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• Top 5 Things To Do In Puerto Rico

  admin 1:28 pm on March 18, 2010 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: culebra, el yunque, Jayuya, old san juan, puerto rico, vieques

  Puerto Rico is a pearl that took birth in the very heart of the Caribbean. Puerto Rico is where the easygoing Latin rhythms of the Caribbean collide with the efficiency of modern America.

  The result is a colorful, diverse and culturally unique island that is often as confusing as it is cosmopolitan. 21st century funky restaurants next to 16th Spanish buildings, beautiful beaches, great hiking trails, golf resorts, caves and offshore coral reefs.

  

  1 Old San Juan

  Explore and feel a fascinating combination of cultures… Old San Juan is the heart and soul of Puerto Rico. If you are interested in history, enjoy a walk on the ramparts, where half a millennium ago Spanish soldiers held their watch. Old San Juan, the magnificent walled city, it’s rounded with magical architecture, churches and chapels, fountains, statues… Pretty and comfortable plazas that invites you to stay all over again hundreds of time just to relax and enjoy pictorial people that adorned streets with their typical town chores.

  2 Vieques & Culebra

  The East Region of Puerto Rico is a Nautical and Resort Destination. The East counts with five Marinas, four regional airports, six golf courses, world class attractions, and the two beautiful Islands: Culebra & Vieques. It is just 30 minutes from San Juan & Metro area and it offers impressive natural wonders as: El Yunque National Rain Forest, Humacao National Reserve, Culebra Natural Wildlife Refuge and Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques.

  It it’s known for its beautiful beaches as: Luquillo Beach, Seven Seas in Fajardo, Flamenco Beach in Culebra, and Sun Bay Beach in Vieques.

  3  Jayuya

  In Jayuya, Puerto Rico, you can enjoy a walk through the 19th Century coffee plantations combined with leisure activities like bird watching, horseback riding and others.

  4 Ponce

  A trip to the south can begin by visiting the region’s economic and cultural center, otherwise known as the City of Ponce. Dubbed the “Pearl of the South,” Ponce (founded in 1692) is a major cosmopolitan and cultural hub in Puerto Rico. This architecturally rich city houses several museums worth exploring.

  5 El Yunque

  The Caribbean National Forest, often called El Yunque Rainforest, has the highest visitation of any natural site in Puerto Rico. When you see it, you’ll easily understand why.

  Top 5 Hotels in Puerto Rico:

  El Convento Hotel, San Juan – Gorgeous and Historic City Hotel

  Hix Island, Vieques – Enjoy being surrounded with Banana trees, Palms, Hybiscus and many more tropical trees.

  Water & Beach Club Hotel, San Juan -Boutique Hotel nestled on one of the finest beaches in Isla Verde.

  Howard Johnson Inn Plaza de Armas, San Juan – In the heart of Old San Juan.

  Hotel Milano, San Juan – Affordable, nice hotel centrally located.

   

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• 10 Top Costa Brava Hotels

  admin 8:41 pm on January 26, 2010 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: charming costa brava, costa brava hotels

  Looking for a lovely hotel in the Costa Brava? Finding the perfect hotel in Europe should be so easy. It’s not as if we’re asking for the earth: we want somewhere small, friendly (probably family-run) and reasonably priced, with double helpings of charm and character. Not such a tall order, is it?

  Oh yes it is — because the best little bolt holes don’t necessarily have the budget to advertise, even if they wanted to. They can’t launch a high-profile campaign like the flashy five-stars. And anyone, travel writers included, lucky enough to stumble on one is hardly going to tell everyone else. They go all Gollum-like and overprotective. Some are trendy, others traditional; some by the sea, others tucked away in obscure corners of countryside; some verging on posh, others as cheap as chips. But all 10 feel like that most precious travel rarity — a real discovery.

  

  1 Hotel Castell d’Emporda, La Bisbal d’Emporda

  This lovely hotel provides a unique base for enjoying rich Catalan culture and having a restful and luxurious stay in an 800 year old castle.

  2 Hotel Casamar, Llafranc

  The 2 star Hotel Casamar is located in one of the most beautiful coves of the Costa Brava and in the town of Llafranc.

  3 Hotel Sant Roc, Calella de Palafrugell

  A peaceful, 3 star family hotel, built in 1954, set directly on a cliff top overlooking the sea in the authentic heart of the Costa Brava.

