21 leading luxury hotels in the world

Hôtel Le Montana

Le Montana, the famed Parisian nightclub which has played host to countless celebrities, artists and socialites, is once again opening its upper-floor hotel. When planning the décor for Hôtel Le Montana interior designer Vincent Darré imagined the type of apartments famous creatives such as Pablo Picasso and Serge Gainsbourg would have selected. The result is a series of six standout suites, each with a strong artistic style.

Hôtel Le Montana, 28 rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris, +33 (0)1 5363 792028

Six Senses Douro Valley

Set in a renovated 19th-century manor house perched at the top of a hill, the Six Senses Douro Valley provides stunning views of the surrounding Portuguese countryside. It’s an ideal venue for visitors who are interested in wine: this is the oldest demarcated wine-producing region in the world, leading the Alto Douro area to become a Unesco World Heritage site, and the hotel features its own Wine Library, where guests can sample varieties and enjoy regional tapas before dinner.

Six Senses Douro Valley, Quinta de Vale Abraão, 5100-758 Lamego, +351 254 660600

W Amsterdam

W Hotels has recently opened its first venue in the Netherlands. Situated behind the Royal Palace, W Amsterdam occupies two of the city’s historic buildings: the former telephone exchange and a bank. In creating the interiors, design studio Baranowitz & Kronenberg was sensitive to the buildings’ heritage and incorporated features such as brass pipes which represent the telephone wires that were an integral part of the telephone exchange.

W Amsterdam, Spuistraat 175, 1012 VN Amsterdam, +31 (0)20 811 2500

The Thief

Since its opening in 2013, the Thief has built a global reputation for cutting-edge design. The hotel’s permanent art collection is overseen by Sune Nordgren, the founding director of the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo. As a result, guests enjoy the benefit of expertly selected original artwork in their rooms as well as free access to the Astrup Fearnley museum of modern art, which is located next door. The Thief cost more per room to build than any hotel in Scandinavia and its pedigree is clear in the 118 stylish rooms and the award-winning penthouse suite with its own rooftop terrace.

The Thief, Landgangen 1, 0252 Oslo, +47 2400 4000

The Stafford London

A stay at the Stafford London offers a glimpse of the city’s history. The building dates back to the 1600s and there has been a luxury hotel here for more than a century, while the elegant decor was inspired by timeless English style. Visitors are, however, provided with every modern convenience. Be sure to visit the hotel’s 380-year-old wine cellar, where master sommelier Gino Nardella hosts wine tastings and wine-pairing dinners throughout the year.

The Stafford London, 16-18 St James's Place, London SW1A 1NJ, +44 (0)20 7493 0111

Regent Berlin

Regent Berlin is perfect for anyone looking for true luxury in this bustling city. Even the most seasoned traveller will be impressed by the high standards set at this hotel, which offers 195 rooms and suites, state-of-the-art conference rooms and equipment, and a service that is second to none. Be sure to sample the delicious fare on offer at Fischers Fritz, which has two Michelin stars and is one of Berlin’s finest eateries.

Regent Berlin, Charlottenstrasse 49, 10117 Berlin, +49 (0)30 20338

Portrait Firenze

Part of the Lungarno Collection, which is owned by the Salvatore Ferragamo group, Portrait Firenze is among Florence’s most fashionable hotels. Occupying a picturesque position on the banks of the river Arno, the hotel is close to the Ponte Vecchio as well as to the city’s prestigious museums and galleries. The interior has been inspired by Italian couture, and local architect Michele Bönan has ensured that the rooms and suites have been furnished with the utmost attention to detail, using sumptuous fabrics and handmade furniture.

Portrait Firenze, Lungarno Acciaiuoli 4, 50123 Florence, +39 055 2726 8000

Pädaste Manor

Located on Estonia’s Muhu island, Pädaste Manor hotel is an historic 15th-century estate set within a picturesque seaside nature reserve. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the establishment has many notable features including a spa, private cinema, bar and fine-dining facilities.

Pädaste Manor, 94716 Muhu, +372 454 8800

Mandarin Oriental Milan

The Mandarin Oriental Milan encompasses four 18th-century buildings. It is also surrounded by heritage, being moments from the Teatro alla Scala and the Duomo. The original inner courtyards, which are typical of grand Milanese buildings, have been retained, and the interior is also in line with traditional, local décor. A large fireplace is the central feature of the concierge area and lobby, while the Mandarin Bar is decorated with monochrome tiled walls and has been designed to evoke the atmosphere of an Italian piazza – this is the ideal place in which to enjoy an informal lunch or cocktails and dinner.

Mandarin Oriental Milan, Via Andegari 9, 20121 Milan, +39 02 8731 8888

Hyatt Regency Düsseldorf

The Hyatt Regency in Düsseldorf’s stylish Mediahafen district provides an efficient service for business and leisure travellers alike. The 19-floor hotel’s interior was designed by well-known Dutch company FG Stijl and deftly combines warm colours with glass and natural light. Inside the 290 guestrooms are flat-screen televisions and spacious rain showers.

