Asia's top 10 boutique Hotels
AGODA.COM, an online hotel reservations company, has released its list of the Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Asia-Pacific for 2009. This is Agoda’s second annual review of increasingly popular boutique hotels. The selection criteria was based on customer scores, reviews, comments on personalized services and the unique designs these smaller hotels employ.

Boutique hotels, often referred to as “design hotels,” are a growing trend in Southeast Asia. For the purpose of the survey, Agoda defmed a boutique hotel as a smaller (generally fewer than 200 rooms), personalized alternative to hotel groups and chains. The customer reviews were ranked in terms Of the score they provided, with their comments regarding the “feel of the hotel” considered as additional criterion.

CEO Michael Kenny commented, “We’re seeing more and more boutique hotels with chic and unique designs. This year’s list included everything from retro themes to modern, minimalist designs. We used the same basic criteria as last year to defme what consti- tute a boutique hotel. Moreover, we added cus- tomer review scores and comments provided about theft experiences while staying at each hotel.”

Mr. Kenny said they found that travelers to Asia preferred hotels that pro- vided them with that “home away from home” feeling. “Customers want smaller and more distinct hotels with personalized service. It appears that the two largest demographics choosing boutique hotels tend to be couples and solo travelers. Both groups demand tailored service and comfortable stays.” he added.

The star rating was also a consideration for Agoda’s list. Although, Agoda’s 2008 Boutique Hotels list empha- sized personalized treatment and aesthetics, star ranking was not a consideration. However, most of the hotels nominated for 2009’s list had four- or five-star ratings. Despite being labeled as a boutique hotel, star ranking is still a consideration for popularity and tends to provide a base level of expectations for travelers. Here are the Top 10 hotels ofAsia-Pacjfic.

• Trisara Hotel, Phuket, Thailand

Trisara emphasizes privacy, simplicity, peace and space. Forty-two villas and suites have been created with a clean, contemporary look with subtle traditional Thai touches where private infinity edged pools meet inspired views of the Andaman Sea. Besides mas- sages, body treatments and facials, the Trisara Spa special- izes in yoga and meditation and offers the Trisara Punti Purifica- tion and Revitalization program in partnership with expert herbalists. Other features at this exclusive resort and spa include complimentary iPods in the library with a wide range of music, customized private dining options and a private bay surrounded by a coral reef.
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• The Scarlet Hotel, Singapore This award-winning hotel is no stranger to Top 10 lists. Each of the rooms has a personality of its own, from the red-toned Passion Suite to the Opulent Suite with its olive walls and gold headboard. The award- winning Desire and the rooftop Breeze restaurants delight palates, and for a “bar with an attitude,” Bold fits the bill. Fitness enthusiasts will adore the recreational facilities that include the aptly named Soda and Flaunt (the Jacuzzi and gym). The classic European exterior belies the bold colors and chic furniture that waits inside. From red exterior shutters and color-themed accommoda- tion to brash facilities and distinctive meeting rooms, The Scarlet Hotel is designed to leave an impression.

• The Luxe Manor, Hong Kong The second-largest hotel on the list, The Luxe Manor is a little like Hong Kong itself: Chinese origins with European flavors and an eclectic mix of the new with the classic. Themed suites like the Safari Suite, designed as if from the Serengeti and the abstract Mirage Suite, seemingly insr by Salvador Dali, immediatel set the hotel far apart from the ordinary. Deluxe suites are elegantly furnished with modem amenities like LCD TVs and on- demand entertainment. Contem- porary artwork lines the walls of the restaurant, while the world- renowned chefs create culinary masterpieces. Chocolates personally delivered to each guestroom in the evening make staying at The Luxe Manor seem even more decadent. more info. »

• Dream Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand The Dream Hotel, with its fantastic second wing, is the largest hotel on the list. The eclectic mix of chic decoi brashness and top-level service

allows the Dream Hotel to move up from last year’s list. Plush indigo hallways lead to crisp- white rooms with blue high- lights, and ultra modem bathrooms. At night, dreamy blue lights emanate from beneath the beds, washing the rooms in a relaxed ethereal glow. Egyptian cotton sheets, feather beds, flat-screen TVs and a pre- loaded iPod await after a day of facials at the Avatar Spa or an evening chilling at Bangkok’s favorite hotspot, the Flava Lounge.

• Kirketon Hotel, Sydney, Australia A recent renovation has once again set this intimate 40- room hotel on top of

of Australia’s best-boutique list, as it moves away from its previous minimalist design and toward fashionable chic sophistication. A highly personal, elegant hotel, the Kirketon is part of Australia’s Eight Hotels group a specialist in the boutique market. Rich, warm tones welcome guests to plush, private rooms in the heart of Darlinghurst, next to Sydney’s restaurant and nightlife district. The Kirketon exudes style, and the hotel prides itself on exquisite service catering to any whim.

• The Screen Hotel, Kyoto, Japan The Screen Hotel consists of 13 rooms, each with a different design, and walks the line between traditional Japanese iyokan (traditional inn) and a modem minimalist boutique. As one of the first boutique hotels in Kyoto, this intimate inn has some rooms that showcase tatami (rice straw) flooring and shoji (translucent paper) screens while others flaunt more Westem designs. Stylish and intimate with a Japanese attention to detail, The Screen is an ideal place to experience a little Japanese history without giving up those westem comforts. With flat-screen TV’s, Bose Stereos, espresso machines in some suites and western breakfast available, the management of this hotel has cone out of its way to ensure comfort for all guests.

The Majestic, Malacca,Malaysia Lying on the banks of the Malacca River, The Majestic is a regal colonial-style boutique in the heart of Malaysia. Winner of the Hospitality Asia Platinum Award for Southeast Asia’s Best Signature Bou- tique Hotel for 2008-2010 Regional Series, The Majestic is exactly as its name implies. Fifty-four exquisite rooms display the diverse mix of cultures from Malaysia’s past. Pernakan Chinese styles with Dutch, British, and Portuguese influences create a rich and intimate setting. Luxurious rooms with porcelain floors, teak trim, leather furniture, pedestal bathtubs, four post beds and authentic regional artwork await those lucky enough to reach The Majestic’s magical realm.

• Jia Shanghai Hotel, Shanghai, China Jia’s second hotel is just as exciting as the first one it opened in Hong Kong and continues along Yeim Wong’s original concept for interest- ing, eclectic and functional boutique hotels. Fashioned out of a 1920s European building in the heart of Shanghai, the 55 chic, color- themed, award-winning rooms are bold, hip and designed to delight both the business and leisure traveler. Jia means “home” in Mandarin, and the Jia Shanghai has succeeded in creating a home away from home . . . it’s just that this home is a far more fascinating destination.

• The Elysian Boutique Villa Hotel, Bali, Indonesia This hotel comprises 26 luxury private pool villas in a Balinese paradise and is the only “resort style” boutique on the list. Available for both short- and long-term stays, The Elysian has the look of “modem Asia” with an open design. Trimmed with teakwood and local volcanic stone, each villa features its own walled garden. Unique amenities like Bose sound systems and preloaded iPod Nanos come standard in every villa, along with mini-bars stocked with champagne and energy drinks.

• Amanjaya Pancam Hotel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Adjacent to Wat Ounalom, the luxurious Amanjaya Pancam is the hotel of choice in the capital of Cambodia. Constructed from an old riverside building with French accents, the Amanjaya Pancam is located at the famous Sisowath Quay, in the center of the city. The rooms include king-size beds and are decorated in rich, Cambodian style. Easy access to Phnom Penh’s attractions like the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum helped put this hotel on the list.

From : Samui Express