The new hotspot of London’s East End is the new Town Hall Hotel and its restaurant and bar. It’s located in the former Bethnal Town Hall, an imposing building now offering 98 spacious and stylish rooms and apartments, with each apartment having been given its own Scandinavian-inspired look.
But more than its accommodation, it is its food and beverage services that have made this one of the most talked-about spots in the city. The restaurant, “Viajante,” serves creative cuisine in a space designed by an award-winning team, with tasting menus made up of flavors inspired from all corners of the globe.
Also attracting London’s young and smart crowds is the bar, with an extensive wine and beer list as well as a choice of ten excellent cocktails.

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HOTELS

One of Sotckholm’s most popular tourist attractions is found inside the Nordic Sea Hotel. That’s the Absolut Ice Bar where everything from the walls to the glasses are at below-zero temperatures. In the hotel rooms everything is much warmer but equally attractive, with a simple contemporary look.
Alternatively, try the Nordic Light Hotel, with arguably the city’s most stylish interior. Its rooms were designed to please business and leisure travelers looking for a sophisticated ambience and wishing to stay in the heart of the city.

Another design option is the Skeppsholmen Hotel, centrally located but with rooms looking out to the waterfront and greenery. It’s the perfect choice for those who prefer tranquility and who wish to escape the bustle of city life.

Also found on the water’s edge is Hotel J. Although this is a design hotel, it has more of a rustic feel and not the typical cutting-edge décor.

Those looking for other charming options should consider Berns Hotel which offers two restaurants, sauna, and a popular concert hall and night club.

HOSTELS
Stockholm has two of the world’s most interesting hostels. One is Jumbo Stay, a Boeing 747 airplane turned into budget accommodation. It’s just a short walk from the airport, making it a fun way to end your visit to the city, and especially convenient if you have an early flight.
The second option for those looking for unique experiences is a stay in a former prison. Langholmen Hostel allows you to stay in the old cells, and offers much more than the typical hostel such as a restaurant, bar, laundry service, bike rental and free wireless internet.
Independent travelers and backpackers may also want to consider City Backpackers Hostel which has been voted one of the top 10 hostels in the world and offers something extra — a free sauna experience in the afternoon.
Alternatively, check out City Lodge Stockholm which is found right in the center of the city, or see all Stockholm hostels for more choices.

APARTMENTS
Stockholm is not known for its cheap accommodation, but those not wishing to stay at a hostel can also save by choosing an apartment. UCityGuides can recommend the Airbnb site, listing over two dozen apartments in the Swedish capital. A stay at the Best Part of Stockholm apartment will have the owner welcome you with sightseeing and city life tips, and an excellent location within walking distance to most of the city’s attractions. There are a couple of supermarkets down the street and a good café downstairs if you get hungry at any time of the day.

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In a city known for its Disney-esque constructions recreating world monuments, the tasteful contemporary architecture of Las Vegas’ new CityCenter building is a breath of very fresh air. UCityGuides has already reported on a small dose of good taste at the shopping area of this center, and can now tell you about its Aria Hotel and Casino.
It’s four months old, offering over 4,000 rooms, a casino and convention center, a spa, and sixteen restaurants. It’s obviously huge, but of a certain refinement that’s not so easy to find in this city.
The environmentally-friendly rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows to provide city views, and in-room entertainment includes MP3 docking stations and 42-inch flat screens. Those not wishing to head to the casino can enjoy one of three outdoor swimming pools or do some shopping. The location at the southern part of the Strip also allows you to check out what’s happening at the Bellagio and Monte Carlo.
More details and booking information here: Aria Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

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If you’ll be in Milan this month for the city’s design fair, here’s a stylish new place to check out. It’s the Maison Moschino Hotel which took over a 19th century neoclassical railway station. As the name indicates, this is a hotel from the Moschino fashion house and naturally, its creative team is responsible for everything you see.
Covering four floors, the hotel offers 65 rooms (63 guestrooms and 2 junior suites), a bar, restaurant, gym, and spa, all with a fantasy ambience relating to the fashion world. There are lampshades in the shape of dresses and gowns draping down from bedboards, with the looks varying from room to room, in a rather “Alice in Wonderland” atmosphere as illustrated in the photos below.
All of this added to the Moschino showroom at the entrance and the fact that you can hire personal shoppers and personalized tours (fashionable Corso Como Street is just a short walk away), give this hotel 2 U_Stars.
Complete hotel information and booking details: Maison Moschino Hotel, Milan

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ROBERT RESTAURANT
While MoMA and its The Modern receive most of the attention, don’t overlook the Museum of Arts and Design and its new restaurant. “Robert” overlooks Columbus Circle and Central Park and features a stylish dining area where contemporary American cuisine mixed with Mediterranean influences is served. From Wednesday to Saturday nights, a live pianist enhances the ambience.

