Best Design Hotels

"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.

Located in the heart of London's theater district, the Haymarket Hotel is steps from Regent and Jermyn streets' bars, restaurants and shops. The hotel's location also puts visitors within walking distance of the National Gallery, St. James Park and the famous Haymarket Theatre Royal. Inside, guests will find 50 modern rooms and suites, which were decorated by Kit Kemp and feature colorful decor, granite and oak bathrooms, and queen- or king-sized beds. Larger suites include fresh flowers, fireplaces, free parking and complimentary use of the hotel's iPads or laptops. Recent guests found all of the accommodations to be beautifully decorated, as well as spacious, especially for a city hotel. The central location, attentive staff, breakfast options, cocktail bar and on-site swimming pool all received high praise, too. The property also houses a library, a conservatory, a spa, a fitness center and Brumus Bar & Restaurant, which is newly refurbished and serves traditional afternoon tea, breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.

The name of this hotel should tip you off as to what's inside. The property was designed with reflections in mind, and features reflective surfaces throughout its decor. Rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows, mirrored doors, reflective artwork and chrome light fixtures. Accommodations also come equipped with free wireless internet, bathrooms with rain showers and flat-screen TVs. What's more, breakfast (a guest favorite), is included in the room rate (if booked directly with the hotel). Along with the stylish interiors, guests also enjoyed the hotel's location in the center of Kiev. Many of the city's famously ornate churches, such as St. Sophia's Cathedral, are located just a short walk from the hotel. On-site, travelers can make use of an indoor pool and sauna, as well as a restaurant and bar. Service is by far the hotel's most memorable attribute, with many travelers applauding the staff's friendliness and attention to detail. That, mixed with the hotel's eye-catching design and laid-back ambiance, led some guests to say this is the only hotel to stay at in Kiev.   

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.

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. And that's just within the hotel. Take a few steps outside the property's doors and you'll find Ham Yard's shopping village, equipped with a diverse array of independent shops. 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. 

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.

Located in the heart of Cannes, France, the Five Seas Hotel Cannes is steps from both its private beach and the gourmet dining and premiere shopping along La Croisette. On-site, the hotel offers a full-service spa, a rooftop terrace with a pool, two eateries and a bar, meeting spaces, a small fitness center and an on-staff personal shopper and concierge. Meanwhile, the modern guest rooms and suites are outfitted with complimentary Wi-Fi access, large windows, walk-in closets, iPod docking stations, free minibars, Nespresso coffee machines and flat-screen televisions. Reviewers had high praise for the "welcoming and friendly staff" who "go above and beyond," as well as the "sublime" food, "comfy" beds and wine that one recent lodger called "the best on the Riviera." Others complimented the "cozy but fashionable" decor, though others wished the gym was larger and a few expressed sticker shock at the high prices for drinks and food. On the upside, the property does offer free continental breakfast every morning.

When the Hotel Omm opened in 2003, its mission was to merge unique design, gourmet cuisine, entertainment options and comfortable yet luxurious accommodations for a one-of-a-kind Barcelona hotel experience. Recent guests think they succeeded and were particularly thrilled with the modern decor, rooftop terrace and pool, friendly staff and convenient location; the hotel is around the corner from the Diagonal metro stop and just steps from Casa Milà and various shops and restaurants. Standard guest rooms at the hotel feature hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the courtyard or Passeig de Gracia, minibars and complimentary Wi-Fi access. All suites have canopy beds, while upgraded suites come with dressing rooms and separate showers and bathtubs. The on-site spa was designed with natural materials and offers a variety of massages, facials and body treatments, plus hair services in the property's salon. Roca Moo, the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, dishes up creative Spanish cuisine, and the lobby's Roca Bar serves cocktails, wine, beer and street food. At night, head to the Hotel Omm's club for live music and dancing. Keep in mind that because of the on-site club, recent travelers think this hotel is better suited for couples and friends rather than families.

New Hotel welcomes visitors to Athens with a quirky design and an intimate boutique experience. (Guests loved the modern feel and unique room decor.) The property draws on the designers' Brazilian background and features photography and contemporary art in its 79 rooms. Accommodations are equipped with soundproof walls, electric curtains, pillow menus, minibars, smart TVs and balconies. New Hotel also houses New Taste restaurant and bar, which serves a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, New Art Lounge is the hotel's rooftop space that offers sweeping views of Athens, as well as food and drinks and a library with more than 2,000 art-focused books. In addition to complimenting the different (in a good way) vibe of this hotel, recent travelers said New Hotel is within walking distance of so many Athens attractions, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parthenon and the Acropolis.

Recent guests can't say enough about this boutique hotel: travelers praised its first-rate staff, its beautiful decor (including an in-house art collection) and its amazing location near bars, restaurants and things to do. The chic Hotel Urban puts lodgers within walking distance of numerous Madrid attractions, including Retiro Park, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Inside, the hotel's 96 rooms and suites embrace an art deco styling with warm chocolate and beige tones and include marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and minibars. What's more, the property offers some nice perks for booking directly, including a drink upon arrival, daily bottled water and a welcome gift with a bottle of wine. If you'd prefer to enjoy a glass of wine outside your room, head to the Glass Bar or La Terraza del Urban, which offers impressive skyline views. Both bar areas offer a small selection of items to nosh on, but for a full meal, visit CEBO Restaurant. Aside from the eateries, Hotel Urban is home to a small, seasonal outdoor pool area, a gym and meeting facilities for business travelers.