We compared the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and Aman luxury hotels - and the winner is clear

Mandarin Oriental and Aman have similar global presences. Each has 32 destinations in 20 countries. Aman has only three locations in the US, while Mandarin Oriental has twice as many.

The majority of Aman's resorts are in Asia, where the company was founded and is headquartered. Mandarin Oriental is dispersed equally between Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Four Seasons is the largest luxury hotel chain by far, with 109 resorts in 46 countries. Four Seasons has four resorts in Central and South America, Mandarin has one, and Aman has none. And even with Aman's centrality in Asia, Four Seasons still has more resorts on the world's most populated continent.

Most locations: Four Seasons

Each of the three hotel chains has a distinct design that often mimics the local architecture in a given destination.

Four Seasons describes its interior guest rooms as "refined, relaxed, and stylish" while "the design of each room reflects the architecture of its building."

Aman shares the same approach as Four Seasons. "The key element, I think, is that the design must be relevant to the location of the resort," Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman said.

Case in point: Aman's new Shanghai resort, Amanyangyun, is made up of villas preserved from Ming and Qing dynasty homes. The antique structures were restored and set amid serene courtyards for guests to enjoy.

Meanwhile, Mandarin Oriental uses design that traces back to its Asian roots with a combination of traditionally Asian decor and a hyper-modern twist. Less so than the other hotels, Mandarin sticks to a single template and designs all of its hotels without regard for the locality.

Mandarin describes its own hotels as having "elegant classical design" combined with "contemporary detailing." The consistency between hotels ensures a Mandarin hotel has the same style whether in Jakarta or New York.

For the lengths Aman goes to make sure each hotel fits naturally into the climate, it gets the upper edge here.

Best design: Aman

Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental are very similar when it comes to amenities.

For these two chains, every location has restaurants and bars, most with outdoor dining and some with Michelin stars. Both offer in-room massages in most locations and many destinations have a full spa as well.

Four Seasons and Mandarin resorts also have pools, whirlpools, studio classes, fitness centers, athletic facilities for leisure, golf courses, and meeting rooms, as well as activities for children.

Amenities at Aman resorts are less standardized, which actually adds to the luxurious experience.

In keeping with the idea of a design matching a specific location, Aman resorts offers wellness, dining, and special events that are perfectly suited to the environment.

While Aman's amenities may not be the same across the board, each destination has a special treat that makes that resort unique and worth visiting. From the best of local cuisines, to the most aesthetic and relaxing spas, no detail is too small.

Best standard amenities: Aman

While the Four Seasons has an exclusive, invitation-only recognition program, none of the chains offer official loyalty programs. Instead, they offer extra perks to keep guests coming back.

Mandarin partners with numerous airlines and guests can earn air miles by staying at their resorts with the frequent flyer program. Mandarin works with brands like American Express, Christie's, and Diners Club International that offer benefits to guests.

Plus, guests who book a stay at a Mandarin resort through certain travel agents can receive a free breakfast, VIP treatment, and $100 spa credit, among other perks, according to Forbes.

Four Seasons also has preferred perks that include free breakfast, and free credits for the spa, golf course, or lunch. Several of the chain's hotels offer an additional night free, but the deal is fairly limited.

Aman has exclusive offers that vary based on destination, such as a ski pass privilege in France and a beach experience in Sri Lanka. Four Seasons also has exclusive offers that take advantage of local activities.

Overall, Mandarin Oriental has the broadest rewards system that's consistent across all of its locations.

Best perks: Mandarin Oriental

The cheapest night at an Aman hotel will cost more than the Four Seasons, but is still cheaper than the nightly rate for Mandarin Oriental.

The small price differences are fairly inconsequential when it comes to the luxury experience that comes with it. Other things considered, Aman's price yields the best value.

Aman has fewer locations than Four Seasons, but its hotels are in more exotic locations, like Indonesia and Bhutan. Four Seasons and Mandarin may have more of an urban presence, but Aman takes travelers off the beaten path.

The exterior and interior design of Aman buildings and rooms truly sets the chain apart. The amenities also show how Aman is willing to adopt a local spirit into everything it offers instead of sticking to a more rigid approach to its chain.

Mandarin and Four Seasons may offer similar amenities as Aman does for its guests, but it is how Aman seamlessly integrates everything in the hotel that makes it stand out.

Extra perks are nice, but Aman already provides over-the-top service and fare to guests that Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons can't match.