Sprawling cliffside property set amid 77 manicured hectares near Jimbaran Bay.
Stats: 290 rooms; 78 villas; 8 restaurants; 2 bars.
Readers say: "Great facilities for all ages" and "very romantic sea views."
Don't Miss: Sundowners at the Rock Bar, perched above the crashing surf of the Indian Ocean. Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran; 62-361/702-222; ayanaresort.com
Runner-Up: Grand Hyatt Bali
BANGKOK
Mandarin Oriental
Legendary riverside hotel on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River; Noël Coward, Somerset Maugham, and James Michener all stayed here in their day.
Stats: 393 rooms; 8 restaurants; 2 bars.
Readers say: "Sheer opulence."
Don't Miss: Thai cooking classes, conducted in an annex across the river, next to the hotel's acclaimed Oriental Spa. 48 Oriental Ave.; 66-2/659-9000; mandarinoriental.com
Runner-Up: Grand Hyatt Erawan
BEIJING
Grand Hyatt
Curving glass high-rise on Beijing's main avenue, just down the road from the Forbidden Palace and Tiananmen Square and adjacent to the silk shops and teahouses of Wangfujing.
Stats: 825 rooms; 5 restaurants; 1 bar.
Readers say: "Incredible location, great staff, and well-put-togther facilities."
Don't Miss: Club Oasis, an underground (and over-the-top) spa and pool complex with waterfalls and a star-studded ceiling.
1 Dong Chang'an Dajie; 86-10/8518-1234; beijing.grand.hyatt.com
Runner-Up: Opposite House
DUBAI
Burj Al Arab
Iconic, sail-shaped landmark on a private island in the Arabian Gulf, linked by causeway to Jumeirah Beach.
Stats: 202 suites; 8 restaurants; 2 bars.
Readers say: "Nothing else like it."
Don't Miss: Wild Wadi Dubai, a nearby water park to which guests have unlimited access. Jumeirah Beach Rd.; 971-4/301-7777; burj-al-arab.com
Runner-Up: Park Hyatt
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