The Peninsula (c 1928), in a throne-like building, is one of the world’s great hotels. Though it was once called ‘the finest hotel east of Suez’, the Pen was in fact one of several prestigious hotels across Asia, lining up with (but not behind) the likes of the Raffles in Singapore and the Cathay (now the Peace) in Shànghǎi. Taking afternoon tea here is a wonderful experience – dress neatly and be prepared to queue for a table.
