Best Design Hotels

Situated in New York's trendy SoHo neighborhood, the Crosby Street Hotel is an import from Great Britain (both the brand and the designer are British). All 86 accommodations feature a whimsical yet refined appearance, complete with airy warehouse-style windows, flat-screen TVs and spacious bathrooms trimmed with granite, oak and glass. In addition to the mod decor, recent guests praise the elegant furnishings and stunning city views, not to mention amenities like Bluetooth Bose units, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. As far as dining is concerned, previous visitors love the convivial Crosby Bar, which serves up American and British fare. Above all, travelers cite the impeccable customer service and colorful SoHo locale as primary reasons to stay, though caution that it is pricey to stay here.

"Flawless," "beautiful" and "brilliant" are just a few superlatives previous guests used to describe the Giardino Ascona. Positioned on Lake Maggiore in southern Switzerland, the property offers stunning lake views and a bevy of on-site amenities. Giardino Ascona is home to a spa, which offers treatments like massages, facials and body scrubs, a sauna and a steam bath. Its fitness studio is stocked with cardio and weight equipment. Plus, the hotel features an ornate indoor pool and an outdoor pool surrounded by gardens and a deck with lounge chairs and umbrellas. When it comes to dining, Ecco Ascona (a two Michelin-starred restaurant) dishes out gourmet meals, and Hide & Seek plates a medley of Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. There's also the seasonal poolside, which allows guests the chance to dine al fresco while they enjoy everything from a drink to Italian ice cream as well as meals. As far as rooms go, all are equipped with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access and terraces or balconies. The only downside to a stay at this hotel, though, is that it'll cost you a pretty penny.

Service is the star at this Swiss hideaway. Lodgers regularly described the staff as genuine, warm and incredibly helpful. And with only 30 rooms and suites to its name, it's easy to see how The Omnia can provide personalized service. The Design Hotels-affiliated property is located in the Swiss Alps in the small town of Zermatt, home to the famous Matterhorn, which can be seen from various points around the hotel, including some accommodations. Guest rooms and suites are contemporary, featuring neutral color palettes, sleek wood furnishings and modern comforts, such as flat-screen TVs with DVD players, minibars and free Wi-Fi access. Past guests appreciated the quality of their digs and also praised the excellent on-site facilities. The Omnia has a penchant for wellness, as evidenced by its gym, spa treatments, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, caldarium and petal steam room, which is enriched with floral oils. There are also an indoor-outdoor swimming pool and a whirlpool that overlooks the Matterhorn's peak. The hotel staff can arrange outdoor pursuits and other activities, as well as make dining reservations in the town below. Just make sure to stick close to the hotel when it's time to eat – the on-site restaurant is helmed by a Michelin-starred chef.

Located within walking distance of London's business district, the trendy Soho neighborhood and an array of restaurants, shops and theaters, Covent Garden Hotel provides a serene (albeit pricey) retreat for urban travelers. Inside, guests will find a wood-paneled drawing room, the Tiffany's Library with an honor bar, and a private screening room that has 47 red leather seats. There's also Brasserie Max, an eatery that highlights seasonal produce in its dishes and serves inventive cocktails. Meanwhile, the restaurant's afternoon tea service is popular with locals and tourists alike. Additionally, recent guests appreciated the hotel's fast Wi-Fi speeds, immaculately cleaned rooms, comfortable beds, prime location for sightseeing and helpful staff. Plus, travelers will enjoy accommodations with colorful fabric headboards, large windows and granite and oak bathrooms. For families, the property offers connecting rooms and kid-friendly amenities like milk and cookies at bedtime and age-appropriate welcome gifts.

A stay at The Guesthouse Vienna is all about location, location, location, according to recent guests. Its address in the heart of Austria's biggest city puts travelers close to just about everything they could ever need. Bars, restaurants and shops can be found on just about every block, and popular attractions, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, the Museum of Fine Arts and House of Music, are all within walking distance of the property. The Guesthouse's accommodations stand out in that they resemble the kind of old-world elegance seen in many top European hotels. Instead, rooms here are both modern in design and amenities, featuring ultra-sleek furnishings and contemporary artwork in addition to rainforest showers, espresso machines, TVs and towel radiators. (Some do warn, however, that the standard accommodations are on the smaller side.) What's more, all drinks in the minibar (except for spirits) are included in the room rate. The on-site Brasserie & Bakery – another guest favorite – serves food all day and offers kids menus. Service was also a big standout at this property: Guests described the staff as friendly and helpful, and strongly suggested relying on the concierge for activity recommendations.

