Best grand dame – Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand

As soon as you step in, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok lobby greets you with luxury, including huge floor to ceiling windows, as well as grand chandeliers and palm trees in the atrium.

The 144-year-old hotel underwent its biggest renovation this year, and only opened again last month.

Spend the evening with lychee martinis at the Bamboo Bar, with live jazz, or the Le Normandie restaurant with classic Thai meals.