Design Hotels

Let’s say you like skiing. Well, the Yatsugatake Mountains and the Japanese Alps provide some excellent pistes. And let’s say you want to experience the neon hive of Tokyo. And let’s presume you hanker after the latest architecture and design. Then you will want to stay here. Risonare is Italian …

Built by maverick architects MVRDV this barn is a fine example of contemporary architecture. The balancing of the barn has half its mass hanging over a hillside. This adds an element of drama to the building, a sense of impending doom perhaps? Or is it more a thrilling sensation of …

Set on the outskirts of the Namibian capital city of Windhoek, the Olive Exclusive Boutique Hotel combines modern luxury with African highlights for your stay in this city over 1500 meters above sea level. The hotel is built on the site of an old farmhouse and overlooks a hillside of …

The Hi Hotel is a contemporary hotel and spa located 200 meters from the Mediterranean in Southern France. Designed by France’s best young designer, it is a contemporary space that focuses on well-being and eco-philosophy. You can be sure that everything in the hotel is responsibly sourced, the waste is …

This hotel blends seamlessly with the forests and lakes of Puerto Varas which is one of South America’s most treasured landscapes. Local wood was used to construct the wooden fences that protect the outer walls. The interior walls are constructed from wooden bricks and other paneling was done by local …

The astonishing medieval town of Kortrijk in Belgium is home to some of the most well-preserved historical architecture in Europe. The city center is kept free of cars so the atmosphere is left unspoiled. The D-Hotel takes a 19th Century windmill and farm building and marries it with cutting-edge contemporary …

Maison Couturier is an estate built by French immigrants in tropical Mexico in the 1800s. The old farmhouse has been renovated into a boutique hotel where you will find your own private terrace and some delightful antique furnishings. Surrounded by tropical fruit trees, whirring crickets, and lush scents. The white …

A favorite among celebrities and fun-seekers, this palace of whimsy is juxtaposed against lush jungle surroundings. The hotel was built by visionary artist, Esme De Silva and her bon vivant husband in the 1930s. Today it is run by their daughter, known as Madam Helga. She decorated the hotel using …

Cutting-edge design is what this place is all about. That and luxury. Ok, so it’s about cutting-edge design, luxury, and holistic wellness… all in the center of the world, Jerusalem. Situated in the Mamilla corridor, a 19th Century area that connects new and old Jerusalem the best sights and shopping …

Antalya is one of Turkey’s most beautiful cities with a sequence of historic buildings that makes a dramatic skyline. To fully appreciate this, the Hotel Marmara has built a special loft on top of its normal hotel building. Containing 24 rooms, the loft is designed to rotate through 360º using …

Rough-Luxe is a concept hotel that attempts to redefine what is meant by “luxury”. Rather than being a passive consumer of finery, the guests at rough-luxe are encouraged to engage with their surroundings and view luxury as time spent in a special space with some excellent wine and stimulating artwork. …

Looking at the Red Stars from the outside, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is just another standard hotel inside a concrete cube. But this apparent ugliness is only skin deep. The interior of the hotel has been decorated by the best street artists in Russia creating a …

If you were to tell me that you are going to stay in a “0-star hotel” I might wonder if you are planning to sleep in a ditch. But I would be very ill-informed. The Dunant Hotel has chosen to bill itself as “0 stars” to reflect its philosophy of …

In the Northern Netherlands, people don’t drive so much. They cycle the flatlands breathing fresh air or they take a boat along a network of clean waterways. The area is full of historic attractions and European charm. To make the most of your stay, the Werf Ijlst hotel offers its …

Billed as Britain’s “sauciest hotel” the Pelirocco has much to delight you, especially if you happen to be in the mood for some busy lovemaking. Or not as the case may be, there is plenty to do. They will organize a professional makeover and a glamorous photoshoot for you. The …

This elementary school was built in 1915 in a semi-remote location in Northeast Portland. One of the first rules installed for pupils and parents in the early years forbade the taking of pop shots at the rabbits from the moving streetcar. It closed its doors as a school in 1974 …

This is one of the most ambitious design hotels in the world. Why have one or two prize-winning architects when you can have 19? Creative freedom is the ethos of the hotel which cost an estimated 75million Euro to finance. Each architect was given a free rein over one floor …

Northern Peru - the sun sets like an Orange half disappearing behind the blue punch of the ocean. It’s a popular beach but you have privacy because you are staying in the Eco Lodge Mancora. This small but perfectly formed hotel is part of the eco-lodge movement. Therefore it is …

The glamorous music industry meets modern hotels in Berlin. This is probably the only hotel in the world that has a dedicated “music manager”, its own recording studio, and rehearsal rooms. They even provide guitars and keyboards as room service. The hotel is built around the concept of ‘dynamic space’ …

The Farm is a creative project by husband and wife, Surya and Ritu Singh. It resides on a 16-acre plot close to the cosmopolitan center of the region, Jaipur. The whole hotel is made from recycled materials and seeks to be original in design and concept. Each room is detached …