  4 Hotel Rosa, Begur

  The 3 star Hotel Rosa is a small, family run hotel located in the centre of the lovely old city of Begur, in the very heart of the Costa Brava.

  5 Hotel Mas Ses Vinyes, Begur

  Off the road, in a landscape of old vinyards and Mediterranean woods, you will find the 3 star Hotel Mas Ses Vinyes. It is settled in a typical Catalan farmstead located 4 kilometres from Begur.

  6 Hotel Aiguablava, Begur

  The 4 star Hotel Aigua Blava is located next to the welcoming coves of Fornells and Aiguablava.

  7 Hotel Mas Salvi, Pals

  This newly-opened hotel is in a 17th century Catalan country house surrounded by meadows of alfafa and corn.

  8 Hotel Terramar, Llafranc

  The 3 star Hotel Terramar is located on the sea front of the magnificent beach of Llafranc. Discover this warm and friendly hotel, set in beautiful surroundings opposite the sea. Its history goes back to the year 1934, when Llafranc was nothing but a little cove of fishermen.

  9 Hotel Torre Laurentii, Sant Llorenc de La Muga

  This place is excellent for those who long for silence and peace and it offers the ultimate in sybaritic country life, elegant yet relaxed, friendly, discreet and amusing. The hotel’s decoration transmits an indiano (a Spaniard who made their fortune in Latin America) feel, with pieces brought to Spain by the owners from their years in the Philippines.

  10 Hotel Alga, Calella de Palafrugell

  The Hotel Alga is located on the main street of Calella de Palafrugell, 200 metres from the beach, and has 53 rooms and various function suites which can hold up to 300 people, as well as over 7,000 m2 of gardens, 2 swimming pools, a tennis court and car park.

   

• Top Things To Do In London

  admin 7:13 pm on January 18, 2010 | 1 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: British Museum, Grosvenor House, Hotel Claridge's, London Eye, Royal Academy of Arts, Tate Modern, Wallace Collection

  Planning a trip to London? Here are five sights and attractions that you shouldn’t miss when visiting this the huge, historic, and very hip city:

  

  1 British Museum

  Founded in 1753 by Act of Parliament, from the collections of Sir Hans Sloane, the British Museum is one of the great museums of the world, showing the works of man from prehistoric to modern times with collections drawn from the whole world. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, the Sutton Hoo and Mildenhall treasures and the Portland Vase.

  2 Tate Modern

  A visit to London isn’t complete without a trip to Tate Modern. Britain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art from around the world is housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the Thames. The awe-inspiring Turbine Hall runs the length of the entire building and you can see amazing work for free by artists such as Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, Pollock, Warhol and Bourgeois.

  3 Royal Academy of Arts

  The Royal Academy of Arts, founded in 1768, is the oldest fine arts institution in Britain . Situated in the heart of the West End on Piccadilly, it is universally renowned for hosting some of the capital’s finest temporary and touring exhibitions. Its annual Summer Exhibition, running since the institution first opened, displays select work from up and coming artists and by academicians.

  4 Wallace Collection

  The Wallace Collection is a national museum, displaying superb works of art in an historic London town house. The collection was acquired principally in the 19thC by the third and fourth Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the illegitimate son of the fourth Marquess.

  5 London Eye

  Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York the Empire State, and now London has the London Eye – an extraordinary symbol for an extraordinary city. The world’s largest observation wheel offers a spectacular way to take in over 55 of London’s most famous landmarks in just 30 minutes!

  Top 5 Hotels in London:

  Andaz Liverpool London – one of London’s finest railway hotels.

  Hotel Claridge’s – a London classic.

  The Berkeley Knightsbridge – one of the most fashionable hotel addresses in London.

  Grosvenor House – perfectly situated on Park Lane.

  The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park – boasting a splendid location with fabulous views.

   

• Comparte ese lugar que te encanta

  admin 7:33 am on November 5, 2009 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: charming destination (2), lugares con encanto

  Charming Destination .com pretende construir un catalogo de los mejores destinos, atracciones y restaurantes con encanto de cualquier parte del Mundo. En Charming Destination .com solo queremos incluir lugares que sean especiales y que impulsen a compartir experiencias.

  La unica manera de que un lugar sea mostrado en Charming Destination .com es que algun colaborador o usuario crea que es especial y lo recomiende.

