Boscolo Milano, Milan

Set in the heart of Milan’s fashion district, the Boscolo Milano provides a suitably stylish base from which to explore the city. Architect Italo Rota has completely remodelled this former bank to incorporate an open-plan design, tonal décor and 70s-inspired details. All 154 rooms feature exquisite bathrooms, plasma screens and a choice of pillow.

Boscolo Milano, Corso Giacomo Matteotti 4-6, 20121 Milan, +39 02 7767 9611

Nobis Hotel, Stockholm

The newly opened Nobis Hotel has eschewed excess in favour of a radical approach to luxury. Comfort, efficient service and discreet elegance have been placed at the fore. In the lounge, an Orrefors chandelier is offset by clusters of cacti while in the bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling Carrera marble chimes with the minimalist packaging of the Byredo toiletries.

Nobis Hotel, Norrmalmstorg 2-4, 111 86 Stockholm, +46 (0)8 614 1000

Grand Hotel, Vienna

The Grand Hotel, which recently celebrated its 140th anniversary, remains every bit as opulent today as it was when it first opened. Its 205 guestrooms and suites blend antique décor with the latest technology; the Presidential Suite with its vast canopy bed, is particularly stunning. Be sure to sample the hotel’s signature gugelhupf cake.

Grand Hotel, Kärntner Ring 9, 1010 Vienna, +43 (0)1 515800

Hotel Silken Puerta América, Madrid

This 12-floor hotel is a visual delight. Jean Nouvel, Marc Newson and Victorio & Lucchino have brought a strong aesthetic imagination to every space. Look out for the light installations in the lobby. The all-white Space Club rooms, designed by Zaha Hadid, draw inspiration from science fiction, while the two presidential suites display the works by photographers Nobuyoshi Araki and Alain Fleischer.

Hotel Silken Puerta América, Avenida de América 41, 28002 Madrid, +34 91 744 5400