Hotel Puerta America

Think of it as the ultimate class project. Nineteen of the world’s preeminent architects and designers come together to design a hotel on the outskirts of Madrid. Each is given free rein over a floor or public space, and everything from the bar to the flatware to the colorfully lit parking lot boasts the stamp of a design giant.

This hugely ambitious project, in which 19 of the most prestigious names in architecture and design collaborated on a Jean Nouvel building, finally opened in 2005. The resulting 362 rooms are so cutting-edge they should carry health warnings. Among others, David Chipperfield, Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid, John Pawson, Marc Newson, and Ron Arad have designed rooms—some all-white and minimal (duh); some all-scarlet and curvaceous; some (Hadid’s) all-white or all-black and sculpted from LG Hi-Macs (a kind of malleable Corian); others (Arad’s) with a ten-foot circular sofa; yet more (Chipperfield’s) with black terra-cotta beds canopied in lacquered blue material. Oddly, the owners, the Silken Group, whose hotels have been multiplying like triffids, claim to be all about service and comfort, with a side of design. While service is up to scratch, comfort is often sacrificed; some of the beds and showers are too small and chairs look good, but don’t feel it. Go here if you’re looking for the visual-sensual experience of inhabiting premier architectural space—and be aware that the world’s most ambitious hotel is located between the airport and the city, so none too central. continue

Hilton London Metropole hotel

Just 10 minutes’ walk from the West End and Oxford Street, the Hilton London Metropole hotel boasts 40 conference rooms for 12-3000 guests. Meet colleagues in the Executive Lounge or relax in the gym, pool or sauna. Dine on international cuisine at Fiamma Restaurant or sample Japanese favorites at Nippon Tuk.Take in London attractions like The Tower of London and the London Eye. Spend the evening watching Shakespeare at The Globe.All Hilton London Metropole hotel rooms offer high-speed internet access. Choose a Deluxe Room with city views or Suite for Executive Lounge access. Wireless internet access is available in all public areas of the hotel.

London Docklands Riverside Hilton

Explore vibrant London from the Hilton London Docklands Riverside hotel, with views over the Thames and Canary Wharf. Just 20 minutes from London City Airport, this contemporary hotel boasts 26 meeting rooms for 2-350 and a 24-hour business center. As well as enjoying the riverside location, you can take a dip in the indoor pool, work out at the health club or relax with a massage. Enjoy the best of international cuisine at the Terrace restaurant and bar. Historic Greenwich and its market are just 3 miles away, and other London attractions and shopping are within easy reach.All Hilton London Docklands Riverside hotel rooms offer high-speed internet access. Step up to a Deluxe Room for a river view, or a Family Room for a living area. continue

Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort, County Limerick, Ireland

Overall Score: 96.4

• Design of Course: 92.2
• Golf Staff & Service: 100.0
• Rooms: 100.0
• Resort Service: 95.7
• Food/Dining: 100.0
• Activities/Facilities: 90.9

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The Cloister, Sea Island, Georgia

Overall Score: 97.5

• Design of Course: 95.2
• Golf Staff & Service: 100.0
• Rooms: 100.0
• Resort Service: 100.0
• Food/Dining: 95.0
• Activities/Facilities: 95.0

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