Hyatt Regency Düsseldorf, Speditionstrasse 19, 40221 Dusseldorf, +49 (0)211 9134 1234

Hotel Orfila

Housed within an impressive 19th-century neoclassical mansion, Hotel Orfila allows visitors to Madrid to experience old-world glamour. This centrally located hotel has 32 guestrooms, each with its own décor which reflects the hotel’s historic setting. Care has been taken to preserve the hotel’s period furniture and design features, including grand fireplaces and high ceilings, while ensuring that clients are provided with the modern amenities that frequent travellers demand.

Hotel Orfila, Calle de Orfila 6, 28010 Madrid, +34 91 702 7770

Hotel Lilla Roberts

Originally built as a power plant for Helsinki and then used as a police headquarters, the building where Hotel Lilla Roberts is now located has had a varied past. Now the classic façade leads into a sleek, modern lobby. Whether you’re visiting Helsinki for business or for pleasure, the 130-room hotel is perfectly located on a quiet street yet just a short walk from bars, restaurants, shops and the business district.

Hotel Lilla Roberts, Pieni Roobertinkatu 1-3, 00130 Helsinki, +358 (0)9 689 9880

DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station

Located in the city centre, very close to the main station, DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station is a convenient and stylish choice. Every detail reiterates DoubleTree’s commitment to a seamless and enjoyable experience: expect a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie on arrival and an iMac in your room.

DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station, Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, +31 (0)20 530 0800

Soho House Istanbul

Soho House Istanbul has taken over Palazzo Corpi, one of the most historic and beautiful buildings in the Beyoğlu area of the city. The palace was commissioned in 1873, at the request of wealthy Italian shipbuilder Ignazio Corpi, and built using the finest materials, including Carrara marble; renowned artists were invited to depict Greek mythological scenes in the entrance hall and on the ceiling of the Great Hall.

Soho House Istanbul, Evliya Celebi Mahallesi, Mesrutiyet Caddesi 56, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, +90 (0)212 377 7100

Grand Ferdinand

Opened in 2015, the Grand Ferdinand hotel is Viennese elegance reinvented for the modern traveller. There are plenty of special touches throughout the establishment, such as chandeliers with real candles which are lit every day. A Maserati and Jaguar are available for hire – motorsport fans will be interested to learn that the Jaguar belonged to Dr Hans Lauda, grandfather of Austrian Formula One world champion Niki Lauda.

Grand Ferdinand, Schubertring 10-12, 1010 Vienna, +43 (0)1 91880

Grand Amore

The Grand Amore in Florence, with just 11 rooms, takes exceptionally good care of its guests. Visitors receive a questionnaire prior to their stay where they can specify a wide range of preferences, from flowers to mattress firmness. The result is a home-from-home feeling in a very stylish setting. Designed by Italian architect Marianna Gagliardi and furnished with Italian artisan fabrics and furniture, the rooms are opulent and supremely comfortable.

Grand Amore, Via dei Servi 38A, 50122 Florence, +39 055 035 1500

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Located near Gwanghwamun Plaza, this slick, modern hotel has 317 rooms and suites, all equipped with customisable Four Seasons beds to ensure guests get a good night’s sleep. Furthermore, there are signature Four Seasons’ touches including twice-daily housekeeping and 24-hour in-room dining. Health and fitness facilities include a three-lane swimming pool, a virtual indoor golf course, a Pilates room and a juice bar.

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 031 83, +82 (0)2 6388 5000

Canal Huis 58

Located on Brouwersgracht, one of Amsterdam’s prettiest canals, Canal Huis 58 is a picturesque townhouse which can accommodate up to 10 people in four en-suite rooms. The décor is elegant but traditional, making use of classic Dutch features such as blue Delft tiles, and the house is kitted out with thoughtfully chosen antiques, local books and artwork.

Canal Huis 58, Herengracht/Brouwersgracht, 1013 GX Amsterdam, +1 970 349 7761

Aman Tokyo

Spanning the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower, this sleek, modern and ultra-stylish hotel is Aman’s first in Japan. It provides tranquil spaces in this busy city, including an interior garden, swimming pool and a spa with purpose-built yoga and Pilates studios.

Aman Tokyo, Otemachi Tower, 1-5-6 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, +81 (0)3 5224 3333

Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa

The Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa epitomises Prague’s old-world grandeur and is conveniently located just a short distance from landmarks such as the castle and Charles Bridge (Karlův most). The hotel is set in a stunning baroque mansion which dates back to the 1500s; it has been thoughtfully restored to provide visitors with all the modern comforts expected while preserving the house’s rich history.

Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa, Tržiště 19, 110 00 Prague, +420 257 286011

25Hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

Located next to Berlin zoo, 25Hours Hotel Bikini Berlin has a playful feel. The newly opened hotel, designed by Werner Aisslinger, comprises 149 rooms, some with views of the zoo’s ape and elephant enclosures. Neni restaurant – overseen by taste-making Austrian restaurateur Haya Molcho – and the Monkey bar occupy the 10th floor which includes a roof terrace, allowing guests the chance to enjoy excellent food and drink while taking in the panoramic views.

25Hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, Budapester Strasse 40, 10787 Berlin, +49 (0)30 120 2210