3) The Oriental, Bangkok
Was No. 9 on list of World’s Best Hotels in 2006. Legendary 130-year-old hotel and new tower on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Has 393 rooms; 9 restaurants; 2 bars. It is a landmark property with friendly, down-to-earth staff. Best rooms to book at split-level Gardens are high-tech and traditional. Don’t miss tea in the Authors' Lounge, dedicated to former writer-guests (Somerset Maugham; Joseph Conrad).


4) Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Historic property with Turkish-inspired interiors and a courtyard, next to Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. Has 65 rooms; 1 restaurant; 1 bar. Has an unparalleled Old City location. When booking a room, request one with a partial Blue Mosque view, or splurge on a 4th-floor Deluxe with a large balcony. Don’t miss Sicilian chef Giancarlo Gottardo's modern Mediterranean dishes.

5) The Milestone, London
New hotel to the World’s Best Hotels list this year. Overlooks Kensington Palace. 45 guest rooms, 12 suites, and six apartments. The hotel’s 19th-century buildings were restored in 1998.


Best hotels in the Continental U.S. & Canada
General notes: Southern hotels lead the Continental U.S. and Canada, making up nearly a quarter of the list. Three South Carolina properties place in the top ten. T+L readers are impressed by Southern charm.

1) Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge, Gold Beach, Oregon
Ranked No. 16 on the list last year. Asian-influenced Mission-style lodge on the Rogue River's banks. Has 18 rooms; 2 houses; 1 restaurant; 1 bar. Outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking) and plenty of creature comforts (wine tastings, high-speed Internet). All rooms have great views; the 3-bedroom house has a fireplace and outdoor tub. Don’t miss having private dinner at the Tututni Waters Cabana.

2) Woodlands Resort & Inn, Summerville, South Carolina
Was not ranked in the list of top 100 hotels in the continental U.S. and Canada last year. Restored 1906 mansion on 42 forested acres, 30 minutes west of Charleston. There are 18 rooms; 1 cottage; 1 restaurant; 1 bar. A place where Southern charm meets European style. The best room to book is the bi-level No. 302, with a cupola and spiral staircase. Don’t miss a private 12-course feast at chef Tarver King's table.

3) Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise, Alberta
Was No. 35 on list of top hotels in continental U.S. and Canada last year. Quiet alpine resort with a 1942 lodge on the Pipestone River, 5 minutes from Lake Louise. There are 92 rooms; 5 cabins; 1 restaurant; 1 bar. This hotel has a more intimate feel than the region's other resorts. The best rooms to book are those in the original lodge, with wood-burning fireplaces, 2-person Jacuzzis, and king-size beds. Don’t miss the Alpine Aroma-Detox at the resort's Temple Mountain Spa.


4) Blantyre, Lenox, Massachusetts
Ranked No. 32 on list of best hotels in continental U.S. and Canada in 2006. Tudor-style 1902 manor with a pretty, all-wood spa and collection of antiques, on 117 acres in the Berkshires. Has 25 rooms; 1 restaurant, a peaceful setting, and history and charm to spare. The best rooms to book are Wyndhurst, with a bamboo canopy bed, and Dorr, with a private terrace; both are steps from the saunas and spa. Don’t miss the experience of packing one of the chef's gourmet picnics for a day exploring the mountains.


5) Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina
Ranked No. 31 on last year’s list of top hotels in the continental U.S. and Canada. An oceanside estate with world-class golf and tennis facilities. 255 rooms; 3 restaurants; 2 bars. It has top-notch golf and a lovely beach on a barrier island just 30 minutes south of Charleston. The best room to book is No. 578, a corner room with three balconies. Don’t miss a bike ride along the paved trails of nearby Heron Park.

Top resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas

1) Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort, Antigua
Moves up from its No. 12 ranking in  last year’s Caribbean/Bermuda/Bahamas survey. This year, in addition to ranking No. 1 in its region, it also ranks No. 14 among hotels worldwide. Secluded colonial-style property on a 300-acre island accessible only by boat. Has 40 suites; 11 villas; 2 restaurants; 3 bars. The resort is so exclusive and intimate that the rooms don't have keys and every staff member knows your name. The best rooms to book at the Rondavels, with wraparound terraces and outdoor showers. Don’t miss an in-room Chinese facial with legendary masseuse Su Hua.

2) Ladera, St. Lucia
Retains its No. 2 ranking from last year. Stylish eco-lodge surrounded by rain forest; beaches are a shuttle ride away. Has 21 suites; 6 villas; 1 restaurant; 1 bar. Offers every activity under the sun — astrology sessions, fashion shows, garden walks, mixology classes. The best rooms to book are the Gros Piton Suites, with a plunge pool, waterfall, and spectacular views. Don’t miss tagging along with chef Orlando Satchell on a trip to the market.

3) Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Moved up from its No. 16 ranking on last year’s list. Genteel low-rise retreat with simple interiors on one of the island’s best beaches. There are 47 suites; 4 cottages; 1 restaurant; 2 bars. This is one of Jamaica’s most romantic spots. The best rooms to book are those in the Beach Wing, right on the sand. T+L recommends taking a scenic bike tour through the Blue Mountains.

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