Design hotels: creative oases around the globe

brown wooden table near white bed
Photo: reisetopia / Unsplash

Imagine waking up in a hotel room that looks like a work of art in itself — surrounded by unique design that tells stories and inspires your senses. Whether a futuristic masterpiece in Tokyo, a hidden gem in the middle of the desert or a historic palace that has been reinterpreted — design hotels are much more than just accommodation. They are experiences that take you right into the heart of creative worlds. Discover the most fascinating design hotels around the globe and get inspired for your next trip — each of these hotels is a place where you can stay and be amazed at the same time.

Unforgettable design hotels in Europe

Europe is a veritable treasure trove of history, culture, and art — and where better to experience this than in the continent’s impressive design hotels? Imagine waking up in a room that looks more like an art gallery than an ordinary place to stay. Let’s start our journey in Barcelona, where the Hotel Arts* not only adorns the skyline with its iconic steel façade, but also enchants with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. Inside, modern art meets first-class comfort — every corner of the hotel tells a story that will amaze you.

The Arts in Barcelona, Photo: Manuel Torres Garcia / Unsplash
The Arts in Barcelona, Photo: Manuel Torres Garcia / Unsplash

But that’s just the beginning. In Milan, the city of fashion and elegance, you will find the stylish Hotel Viu* — a place where futuristic design and Italian luxury form an incomparable symbiosis. A hop across the Alps takes you to Paris, where the Hotel Bachaumont* impresses with its Parisian chic, nostalgic details and modern touches. Here, every stay becomes a journey back in time through the glittering history of the city of love, combined with contemporary flair.

Roof terrace with pool - the Hotel VIU in Maioland, photo: Hotel VIU Milan
Roof terrace with pool – the Hotel VIU in Maioland, photo: Hotel VIU Milan

Europe’s Design Hotels are more than just accommodation — they are places of inspiration where you can not only sleep, but also dream, marvel and experience the world differently. Let yourself be carried away by the variety of architecture and the creative worlds that are waiting to be discovered by you.

The bathroom of the Parisian Suite in the Hotel Bachaumont, photo: Hotel Bachaumont
The bathroom of the Parisian Suite in the Hotel Bachaumont, photo: Hotel Bachaumont

Design oases in Asia and Australia

Let’s look east, where the design hotels of Asia and Australia are imbued with an incomparable cultural flair — places that tell stories and transport you to entirely new worlds. We start with Genji Kyoto*, which is more than just a hotel — it’s a retreat that focuses on the subtle nuances of Japanese design and offers you an oasis of calm. Custom-made, locally produced furniture, softly glowing washi paper lamps, an entrance lined with bamboo and centuries-old handmade tansu chests of drawers are just some of the details that give this place its special atmosphere.

One of 19 rooms at Genji Kyoto, photo: Genji Kyoto
One of 19 rooms at Genji Kyoto, photo: Genji Kyoto

Our journey takes us further south to Australia, to the vibrant city of Sydney, where the QT Sydney* exudes an exceptional charm. Housed in a former theater building, this hotel combines the glamour of Art Deco with modern accents, creating an incomparable backdrop for your stay. The opulent décor, dramatic colors and playful details make every corner of the hotel a visual experience. Nothing is left to chance here — it is a place where past and present merge in a luxurious, artistic ambience.

QT State Suite, Photo: QT Sydney
QT State Suite, Photo: QT Sydney

Asia and Australia’s design havens are not just accommodation, but true experiences that allow you to discover the culture and style of these regions in a special way. From the clean lines and meditative calm of Japan to the dramatic, luxurious flair of Sydney, these hotels invite you to immerse yourself in worlds of inspiration, where every detail tells a story and every moment is an unforgettable experience.

Art in the heart of America and Africa

America surprises with design wonders that are as unique as the continent itself. The Faena Hotel* awaits you in vibrant Miami — a true work of art that blurs the boundaries between luxury, art, and imagination. Imagine opulent rooms enlivened by avant-garde art installations, while golden accents capture the Florida light and create a fairytale atmosphere. Your stay here will be a journey into a magical world where every room tells a new story.

Premier Oceanfront Room, Photo: Faena Miami Beach
Premier Oceanfront Room, Photo: Faena Miami Beach

From the sunny coasts of Florida, we continue on to New York City, to the enchanting The Whitby Hotel*. Here you’ll find a place where charm meets playful eccentricity. Each room is uniquely designed, filled with vibrant colors and extraordinary artworks that reflect stories of the city. You’ll feel like you’re staying in a piece of living art — an experience that goes far beyond just staying the night.

Penthouse Suite at “The Whitby Hotel”, Photo: The Whitby Hotel
Penthouse Suite at “The Whitby Hotel”, Photo: The Whitby Hotel

But let’s let the waves of the Atlantic carry us all the way to Africa — to another gem of design art: Ellerman House* in Cape Town. This hotel is a tribute to contemporary South African art, surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain and the deep blue ocean. The elegant architecture and the loving selection of artworks immerse you in the cultural heart of Africa while you enjoy the panoramic view of the glittering sea. It’s not just a place to stay — it’s a place where design, art, and nature merge in perfect harmony to give you an unforgettable experience.

Superior House Room, Photo: Ellerman House
Superior House Zimmer, Photo: Ellerman House

Design hotels as travel destinations

Design hotels are far more than just places to stay — they are themselves destinations to be discovered. They not only offer you stylish comfort, but also open the door to the art, culture, and history of the respective country. Whether you are strolling through the lively streets of Barcelona, admiring the futuristic skyline of Tokyo or exploring the wild, impressive landscapes of Africa — a design hotel makes every trip a unique experience. It is as if you are immersed in a fascinating world of creativity, where every corner tells a new story and inspires you.

Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of these hotels and discover travel in a wholly new, inspiring way. Each of these hotels is a place you will want to return to again and again — not only with your thoughts, but also with all your senses. Your next stay is guaranteed to be unforgettable!

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