The Zetter, London

Fun, affordable and much-loved Clerkenwell institution

Word to the wise: There are two hotels to choose from - the original, modernist Zetter and, nearby, the new, Georgian-style Zetter Townhouse. 

Tipple of choice: Do try one of the cutting edge cocktails at the bar of the Zetter Townhouse. Inspired by historical recipes, ingredients include fig leaf and gunpowder tea tincture. 

There are many boutique design hotels in London, but few have the charm of the Zetter. This patch of Clerkenwell may now be studiously cool but neither hotel nor staff take themselves seriously, and a stay here can’t fail to lift the spirits. 

Décor is described as ‘quirky modern vintage’, which can be translated as ‘pretty much anything goes’. Think pink chandeliers, Union Jack-draped four posters, bright hot water bottles and Timorous Beasties wallpaper. 

Technology is a feature, too - not only free broadband but music playlists are streamed through each room’s TV. Oh, and the complimentary spring water comes from the hotel’s very own borehole. 

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New Majestic Hotel, Singapore

A sprawling yet intimate hotel of contradictions

Noteworthy for: The 30 unique rooms are each individually designed by emerging contemporary artists. 

Do you ever feel like you’ve stayed in the same hotel over and over again? The folks at The New Majestic clearly wanted to avoid this and enlisted the help of artists and designers to create the 30 one-of-a-kind concept rooms that make up the hotel. 

Mixing vintage and designer, old and new, each room at this hotel stays close to its Singaporean roots with a real local influence. Perhaps you’ll choose one of the hanging bed rooms or maybe you’d prefer the aquarium room; no matter which takes your fancy, rest assured you won’t have stayed anywhere like it before. 

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The Greenwich Hotel, New York

Robert de Niro's high-end haven

Word to the wise: Don't hold out much hope of getting a room here during the Tribeca Film Festival. 

Who knew Robert de Niro had such good taste? His Tribeca hotel, one of the Leading Hotels of the World, avoids the bland taupe tones of many luxury establishments, opting instead for a characterful, artistic style worthy of a spread in World of Interiors magazine. Each of the 88 rooms are different, but furnishings include real open fires, jewel-colored sofas, exquisite fabrics and vintage lamps. More contemporary touches include loans of pre-loaded iPads and not charging for extras such as Wi-Fi and snacks from the mini bar. Also unlike many smart places, dogs are welcomed. An underground pool, pretty courtyard, guests-only bar and buzzy Italian restaurant, Locanda Verde, add to the experience. The Greenwich may not be cheap, but you get a lot of bang for your buck. 

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Palihotel Melrose, L.A   

Hip, discreet little hideaway on Melrose

Word to the wise: For those in need of a bit of retail therapy, the Melrose stretch is shopping paradise.

Tipple of choice: Try the Writer’s Block, a fusion of Oxley gin, St. Germain, lime, and champagne.

Classic yet contemporary, Palihotel gives the concept of 'boutique hotel' a new definition.  There’s no typical boutique-minimalism here, but bohemian-rustic décor and warm residential-esque living spaces.Located in buzzing and cosmopolitan West Hollywood, the hotel is a short 10-minute drive from infamous party-hub Sunset Boulevard. But while there’s much to do in the area and much to see in the city, you’ll also be tempted to stay right here in its very social urban lodge-style lounges or at the Palikitchen café, trying signature dishes and sipping on cocktails.

Find out more about Palihotel Melrose or book now.