  Comparte esos pocos lugares que te encantan, tanto si estan cerca de donde vives como si estan en lugares que has visitado. No importa si es una plaza, cafe o tienda en tu ciudad o un conocido monumento o museo que visitaste en tus ultimas vacaciones. Si es algo que le recomendarias a un amigo, nos encantaria que lo compartieras en Charming Destination .com.

  

  Para compartir un lugar especial envianos la siguiente informacion a admin@charmingdestination.com:

  Nombre del Lugar (Atraccion, Restaurante, Destino …)

  Donde se encuentra (Ej: Londres, Reino Unido)
  

  Descripcion en español y en ingles (indicanos que es lo que te gusta del lugar y el porque)
  

  Imagenes: envíanos al menos una imagen (peso maximo de 35 KB).

  Termometro del Encanto: Evalua del 0 al 100 el encanto de tu lugar especial. Queremos estar seguros que los destinos, atracciones y restaurantes que mostramos sean los lugares que la gente considera mas interesantes. Por eso incluimos este termometro que mide con un porcentaje el encanto. Se trata de una opinion puramente subjetiva basada en algo tan intangible como es el encanto que tiene un determinado lugar para una persona en concreto y esta abierto a la reconsideracion.

  Si tienes un perfil en Facebook podras actualizar tu lugar favorito, añadir eventos, imagenes, videos … asi como comprobar los comentarios aportados por los usuarios y responder al instante si lo deseas. Para mantenerte informado de nuestras novedades siguenos en Facebook, Twitter o a través de este blog.

   

• Incluya gratuitamente su hotel o establecimiento

  admin 10:19 pm on November 4, 2009 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: charming destination. charmingdestination, hotel, incluir alojamiento, incluir hotel

  Charming Destination .com es un buscador de destinos, alojamientos, restaurantes y atracciones con encanto que integra las redes sociales y que ofrece a su negocio una visiblidad gratuita y un medio de comunicacion directo con un publico viajero, joven e internacional a traves de Internet.

  Charming Destination .com le ofrece crear un articulo para su hotel o establecimiento que incluira una descripcion en español y en ingles y una categorizacion en la que se destacaran las ventajas de su hotel (con encanto, con balneario, cerca de la playa …) y que se integrara en nuestras guias, mostrando las atracciones y destinos cercanos.

  

  Para incluir su hotel en nuestra guía necesitamos que nos facilite la siguiente informacion a admin@charmingdestination.com:

  Nombre del Hotel
  Direccion
  Ciudad
  Telefono
  Email
  Enlace a su perfil de Facebook (si tiene)

  Descripcion en español
  Descripcion en ingles

  Imagenes: envíenos 3 imagenes con un peso maximo de 35KB por imagen.
  
  Tambien necesitamos que nos indique en que destaca su hotel: con encanto, romantico, de playa, gastronomia y vinos, senderismo, cicloturismo, hotel de lujo, hotel para golf, para esquiar, con balneario, tradicional …

  Y por ultimo, que atracciones y lugares cercanos a su hotel recomendaria.

  Incluya en su web un enlace a la pagina de su hotel en Charming Destination .com creando una comunicación directa con sus clientes y mejorando su visibilidad. Con un perfil de facebook podra actualizar, añadir eventos, imagenes, videos … asi como comprobar los comentarios aportados por los usuarios y responder al instante.

  Para mantenerse informado de nuestras novedades siganos en facebook, twitter o a través de este blog.

   

• Primeros Pasos en Charming Destination .com

  admin 8:32 pm on November 3, 2009 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: charming destination (2), get started, primeros pasos, www.charmingdestination.com

  Charming Destination .com es una guía de viajes con encanto en la que tanto viajeros como establecimientos pueden compartir sus experiencias y contenidos sobre los diversos destinos, restaurantes, atracciones… Si eres un hotel, atracción o restaurante y deseas incluir gratuitamente tu establecimiento en Charming Destination .com, contactanos en admin@charmingdestination.com para mas detalles.

  Un viaje con encanto significa algo diferente para cada persona, es por ello que con las propuestas y experiencias compartidas por nuestros viajeros, esperamos que encuentres los destinos, atracciones y hoteles que deseabas.

  En Charming Destination .com podrás :

  • Planificar tu viaje viendo los comentarios, videos, imagenes y blogs de otros usuarios asi como la evaluacion propia de Charming Destination .com.
  • Formar parte de una comunidad de viajeros activa, contactando con otros usuarios o preguntando las dudas que tengas.
  • Infórmarte de las últimas atracciones, hoteles y otros lugares de interes sobre ese lugar que vas a visitar o esos lugares que te atraen siguiendonos a través de Twitter y Facebook.
  • Compartir tus experiencias con el resto de la comunidad y con tus amigos a traves de imagenes, videos y comentarios de los lugares con un encanto especial que has visitado.

