In a column for The Times, thirteen travel writers and editors detailed their favourite hotels in the world, ranging from Scottish country estates to historic palaces in India. The essay, published by The Times, highlights properties that staff members continue to daydream about long after checking out.
Gleneagles and Ballyfin Lead the Global Hotel Selections
Claire Irvin, head of travel at The Times, stated that Gleneagles in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, wears its grandiose scale lightly while infusing stays with a glamorous twinkle. Irvin also highlighted Ballyfin in Ireland for outdoing the concept of a home away from home through storybook grounds and lavish interiors, noting a Pompeii mosaic located in the entrance hall. For international stays, Irvin pointed to the Beverly Hills Hotel in California for its palm-fringed myth and history of martinis.
Jenny Coad, associate travel editor, selected the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, India. The palace has 32 acres of grounds and served as a residence for the Nizam dynasty. Coad recalled being served a jasmine martini on the terrace of the Gol Bungalow restaurant while hearing the hum of the city below. B&B doubles at the property start from £216.
Woodland Cabins in Cork and Javanese Pool Villas
Huw Oliver, audience editor, chose the Woodland Suites at the Montenotte in Cork, Ireland. The property features five black-painted cabins set among trees in the hotel gardens, complete with travertine floors and private terraces overlooking the River Lee. B&B doubles at the Montenotte start from £206.
An anonymous or uncredited writer also highlighted the Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa in Java, Indonesia, where a teak pool villa offered views of an active volcano and the 9th-century Borobudur temple. B&B doubles at the Plataran start from £138. Meanwhile, Cathy Adams, news features editor, selected the art deco Peninsula Hong Kong on the tip of Kowloon, citing its Italianate colonnaded lobby lounge and the high-rise Felix bar.
Riverside Retreats in Siem Reap and Farmhouse Stays in Menorca
Claudia Rowan, commissioning editor, named the Jaya House River Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia, as a favourite. The 36-room riverside hotel includes tuk-tuk rides to central Siem Reap, daily laundry service, and one hour-long massage per person daily in its room rates. B&B doubles at the property start from £220.
Lizzie Frainier, associate travel editor, selected Son Ermita in northern Menorca, Spain. The farmhouse hotel features infinity pools, morning yoga classes, and Grand Suites with oversized stone tubs. Lastly, the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus in Turkey was chosen by staff members who encountered the resident hotel cat at reception upon arrival at 1am. B&B doubles at the Conrad start from £172.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Featured Properties
What is the starting price for a room at the Taj Falaknuma Palace?
Bed-and-breakfast double rooms at the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad start from £216 per night.
How many rooms does Jaya House River Park feature?
The riverside hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia, has 36 rooms.
Which hotel features an art deco design on the Kowloon waterfront?
The Peninsula Hong Kong is located on the tip of Kowloon and features an art deco style with an Italianate colonnaded lobby lounge.
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