Hotel Matilda breaks the mold of San Miguel de Allende hotels: While other luxury mainstays highlight the city's history by preserving antique architecture and dressing their rooms in colonial-style decor, Matilda showcases contemporary art and chic interior design. Guest rooms feature white, gray and brown hues (with a few turquoise accents), as well as top-notch amenities like 40-inch LCD TVs, iPod docking stations, MALIN+GOETZ bath products and complimentary Wi-Fi access. The hotel also boasts an infinity pool with a sundeck, as well as the Spa Matilda, where you can enjoy a soothing massage or body treatment. When you're ready for a bite to eat, Moxi Restaurant offers a menu filled with traditional Mexican eats along with inventive dishes. What's more, Hotel Matilda earns high praise from past visitors for its location in the heart of San Miguel de Allende – less than a block north of Juarez Park – and many guests feel the property delivers first-rate customer service.

Although the Ham Yard Hotel sits steps from London's bustling Piccadilly Circus, the hotel manages to maintain a relaxed atmosphere thanks to its unique village-like layout, said recent guests. This chic boutique hotel is built around a courtyard garden and comes equipped with plenty of facilities and amenities in addition to stylish accommodations. On-site, lodgers will find a bowling alley, a spa, a gym, a movie theater, a library and a rooftop terrace. Beyond the confines of Ham Yard, troves of London's greatest treasures are within short walking distance, including the National Gallery, Buckingham Palace and the River Thames. Though, you may find it difficult to peel yourself away from Ham Yard's impeccably designed rooms. Expect cozy furnishings with pops of playful patterns including tall tufted headboards, colorful couches and sleek granite bathrooms with walk-in showers. Ham Yard Bar & Restaurant is equally eye-catching and serves incredible afternoon tea, according to guests.

CERVO Mountain Boutique Resort is a 5 star hotel. It has a 5.0 overall guest rating based on 955 reviews.

The Serras Hotel Barcelona sits within Barcelona's Barri Gòtic neighborhood near the aquarium and La Barceloneta. The 30-room boutique property specializes in modern accommodations that feature black and white patterned headboards, light wood floors and yellow accent furniture. Standard amenities include Nespresso coffee machines, smart TVs, walk-in showers and complimentary Wi-Fi. For additional living space and balconies with Mediterranean Sea or Ciutat Vella vistas, guests can upgrade to a Grand Deluxe room or higher. Beyond its digs, the standout perks of this hotel are the friendly staff and rooftop bar and pool. Several recent travelers noted hotel employees' upbeat personalities and willingness to accommodate a variety of requests. And on the rooftop, guests were impressed with the pool's views and the bar's delectable cocktails and snacks. If you desire a more substantial meal, dine on Catalan- and Mediterranean-influenced dishes at the on-site restaurant, Informal, which is headed by a Michelin-starred chef.

Hotel Bachmair Weissach is a 5 star hotel. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1455 reviews.

Located on the southern edge of Gran Canaria, the adults-only Bohemia Suites & Spa wows guests with superb service and delectable cuisine. The rooftop 360° Restaurant and Atelier Lounge were a highlight for travelers thanks to the panoramic views of Playa de Maspalomas and the fusion cuisine. Guests were also complimentary of the hotel's interiors. Outfitted in bright, vibrant colors, accommodations range from double guest rooms to Sky Suites. All accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows, furnished balconies, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi access and bathrooms with extra-large rainfall showers. Travelers were also fond of the hotel's two pools and Jacuzzi. The main pool features underwater speakers and multiple water streams, as well as the Sapphire Pool Bar. Lodgers also have access to the Wellfit area that features a fitness center, ice baths, saunas, steam rooms and locker rooms. For even more relaxation, visitors can book a treatment at the Siam Spa.

Located on the Lower East Side, The Ludlow offers trendy, well-styled accommodations. The Ludlow sets itself apart from similar New York City hotels by offering a variety of room types – from small studio rooms designed for just one guest to larger rooms that offer 215-square-foot terraces to multiple bedroom lofts that share a common area, not to mention the 1,500-square-foot penthouse. All rooms feature comfy, vintage-inspired furnishings, bathrooms with windowed soaking tubs and complimentary Wi-Fi. After working up an appetite exploring the city, grab a meal at the bistro-inspired Dirty French restaurant before settling in for a nightcap at the Lobby Lounge and Garden, which offers indoor and outdoor seating. Some room packages can include breakfast in the lounge, but to recent guests' surprise, the choices were very limited. Overall, travelers reported a good experience, citing the excellent staff and fun atmosphere as reasons to return.

