DAY 1
Start your day at Caffè Gambrinus (one of the world’s most beautiful cafés). It opens at 7AM every day and serves coffee and pastries until 1:30AM. Not only is it a local landmark, but it’s also just steps from the city’s largest square, Piazza del Plebiscito. That’s where you’ll find the Palazzo Reale and San Francesco Di Paolo Basilica, two of the city’s icons.
Nearby is also Galleria Umberto I, a shopping gallery that’s more of a destination for its architecture than its shops, although the Barbaro department store is worth a look.  The San Carlo opera house is found right outside.
From there, continue to the other must-see attraction, the Duomo, before lunch at the historic Brandi Pizzeria, where it is said that the Margherita pizza was born.
In the afternoon visit Pompeii for a truly fascinating trip to ancient times, but if you prefer to stay in the present, head to the MADRE, the top contemporary art destination in town.
For dinner, don’t miss La Stanza del Gusto where you find a menu of inventive Italian cuisine and the best wine list in the city.
If you want to check out the nightlife scene, the place to be is S’move for late-night drinks in a cool high-tech interior.
When it’s finally time to go to bed, sleep in style at Hotel Romeo, or for a lower-priced alternative, check out UNA Hotel by the train station (we especially enjoyed having breakfast at the top floor terrace with a view of Mount Vesuvius).
If you’re on a budget, consider the excellent Hostel of the Sun.

DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel, head to the National Archeaological Museum, home to one of the richest archaeological collections in the world, but if you prefer painting and decorative art, don’t miss the Capodimente Museum which displays major works by Caravaggio, Raphael, El Grego, and many others.
From there check out the local art in the kitchen, at the elegant Terrazza Calabritto. The menu is particularly rich in seafood and downstairs is a trendy wine bar.
Burn the lunchtime calories in a stroll down Chiaia and Piazza dei Martiri as you browse the Italian labels, and end the afternoon relaxing with aperitivi at Gran Caffè Cimmino. That’s where the local yuppies get together, but the attractions for you are the excellent drinks, coffee, tiny pizzas, and pastries.
At night, say good-bye to the city in the waterfront Castel Dell’Ovo, the landmark castle that is often the stage of special exhibitions and events.

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The name of Marrakech’s “Hotel La Renaissance” has never sounded so appropriate after its recent rebirth as an even more sophisticated design hotel.
As one of the tallest buildings in the city, it was already a very popular address in the 1950s and 60s, but is now more attractive than ever, and not just because of its views that go from the Medina to the Atlas Mountains. There is a spectacular rooftop swimming pool, a hot cocktail bar with live DJs, restaurants, and cool new contemporary interiors.
Each room has its own private balcony, and after a day of exploring the city guests can relax with a treatment in the Hammam.
Although this is the perfect place in which to escape from the stressful everyday life, you may be connected to the world through the free wi-fi available throughout the hotel.
To (re)discover La Renaissance, check out all the details here: La Renaissance Hotel, Marrackech

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The Dream Hotel is one of our dream hotels in New York, and that’s why we’ve awarded it one U_Star. So we’re happy to announce the recent opening of The Chatwal by the same owner.
It’s a boutique hotel that stands out for its 1930s Art Deco interior but it also mixes some contemporary design. Located within walking distance of Broadway’s theaters, it’s perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate Gotham experience (there are theatrical references throughout the building, in names like Producers Suite and Directors Suite).
Guests can start their day at the gym or relax at the spa after a long day crossing the city’s streets and avenues. If you don’t feel like leaving the hotel in the evening, you can enjoy contemporary cuisine by accomplished chef Geoffrey Zakarian in “The Lambs Club” restaurant.
Complete hotel information and bookings here: The Chatwal Hotel

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Istanbul’s already-rich offer of boutique hotels just got richer with the recent opening of “The House Hotel.” This is the second of The House chain, this time in the Nisantasi neighborhood which is known for the city’s best shopping.
The sophisticated interior has a contemporary-classic look, with each of its 45 rooms featuring a walk-in dressing room and beautiful marble bathrooms.
Breakfast is served on the outdoor terrace, and guests can always enjoy a cocktail at the bar on the top floor. The bar also merges into the restaurant which stands out for its fine wines.
The city’s top attractions are easy to reach from the hotel, and the location close to the business district makes this a choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Complete details and booking information: The House Hotel Nisantasi, Istanbul

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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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This months-old design hotel is already one of Milan’s hottest addresses, complete with a spa and three sophisticated restaurants. Located in a former bank of the 1920s in the city’s fashion district, the interior is all about elegant Italian style with a few futuristic features.

Thanks to large windows, the common areas are bright and inviting, although it’s the luxurious spa that can truly be described as a dream. If you find yourself in Milan this summer this spa is a perfect escape from the heat outside, with a swimming pool, sauna, and Turkish bath. When you do step away from the hotel, you’ll find the city’s most exclusive shopping streets like Via Montenapoleone nearby, as well as the landmark Duomo. The Duomo can in fact be seen from the hotel, from inside its conference rooms. Although “conference rooms” is usually synonymous with “business hotel,” this is not the case here. The Exedra is perfect for all kinds of travelers, with its 154 rooms and nine thematic suites featuring a stylish design.

Complete details and booking information here: Exedra Milan Hotel

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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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