the elysian

The Elysian in Chicago is beautiful and refined. It's just what the name states: welcoming, relaxing, luxurious. Those busts in the lobby are amazing, too. There are two restaurants, casual and formal. There is also a pool, along with the spa on the same level. All of the bathrooms are white marble with soaking tubs and LCD TVs set behind the mirrors. The beds are adorned with 460 thread-count Rivolta Carmignani linens. A VOIP phone is in every room, with complementary calling, and complementary wireless internet throughout. They run many specials too, so make sure to check to see if you can get a better deal. link\400

armani hotel dubai

Armani's first hotel is located in the Burj Khalifa, aka the tallest building in the world. I have to say I'm quite disappointed. It seems like they are focused on their reputation; like staying in the hotel is more of a fashion statement or a privilege rather than a good time. The style is cold and seems uninspired, if you look at the hallway above, it looks like a prison. On top of that, they aren't very focused on the hospitality, rather, a huge empire to spend money in. If you go to the website, just by watching the intro you wouldn't ever guess it was for a hotel. There are eight restaurants, an Armani store, 160 guest rooms, and 144 residences. It's furnished mainly by their very own Armani Casa collection. The guest rooms look like a contemporary Marriott, nothing someone would be expected to spend fifteen-hundred dollars a night in. Link: $1,500

alila villas hadahaa

The Alila Villas in the Southern Maldives, is almost dream-like. Clean design, and beautiful views sum up this resort perfectly. This would be nice for a weekend getaway... Prices start at $945 a night.

Thank you, Contemporist

mandarin oriental, barcelona

Barcelona is definitely on my list of places to travel to, and if it's on your list too then you will find this very useful. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has just opened a new hotel Passeig de Gràcia. The design is, surprisingly, not very Asian-inspired. The rooms are contemporary and warm, with lots of natural light.

the george hotel

The George Hotel is avant-garde at it's best; nestled in the heart of Hamburg.

axis viana hotel

Nice industrial, clean, and slightly whimsical feeling coming from the Axis Viana Hotel in Portugal. The stacked boxes create dramatic shadows when the sun hits it.