  Para que puedas subir de una forma sencilla tus fotografías, vídeos y comentarios; Charming Destination .com se conecta automáticamente con tu perfil de facebook. Solo tienes que loguearte y escribir tus comentarios, enlazar con tus blogs recomendados o colgar tus imágenes y videos.

  Para publicar un comentario, imagen, video o entrada de blog haz clic en el logo de Facebook Connect  que esta situado al final en todos los articulos  y te aparecerá la siguiente ventana:

  

  Ahí podrás ingresar con el correo y la contraseña que utilizas para tu cuenta de Facebook. A partir de ese momento, podrás comenzar a disfrutar de todas las características de Charming Destination: publicar comentarios, videos, fotografías y posts de blogs, compartir tus publicaciones con el resto de contactos de facebook, etc.

   

• Charming Havana Hotels

  admin 4:57 pm on October 21, 2009 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cuba hotels, havana hotels

  There’s no shortage of atmospheric hotels in Havana, but finding one before you get there can be a challenge. This Blog offers an insider’s guide.

  

  The Saratoga is the coolest hotel in Havana. Its elegant facade overlooks all the other 19th-century architectural splendours along the Paseo del Prado, including Havana’s exquisite opera house. It’s got Havana’s best rooftop pool and fabulous rooms, many of which have long cushioned window seats from which to watch the frenetic local street life. Address: Prado 603 esq. Dragones, La Habana Vieja.

  Hotel Florida is a fabulous place with only 25 well furnished and spacious rooms flush with Italian marble. It was restored to its original 19th-century charm in 1999 and has bags of style. The entrance on to the bustling Calle Obispo is through a hugely impressive and imposing restored wooden door. The club downstairs (mostly salsa) can get quite lively but fortunately is well insulated so the sounds do not disturb and offer a good late night option. You are also very close to many Old Havana bars for an evening stroll or drink. Address: Calle Obispo #252, esquina Cuba.

  Hotel Conde de Villanueva is a delightfully small and intimate establishment in what was once the mansion of Claudio Martínez de Pinillos, Count of Villanueva, the leader of Cuban Creole society in the 19th century. A favourite with cigar aficionados, it houses one of Old Havana’s best cigar shops. The suite overlooking the junction of Lamparilla and Mercaderes Streets is probably the most inviting hotel room in Havana. Address: Calle de los Mercaderes #202 esq. Lamparilla, La Habana Vieja.

  Hotel Santa Isabel is a grand 18th-century palace that overlooks Havana’s oldest and most beautiful colonial square, the Plaza de Armas. The pretty central courtyard has a fountain which is often filled with fresh tuberoses. Some of the beds are pretty squeaky so it’s perhaps not the best place for nuits passionelles, but the cocktails are among the city’s best and we defy you to get up from the mahogany and leather armchairs in the courtyard after more than two mojitos. Stay in the Santovenia Suite for a serious aesthetic treat. Address: Calle Baratillo 9 entre Obispo y Narciso López, Plaza de Armas, Habana Vieja.

  Hostal Valencia is a beautiful place with only 12 rooms. Simple, yet very charming rooms set around a central courtyard garden with lush tropical plants make this a great option if you can get a reservation. The best rooms overlook the bay and are real Alice in Wonderland territory with low ceilings, beautiful furniture and no shortage of ambience. Address: Calle Oficios #53, esquina Obrapía.

  The Beltran de Santa Cruz is a restored 19th-century building, which was converted into a Hotel in 2002, simply oozes charm. This is a small boutique place on the corner of Plaza Vieja, a few metres away from the popular Austrian brewery. The rooms are light and airy and are set around a lovely courtyard. The neighbouring buildings are somewhat run down but this should not put you off. Address: Calle San Ignacio #411, entre Muralla y Sol, near the Plaza Vieja.

  

  Located along the Malecon, Havana’s waterfront boulevard, the 16-storey Hotel Riviera looks like something out of 1950s Las Vegas or Miami, an airbrushed postcard taking one back to a very different time and world. Stylishly modernist, the building’s 50s look (and feel) carries past the revolving door entrance over to the grand lobby, whose original structure, furnishings and décor have been so well preserved that one wholly expects to come across a group of velvet-clad lounge lizards savoring mojitos and Cuban cigars or a group of mafiosos talking shop on one of the old-fashioned sofas.

