The Mandarin Oriental

No hotel combines better ultraluxury digs with incredible views than this gem. Heaven begins after a rocketing ride on the elevators to the rooms, located between the 38th and 48th floors of a high-rise. The opulent rooms feature contemporary Asian-influenced decor, but the best details by far are the huge windows with superb city views, particularly when the fog rolls in. Not all rooms have bathtub-side views (incredible and standard with the signature rooms), but every one does have a luxurious marble bathroom stocked with terry and cotton cloth robes, a makeup mirror, and silk slippers. The 2,000-square-foot Taipan suite -- which has a kitchenette, living room, dining area, bedroom, roomy bathroom, and bay-view balcony half the size of a football field -- is twice as big as my entire house. An added bonus: The restaurant, Silks, has a kitchen crew working wonders with the Asian-influenced menu, though the dining room can be awkwardly empty.

Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; concierge; fitness center; room service

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.