Ask a Cathay member: what’s your favourite hotel and why?

Feather-soft beds, opulent interiors and attentive staff who anticipate your every need – these are just some of the special details that distinguish a good hotel from a great one. The world’s best hotels are more than just a place to lay your head; they provide an experience that is memorable, unique and rooted in a sense of place. In this article, Cathay members reveal their top spots to check in across Europe and Asia, from a charming relais in the Northern Italian countryside to a historic London hall and a quirky marine-themed Manila resort. 

“For a stay that truly captures the magic of a city while offering a serene escape, my choice is the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice . Located on the tranquil Giudecca Island, this hotel is a masterpiece of brick-walled industrial restoration: a majestic former flour mill transformed into a beacon of Venetian luxury.

“What sets it apart is its unique vantage point. While the heart of Venice can feel bustling and labyrinthine, the Molino Stucky offers a room with a view of the entire skyline across the Giudecca Canal. The experience begins with the hotel’s private wooden shuttle boat, whisking you across the water like a local. The crown jewel, however, is the rooftop pool – a rare find in Venice – where you can soak in the panoramic vistas as the sun sets over the Campanile. The service is impeccable, blending historic charm with modern sophistication.” 

“I was born in London, so staying at The Ned held a certain resonance that’s hard to describe. In a sense, you’re stepping into layers of the city. The old Midland Bank hall still carries its weight: thick columns, muted light, an Edwardian calm. I made a gin and tonic in my Art Deco-furnished room and imagined the likes of TS Eliot and Virginia Woolf walking the streets in the 1930s and 1940s. The room echoed this sense of permanence: nothing flashy, just well-judged and deeply comfortable. Jazz drifted up from the lobby below. By morning, after a soak and a quiet swim, it felt less like a hotel stay and more like spending the night inside London’s memory – familiar, alive, and still unwinding.” 

“The Oasi di Galbusera Bianca in Lecco, Italy, holds a special place in my heart. It’s a cosy country guesthouse surrounded by vineyards, with a cobblestone courtyard and walls coated in ivy. The best bit: every single room is decorated according to its own whimsical theme, complete with vibrant murals, antique furniture and eclectic artwork. I’d love to go back and experience it all again one day.” 

“For sheer offbeat charm, my favourite is Hotel H2O in Manila. Set inside Manila Ocean Park, between Rizal Park and the harbour, this hotel redefines what it means to ‘sleep with the fishes’. Choose a classic bay-view suite, or make some colourful saltwater friends in an Aqua room, where one of the walls is a giant aquarium. It’s all very Little Mermaid, and I love it.” 

“Upper House Hong Kong, in the heart of the city, is as impressive as it gets. From the dramatic entrance to the sweeping views of skyscrapers and the truly timeless interior design, every visit to Upper House Hong Kong has left me feeling fully rejuvenated and inspired.” 

“My favourite hotel is Upper House Hong Kong, a calm city retreat that feels a world away from the usual urban buzz. Perched above Admiralty, it’s incredibly convenient, yet the atmosphere is quiet – almost residential. 

“What sets the hotel apart is the minimalist design and sense of space: rooms are generously sized, filled with natural light that floods in from the enormous windows. Even the bathrooms are designed for expansive city views, allowing you to soak in the skyline while enjoying a bath or a shower – an experience that feels both indulgent and serene. 

“The service is warm, thoughtful and highly personalised, striking the perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive. Guests can also enjoy in-room spa treatments, making it easy to unwind in complete privacy and comfort. 

“For a city stay, it offers the best of both worlds: being at the heart of everything, while still feeling like a peaceful escape.”