My 6 Favourite Hotels

1. The New Otani, Tokyo
Enormous hotel, popular for weddings. Amazing gardens. I ran into my old friend Joe there last year, while eating a late breakfast at the top floor restaurant. Great location; get a high room for amazing views. A few years ago I was there when an earthquake hit: it was like the whole world rolled.

2. The Chesterfield, Mayfair, London
The type of hotel the British can do so well, and yet too seldom do. Worth the (not cheap) price of the room just for the stunning breakfast, the only breakfast I've ever felt the need to describe as 'precise'. If only I had more call to say in London (sadly I live just 20 minutes north of the city!)

3. The Moorpark, San Jose
Ok, it's not spectaular in any way but I stay here so often it's come to feel really homely. Nice pool that's seldom in use, same ladies have been serving breakfast for years, great Asian supermarket and bookstore across the street. I could never stay anywhere else in San Jose/Santa Clara. Get a room on the 3rd 'Executive' floor for perks including milk and cookies at bedtime, a half bottle of local wine and free mini-bar treats.

4. The Mirage, Las Vegas
Has to be a Tower suite to get the 750 square foot living space, multiple TVs, one of which rises from the foot of the bed, great views, USB charging sockets in the wall and bath big enough for three.

5. The Landis, Taipei
From the moment they pick you up at the airport to the private desk for check in and the first moments in the well appointed rooms, the Landis is magical. Perfect service, excellent breakfast, and one of Taipei's best restaurants in the building. Also doormen who know the correct Chinese addresses for all the best corners of the city.

6. The Langham, Hong Kong
Michelin starred restaurant in the hotel, vibrant Tsim Sha Tsui location, walking distance to Star Ferry, Mong Kok, Shanghai Tang, Temple Street night market and the only Seagull watch store in HK. Perfect luxury just blocks from Chungking Mansions.