Giardino Mountain is a 5 star hotel located at Via Maistra 3, Champf̬r in St. Moritz. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 365 reviews.

LA MAISON hotel is a 4.5 star hotel. It has a 5.0 overall guest rating based on 503 reviews.

Comfortable, contemporary rooms located steps away from the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe ought to inspire a stay at Hotel Vernet. A historic Haussmann building situated in the stylish 8th arrondissement (district), Hotel Vernet justifies its prices with near-groundbreaking levels of luxury. Perks include the possibility for in-room hairdressers, manicures and pedicures (upon request). Returning guests even rave that the in-house restaurant's dinner alone is worth a trip to the property, not to mention the attentive staff who cater to visitors' needs, both inside and outside the hotel. Travelers recall the hotel staff going above and beyond with complimentary sweets and thorough assistance in planning customized itineraries. Some previous guests experienced issues booking invalid deals via third-party websites, so travelers should keep that in mind. Nevertheless, guests who book through the site will receive a free breakfast, a welcome gift, free Wi-Fi access, early check-in and late checkout.

Atlantis by Giardino is a 5 star hotel located at D̦ltschiweg 234 in Zurich. It has a 5.0 overall guest rating based on 400 reviews.

memmo Principe Real is a 5 star hotel located at Rua Dom Pedro V 56J in Lisbon. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 588 reviews.

Mainport Hotel is a 5 star hotel. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1990 reviews.

Kruisherenhotel Maastricht is a 5 star hotel. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 2274 reviews.

The Mandala Hotel's prime location at Potsdamer Platz makes it a great option for families and history buffs. Within the immediate area, travelers will find an array of shops, restaurants and theaters, as well as kid-friendly attractions like the Deutsche Kinemathek (a museum devoted to German television and film) and the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Berlin. And for history enthusiasts, two World War II-focused sights – the Topography of Terror and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe – sit about a half-mile away. Back at the 158-room hotel, visitors have access to bicycle rentals, a 24-hour fitness center, two meeting rooms, a spa and two restaurants – the two Michelin-starred FACIL Restaurant and the more casual QIU Bar & Restaurant. Past diners raved about the cuisine at both eateries, though some wished QIU Bar & Restaurant's breakfasts were cheaper and that FACIL Restaurant was open weekends. Another highlight: the spacious, well-appointed accommodations. Standard rooms start at 430 square feet and come with walk-in closets, kitchenettes, personal tablets, Egyptian cotton sheets and vegan toiletries. For even more space (including a separate living room), previous visitors recommended reserving one of the property's suites.

Almyra Hotel is a 5 star hotel located at 12 Poseidonos Avenue in Cyprus. It has a 5.0 overall guest rating based on 123 reviews.

Nakar Hotel is a 4 star hotel located at Avenida Jaume III 21 in Mallorca. It has a 5.0 overall guest rating based on 1600 reviews.

For top-notch facilities, well-appointed rooms and close proximity to several kid-friendly attractions, consider staying at London's Number Sixteen hotel. Inside each of the property's 41 guest rooms, you'll find pink, light blue or gray color palettes, plus crisp white Frette linens, an upholstered headboard, a flat-screen TV with a DVD player, a stocked minibar and RikRak toiletries. In-room spa treatments and kids amenities like books, child-sized bathrobes and cots can also be provided, but keep in mind that extra charges may apply. For some peace and quiet, retreat to the library, one of two drawing rooms or the property's garden, where you'll discover a small pond and a variety of trees and plants. Meanwhile, the on-site restaurant, The Orangery, offers indoor and alfresco dining (weather permitting) every day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Overall, recent guests enjoyed their time at Number Sixteen, citing the property's small size, attentive staff and beautiful South Kensington setting as highlights. However, travelers offered conflicting feedback on the hotel's rooms. While some visitors said their accommodations were spacious and comfortable, others reported small rooms with awkward layouts.

Hotel de Nell is a 5 star hotel located at 7-9 Rue Du Conservatoire in Paris. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 868 reviews.

Roomers Frankfurt is a 5 star hotel. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1219 reviews.