Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

What the classifiers highlight

Open since 1998 next to the Petronas Twin Towers, this hotel's lobby runs jade and black marble between pewter-wrapped pillars. Steaks at the Mandarin Grill come with a working fireplace and floor-to-ceiling glass; Mosaic's dessert island leans French patisserie, with mango-coconut dacquoise and candied-orange chocolate cake. The renovated spa ends in a lounge of hot and cold whirlpools.