  The Hotel Nacional is a magnificent hotel, fully deserving its ranking among the world’s best, having hosted the likes of Churchill, Hemingway and Sinatra down the years. Unfortunately, the shabby rooms, patchy service and unexceptional food do not do justice to the general ambience. Savour the beautiful gardens, enjoy the history and relax by the pool, but don’t try and get a dry martini with a rocket and walnut salad delivered to your room in the early hours of the morning. Address: 21, Vedado, Plaza.

  Source: Guardian.co.uk / Cubareserva.com

   

• London's Markets

  admin 12:21 pm on October 21, 2009 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Camden's Stables Market, london, markets, Portobello Road, Spitalfields Market, united kingdom

  You can buy anything in London’s markets, from cheap eats and fresh produce to art and antiques, to retro and designer fashions. Visit the big names such as Portobello Road, Spitalfields Market and Camden’s Stables Market. Wander through a traditional East End street market. Read our guide to the best markets in London – including food at Borough, antiques at Portobello, vintage fashion at Camden and bric-a-brac at Broadway. Give your senses a treat and pop along to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of London’s markets.

  

  If you are looking for a general flea market, Brick Lane is ideal as it has a vast hotchpotch of stalls. Traders here sell everything imaginable: food, furniture, kitchen appliances, DVDs and general bric-a-brac. Open: Sun 8am-2pm, Address: Brick Lane Market, Brick Lane, London, E1.

  The 2003 Norman Foster redesign of Spitalfields Market may have split opinion – and displaced many original stallholders – but there’s still plenty here to enjoy. Largely regarded as a showcase for up-and-coming young artists from the nearby art and design college, Spitalfields Market also has many stalls selling one-off items, vintage and retro clothing, CDs, jewellery and handicrafts. Open: Mon to Fri 11am-3pm and Sun 10am-5pm, Address: Old Spitalfields Market, Horner Square, London, E1

  Broadway Market’s status as a promenade for the East End fashion set is legendary – but it’s the high-quality fashion, vintage clothing and independent boutiques that excite the rest of us. Get up on a Saturday to explore one of London’s most successful local markets.

  Greenwich Market could well be London’s best source for handcrafted items, original art work, unique gifts, collectables and antiques. Come and visit the pretty undercover market in the heart of historic Maritime Greenwich. Open: Thurs to Sun 9.30am-5.30pm, Address: Greenwich Market, College Approach, London, SE10

  Five connecting areas make up the famous Camden Market, all selling a combination of clothes, food, crafts and music. Visit the indoor Victorian market hall for great handmade gifts, knick-knacks and craftworks. Camden was hit by fire in February 2008, which affected the Canal Market: the damage has now been repaired. Open: Mon to Sun 10am-6pm, Address: Camden Market, Camden, London, N1

  The world-famous Portobello road is home to the world’s largest antiques market. Portobello Road specialises in everything from jewellery, art and silverware to vintage clothes, bric-a-brac and much more. It is always bustling and well worth visit even if you do not intend to buy. Open: Sat 8am-5pm, Address: Portobello Road Market and Golborne Road Market, Portobello, London, W11

  The award-winning Borough Market is one of the largest food markets in the city and a gourmet’s paradise, offering top quality produce and artisan foods from all over Britain and the continent. Open: Thurs 11am-5pm; Fri 12 noon-6pm and Sat 8am-5pm, Address: Borough Market, Borough High Street, London, SE1. Columbia Road Flower Market is a colourful East End market with more than 50 stalls selling bulbs, exotic flowers, pot plants, trees and shrubs. Open: Sun 8am-2pm, Address: Columbia Road Flower Market, Columbia Road, London, E2

   

• The Somontano Wine Region in Spain

  admin 11:13 am on October 21, 2009 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: aragon (2), somontano wine region, spain

  

  The Somontano vineyards, located in the province of Huesca, in the foothills of the Aragonese Pyrenees, have an ideal altitude and climate as well as an interesting range of grape varieties and wineries intent on making unique, high-quality wines. The excellent results obtained are reflected in the attitude of the domestic and international market, which have created a demand for these products – elegant, structured, and in many cases, suitable for long life .

