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Ready for something different? Try one of the best and hippest hotels from around the world. Prices at these hotels run from spare change to splurge, but they all have a certain vibe in common.
1) James Hotel
Scottsdale, Arizona. New York restauranteur Stephen Hanson (who learned the trade in W Hotels) developed the new hip and affordable hotel, which has already hosted Sammy Sosa, Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton. Travel + Leisure magazine dubbed it the "sexiest new hotel" in its July 2004 issue.
2) 25 Hours
Hamburg, Germany. The staff is in Pumas, the rooms come in Small, Medium, and Large, and the lobby has a bowl full of complimentary Gummy bears. There's nothing ordinary at this energetic hotel, where guests under 26 years old pay less than the rest of us. The hotel bar serves sushi all day, and rooms have free Internet access.
3) Malmaison
London, England. Near a trendy section of Clerkenwell where bars and restaurants dominate historic Smithfield Market, this hotel offers free Internet access and in-room CD players with a CD library. Rooms are black and white.
4) The Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada. This relaxing addition to Mandalay Bay is all suites with no casino. At 750 square feet, rooms are the largest standard rooms in Las Vegas and include three flat screen TVs, including one 42" plasma TV at the foot of the bed. There's even a flat-screen TV in the marble and granite bathroom. The Bathhouse spa offers unique treatments like scen-tao stone reflexology.
5) Maritime Hotel
New York, New York. In this hip addition to West Chelsea, rooms are like cruiseship cabins, down to the portholes.
6) Barnsley House
Barnsley, England. Ninety minutes from London in Cotswold, this is a classic country house with a hip heart. Rooms are done comfortably without fuss and frills, in warm muted colors with high-tech touches like plasma TVs. Complimentary homemade ice cream, chocolates and champagne will make you feel pampered.
7) Hi Hotel
Nice, France. Uberhip style with individually designed rooms interpreting themes like "white & white," "monospace" (think bright primary colors and cubes), and "outdoor terasse" (smooth wood floors, white sheets and sky-blue walls). The restaurant features organic, raw and vegetarian options; all food is self-serve, in mason jars for guests to mix and match.
8) Hotel Le A
Paris, France. Monochromatic rooms are white, sand and glass. Walls are left without art; mostly bare white or with mirrors. Rooms include flat screen TVs, electric curtains, CD players, and dimmers on all the lights.
9) Ku'Damm 101
Berlin, Germany. Aimed at business travelers, in the midst of a large shopping district. Rooms are done in muted colors and smooth curves. The hotel is very technology-friendly, with wireless LAN in all guest rooms. They will even lend you a notebook, or set up a private LAN for you and your colleagues. The spa includes yoga.
10) Domaine des Andeois
Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt, France. Nine villas built into original stone walls in Provence. Rooms are minimalist and stylish with flat-screen TVs, full kitchens, and CD players. Outside, guests enjoy an infinity-edge pool and a spa. |
