Top 5: Historical 5-star stays

Raffles Hotel, Singapore

Raffles Hotel, Singapore

London: The Savoy

The Savoy Hotel, London
The Savoy Hotel, London

The haunt of glamourous visitors and London’s most moneyed since the late 1800s, London’s Savoy has re-opened its grand doors following a three-year overhaul. Costing around the £220 million mark, spangly improvements promise to attract a new wave of high-profile clientele, with revamped areas including the lavish guest rooms, the American Bar, and the famous Savoy Grill which is overseen by TV kitchen king Gordon Ramsey. One thing that’s remained the same, however, is the stunning view across the Thames.

Marrakech: La Mamounia

La Mamounia Hotel
La Mamounia

Overlooking the terracotta walls of Marrakech’s old town and surrounded by the snowy Atlas Mountains, La Mamounia is a hotel with plenty of heritage. Built in the 1920s, the luxury hotel combines art deco grandeur with traditional Moorish design. Marble bathrooms, elegant suites, a sumptuous spa and fine dining are among the hotel’s best assets. With a string of esteemed guests gracing its corridors, from Winston Churchill to the Rolling Stones, a stay in La Mamounia puts you in genuinely great company.

New York: The Plaza, New York

Plaza Hotel, New York
Plaza Hotel, New York

With stunning Central Park views, luxury shopping on nearby Fifth Avenue and a recent $450 million refurbishment, it’s easy to see why The Plaza is a New York institution. The décor exudes an opulent grandeur and the 24-hour butlers provide unrivalled service that has attracted the moneyed set since 1907. For those who can afford the hefty price tag, The Plaza offers long-term residences, which have attracted everyone from the wealthy Vanderbilt family to Ernest Hemingway. It was also the setting for Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, and in recent years has been featured in hit TV show Sex and the City.

Paris: Hotel de Crillon

Hotel de Crillon
Hotel de Crillon

Hôtel de Crillon, set in the heart of Paris, is one of the world's most established luxury hotels. The striking 18th century building is sat right at the historic heart of Paris, and but a few footsteps from main attractions including the Champs-Elysées, and the Louvre Museum. Inside, find opulent fittings and first-class dining; restaurants include the rich reds of the piano bar, a gourmet restaurant housed in a former ballroom, and the more contemporary l’Obé restaurant.

Singapore: Raffles

Raffles Hotels, Singapore
Raffles Hotels, Singapore

Declared a National Monument in 1987, Raffles Hotel is one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks. The luxurious colonial-style hotel offers everything from elegant furnishings to its own shopping arcade, museum and theatre. Sample a Singapore Sling cocktail in the hotel’s Long Bar, where the legendary tipple was concocted back in 1915. The original recipe is considered so precious it still remains hidden in the hotel’s vault. Famous guests have included Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplin and Elizabeth Taylor.