  The Somontano won its Denominacion de Origen (Designation of Origin-DO) status in 1984 after a long struggle by local growers, and ever since it has produced impressive results. There are about 3,000 ha under vine registered by the locale regulatory council, and the region is dominated by less than 5 top wineries (namely Enate, Bodegas Pirineos and Viñas del Vero).

  Traditionally, the indigenous grapes used created very rustic wines. These traditional styles of wine have been completely and utterly uprooted and replaced with the new wave of modern winemaking, using many international varietals (including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer) and Spanish noble grapes such as Tempranillo. The key players in this wine region are the above mentioned wineries who have invested millions in modern wineries, star winemakers and wine tourism infrastructure. Whereas in other parts of Spain it can be impossible to visit wineries, Enate, Bodegas Pirineos and Viñas del Vero have set out to be main attractions on Spanish wine tours.

  Somontano has had vines among its cultivated crops since two centuries B.C. The phylloxera plague that wiped out the vineyards of France and Europe in the 19th Century, gave the industry a great boost due to the arrival of winemakers looking for the ideal spot to plant new vines to make their wine. This was the case of Francisco Lallane, the founder of one of the oldest wineries in Somontano. Other wineries, such as Osca and Fabregas, date back to this same period.  Viñas del Vero, Enate and Pirineos are the three largest wineries in terms of production.

  In addition, Somontano boasts other important projects that have been more recently incorporated into the Designation of Origen, such as Bodegas Olvena, Laus and Irius. Here, architecture has been skilfully adapted to ensure that it meets the demands of high quality wine production as well as the needs of visiting tourists and specialists, while at the same time reflecting culture and design.

  The Somontano region offers the gourmet tourist a complete package: cozy restaurants tucked away in romantic, historic villages offering the excellent local cuisine (high on game, artisan cheeses, rich vegetable dishes and homemade sausage chorizos); stunning modern wineries who open their doors to happy, wine loving visitors; and wonderful landscapes and scenery.

  Source: David Gimenez / Aragonguide.com

   

• Art Hotels Around The World

  admin 5:01 pm on September 16, 2009 | 1 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: art hotel, art hotels

  

  Hotels around the world are tapping local artists to make their work an essential element of a new breed of hostelry. Hotels have always had artwork, but today the concept is being stretched to new limits, as boutique hotels replace hospitality-as-theater with hospitality-as-installation-art. Around the globe, hoteliers are working with artists (if they’re not already artists themselves) to create environments with a sense of style and authenticity — in explicit retort to the boutique hotel formula, with its contemporary furniture and dimmed hallways.

  The Colombe D’Or, St Paul de Vence, Provence, France: An art hotel where great artists like Picasso and Matisse really did hang out, and left their work for future guests to enjoy.

  Hotel du Petit Moulin, Paris, France: French designer Christian Lacroix has transformed the interior of this former bakery.

  Fox hotel, Copenhagen, Denmark: Manga cartoons, street art, whimsical fantasy creations or graphic designs adorn the rooms at Fox Hotel.

  Atelier Sul Mare, Sicily, Italy: Sitting right on Sicily’s coast at Castel di Tusa, Atelier Sul Mare sets out to be a hotel-museum where guests wake up among the art works.

  Gladstone Hotel, Toronto, Canada: The 37 individually artist-designed rooms are not the only draw of Toronto’s oldest continuously operating hotel. It’s home to a buzzing cultural scene, hosting gig nights in the bar, regular exhibitions and has a lively cafe and various function rooms.

  Propeller Island Hotel, Berlin, Germany: One of several art hotels in Berlin, at Propeller Island even the hotel music is part of the art experience.

  21c Museum Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky, United States: The hotel is housed in what were five abandoned tobacco and bourbon warehouses and displays works of art in elevators, courtyards, roof, and even the toilets.

  Gramercy Park Hotel, New York, United States: The hotel’s design is the creation of Julian Schnabel, whose painting Suddenly Last Summer (Picasso Painting No. 2) hangs above the fireplace.

  The Hotel Chelsea, New York, United States: One of the original ‘art hotels’. In the 50s and 60s artists, writers and musicians took up cheap lodgings here, leaving works of art in lieu of rent, which decorate the hotel today. The roll call includes Sir Arthur C Clarke, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Stanley Kubrick, Arthur Miller, Dee Dee Ramone, Larry Rivers, Dylan Thomas, and Tennessee Williams.

  Hotel des Arts, San Francisco, United States: Leading emerging artists from the around the world were given full artistic control to turn rooms into individual art spaces.