CROSBY STREET HOTEL
The team behind some of London’s top hotels such as the Covent Garden and Haymarket has opened its first hotel in the Big Apple. Since opening a few months ago, it’s already one of the most talked-about hotels in the city, in part thanks to a prime location in Soho by Prince and Spring streets. The interior is made up of modern and antique furnishings, together with original art. Start your day in the outdoor garden before a shopping spree in the neighborhood, and end your night in the luxurious screening room.

CASA LEVER RESTAURANT
In our New York restaurants guide we recommend the acclaimed Sant Ambroeus restaurant and now the team behind it has created another hot table in town. Designed by Marc Newson, the new Casa Lever features Andy Warhol portraits on the walls and offers a menu of Italian classics. It also has an excellent wine list and cocktails menu, in an effort to provide New Yorkers with a true taste of la dolce vita.

Provocateur at Gansevoort Hotel, New York

PROVOCATEUR AT HOTEL GANSEVOORT
The 3 U_Star Gansevoort Hotel is one of the hottest addresses in New York, and it’s become even more so with the opening of Provocateur. It’s an exclusive lounge with a sensual atmosphere created by a lavish décor, and offering private areas for an even more special night of cocktails and light Japanese cuisine.

MAIALINO RESTAURANT
The new restaurant at the Gramercy Park Hotel is a Roman-style trattoria brought to you from the same team that created The Modern at the MoMA in 2005. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the menu presenting Italian specialties. The dining area features wide windows with park views and a diverse collection of art.

GAGOSIAN GALLERY
Gagosian Gallery’s latest opening is its first shop. It’s found on Madison Avenue and offers publications and limited editions by artists and designers like Marc Newson and Jeff Koons.

LE CAPRICE RESTAURANT
London’s legendary Le Caprice has expanded across the Atlantic and opened in the Big Apple. The menu offers all the favorites from across the pond, while the interior designed by Martin Brudnizki features photographs of supermodel Jean Shrimpton and tiled floors in black and white. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves a special Sunday brunch.

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When UCityGuides first reported on the opening of the controversial W Barcelona Hotel, it still didn’t have one of its star attractions which is the Eclipse Bar on its 26th floor. Designed by Ricardo Bofill, it’s become one of the hottest night spots in the city, in an exclusive ambience and stunning views of the sea through panoramic wraparound windows.
DJs spin upbeat and chilled-out sounds as attractive crowds sip on cocktails and share sushi or other light bites.
This is the first “Eclipse” outside London, you may already be familiar with the bars in Chelsea and South Kensington. What all three have in common is an emphasis on inventive cocktails and trendy crowds.
Complete W Hotel information here: W Hotel Barcelona

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Rome is one of the most popular cities during the Easter holidays, and one of the hotels to consider for now or a future visit is the new Babuino 181. It’s a boutique hotel located in the heart of the city by the Spanish Steps, in a renovated 19th century palazzo. It offers fourteen elegantly-decorated suites and opening this summer, a rooftop terrace bar. Owned by a local aristocrat, you’ll also get special insights into the city and arrange tours of private palaces, therefore discovering local secrets and having an even more exclusive Roman experience.
Get full details and booking information here: Babuino 181 Hotel, Rome

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While many hotels offer a gym and spa services, Berlin’s new Apria Hotel is the exact opposite — it’s a state-of-the-art gym and spa with a hotel. Found in a former industrial space, this is one of the German capital’s top fitness destinations, and now in addition to the exclusive gym, spa, and roof terrace, it offers elegantly designed rooms and apartments for the most active and body-conscious travelers. Guests are free to use all of the fitness and wellness treatments, can enjoy a swim in the 25-meter indoor pool, practice some yoga or Pilates, go for a massage, and relax in the sauna or jacuzzi. Meals are served at the rooftop lounge, and you can always go for just one more workout before you check out.
More hotel and booking information here: Aspria Hotel

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Where to take all your shopping bags after browsing through the Paris shops in the last post? To Paris’ new design hotel. Recommended for travelers who look for unique spaces that feel like a home away from home, Hotel Recamier is located in the Saint Germain des Près district and offers two dozen rooms designed by Jean-Louis Deniot. Each floor has a special color theme, where a personal concierge can attend to your needs.
The décor is more classy-elegant-contemporary rather than edgy, even showing some eclectic touches inspired by 20th century trends. As expected in the more intimate Parisian hotels, the rooms are not huge, but are true Paris elegance. Get complete hotel information here: Hotel Recamier

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