Canadian Living editors' favourite hotels: Canada, Europe, Asia and beyond

Here are favourite hotels and the memories they inspired from my colleagues, the staff of Canadian Living Magazine.

Thailand
"Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai. A luxurious five-star hotel, combining deluxe hotel rooms, suites and palatial private villas. The village-like setting of this hotel is stunning -- different sections of the property reflect different styles of traditional Thai architecture, and the service is absolutely flawless."
-- Tina Anson Mine

"The Oriental Bangkok. Another lush five-star hotel, with beautiful rooms overlooking the Chao Phrya River in downtown Bangkok. The Oriental's history is as magnificent as its appointments, making you feel like you've stepped back in time."
-- Tina Anson Mine

"Aiyapura Resort and Spa, Koh Chang. Private villas face the ocean or lush hillside gardens on the island of Koh Chang. Walking down the long boardwalk from the boat launch was a beautiful start to my experience, and the cool, calm spa served the most scrumptious, spicy ginger tea after my thoroughly relaxing aromatherapy massage."
-- Tina Anson Mine

Newfoundland and Labrador
"TuckAmore Lodge, near St. Anthony, Newfoundland. Tuckamore Lodge is a little piece of heaven on earth, moored by a serene lake to one side and the ocean on the other. What I loved the best: when you walk inside you immediately feel at home in the rustic surroundings, and owner Barb Genge is the perfect host."
-- Kathryn Dorrell

"Spa at the Monastery and Suites, St. John's, Newfoundland, is a full-service spa and hotel housed in an old monastery. It combines high-style and modern amenities with touches of old world charm. What I loved the best: the fabulous whirlpools in your bedroom."
-- Kathryn Dorrell

Vancouver
"The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is luxurious yet also warm and inviting. You can even talk to the concierge about talking a dog out for a walk if you feel like some canine companionship strolling about the city. What I loved the best: the decadent breakfast-in-bed service. Once you open your hotel door, the staff insist you tuck yourself back in before they'll serve you."
-- Kathryn Dorrell

Whistler, B.C.
"The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. This exquisite yet cosy hotel is nestled at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain, surrounded by evergreen trees. You could curl up by the fire in the lobby and read a book all day. What I liked best: the hotel is a stone's throw from great skiing and hiking as well as dining and shopping in Whistler Village."
-- Kathryn Dorrell

Jasper, Alta.
"The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. It's cottaging at its most luxurious. The resort is right on a lake and it boosts a great golf course and outdoor patio. What I liked best: The expansive grounds are quiet and peaceful and you can spot elk everywhere."
-- Kathryn Dorrell

Hong Kong, China
"Lan Kwai Fong Hotel, Hong Kong, China. If location is key, then Lan Kwai Fong is the place for you while visiting Hong Kong. It's close to the popular dining and entertainment districts of So Ho and Lan Kwai Fong with all manner of public transit nearby. The Harbour View suites on the top two floors (32 and 33) offer spectacular views of the Hong Kong Victoria Harbour."
-- Susan Antonacci

P.E.I.
"Maplehurst Properties, Panmure Island, Prince Edward Island. This beautiful five-star Georgian-style bed and breakfast overlooks scenic Cardigan Bay. You can stay in the main building or book a cottage to yourself."
-- Susan Antonacci

"The Elmwood Heritage Inn, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Carol and Jay MacDonald have operated the inn since 1986. This beautifully restored example of Victorian architecture was built in 1889 for the well-known Peters family -- and you can even sleep in the servants' formers quarter. It's conveniently situated in the heart of Charlottetown with a variety of rooms to suit all tastes (including the premier's suite)."
-- Susan Antonacci

Lake Louise, Alta.
"Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta. The lavish 458-room hotel is a far cry from the small 1890 cabin originally built to welcome visitors, but its staggeringly beautiful surroundings remain the same. Though I love the idea of sleeping in a cabin in the wild, I quickly learned that after a long, exhilarating day of hiking through the Rockies, a hot bath, a bountiful buffet dinner and a soft bed are a delicious luxury."
-- Gilda Swartz

Soufriere, St. Lucia, West Indies
"Stonefield Estate Villas. My tip is, if you're going to St. Lucia, don't stay at a hotel that has you cooped up in boring air-conditioned rooms. At Stonefield, the outdoorsy villas complete with kitchens make you feel like you're in your own breezy St. Lucian house. The view is gorgeous (visit the website if you don't believe me), the staff gentle and good-natured, and the on-premises restaurant is amazing, too."
-- Helen Racanelli

Switzerland
"Bellevue Palace, Bern, Switzerland. I felt like royalty staying at this palatial hotel. (No surprise, Prince Charles has stayed here, as have Alanis Morissette, Nelson Mandela, and other boldfaced names). My junior suite was all soft blues, greys and French antique-inspired furniture. I felt like Marie Antoinette! The staff were great and even though it's a five-star hotel, the vibe was very down-to-earth. Bern is a great city, by the way -- there's lots of cool shopping and a breathtaking view of the mountains (which I could see out of my window)."
-- Helen Racanelli

"Hotel La Margna, St. Moritz, Switzerland. This hotel felt like home. That is, if only my home were a big Swiss chalet with big beds covered with fluffy white duvets, tons of space, pine everywhere, and a roaring common-room fireplace with a cosy bar. But I most relished the delish Swiss breakfasts and gourmet dinners at the restaurant."
-- Helen Racanelli

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