1. InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori
Palace
Rome, Italy
The recently opened InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace enjoys a prime location on one of Rome’s most iconic streets, Via Veneto. The hotel bears the signature of renowned Italian architect Carlo Busiri Vici, occupying a landmark building originally constructed in 1900. The design borrows from the Renaissance’s classic architectural elements, gables, and columns, to create symmetrical elegant shapes. 160 rooms and suites have been designed by Interior Architects based on the concepts of classical rhythms, natural elements, and dramatic spaces, taking a timeless, approach that exudes the city’s glamour and style. Just a short walk from some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon, makes it an ideal base for exploring the rich history, culture, and art of Rome. Multiple culinary venues await, including Scarpetta NYC, an elevated Italian eatery infused with flavours of a traditional American steakhouse; Charlie’s Rooftop, offering live music, DJ sets, and sophisticated mixology; and Anita’s Bar and Lounge. An in-house gym sits alongside the spa, so guests can rev up before they wind down with a stress-relieving massage.
2. The Hoxton, Brussels
Brussels, Belgium
The Hoxton, Brussels stands out in the Belgian capital with its fluid, open-door hospitality, unique dining concepts and striking 1970s brutalism-meets-botany aesthetic. Putting down roots in Victoria Tower, bordering the botanical garden, the hotel is housed in a landmark 22-storey building. Its 198 rooms have been designed by AIME Studios in a riot of retro tones and raw materials with high lacquered finishes, velvet upholstery, pink marble accents, walnut cabinetry and graphic rugs framed by the original concrete window architraves. In bathrooms, there’s putty-pink washbasins, deep blue metro tiles and oversized terrazzo flooring. Vintage furniture sourced predominantly from Belgian flea markets and bespoke murals commissioned from local artists add vibrancy to the design, while scattered plants reference the neighbouring gardens. The hotel is home to the Peruvian-inspired restaurant Cantina Valentina and Tope, a Mexican rooftop bar and taqueria. Like all Hoxton properties which are intrinsically rooted in their respective neighbourhoods, the hotel has partnered with urban electric bikes specialists, Cowboy, to offer guests a more sustainable way to see the city.
3. The St. Regis Chicago
Chicago, USA
Located in the Lakeshore East neighbourhood, the newly opened The St. Regis Chicago offers easy access to the Chicago River and is a short walk from the city’s shopping, dining destinations and cultural landmarks. Designed by Studio Gang, the hotel is composed of an interconnected series of stacked frustum shapes, while its gradient of green-blue glass reflects the colours of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. All 159 guestrooms and 33 suites come with The St. Regis Butler Service. KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group led the interiors, which feature metallic materials and colours, such as copper and rust which are interwoven with geometric, angular lines. Chicago-based restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You will have two dining experiences at The St. Regis Chicago. At Miru, the menu by Chef Hisanobu Osaka is paired with wine and sake, while the desserts and pastries are led by Pastry Chef Juan Gutierrez, winner of Netflix’s School of Chocolate. Tre Dita by Chef Evan Funke is slated to debut later this year. The hotel also offers a spa, fitness centre, an outdoor sundeck, yoga studio, two private fitness rooms and a heated indoor pool.
4. Nobu Hotel Seville
Seville, Spain
Set in the heart of the Andalusian capital at Plaza de San Francisco, Nobu Hotel Sevilla occupies two early 20th-century residential buildings, which have been restored to enhance their traditional architecture. Located in the city’s historic centre, the hotel provides a gateway to explore the city’s cultural offerings. The boutique property houses 25 guestrooms and suites and an expansive rooftop terrace complete with a swimming pool and dining area with views of the Cathedral and Giralda. The heart of the project, the Nobu restaurant is located to afford views of the Roman wall built by Julius Caesar, which was discovered during the renovation. The hotel’s design pays homage to Nobu’s Japanese roots, while honouring Sevillian style. Elements of the original buildings have been preserved and the hotel designed around them, from the central glass courtyard to the staircase adorned with authentic tiles from the early 20th century. In addition to Nobu restaurant, guests can also dine at Nobu Bar, which offers light bites and creative cocktails, or at the rooftop. Other facilities include a solarium on the terrace complete with a pool, and a 24-hour gym, while the hotel can also serve as a meeting and events space.