by STELLA magazine writers from The Telegraph
From Paris to New York, these are certainly the most modish places to stay when visiting the most in-vogue cities in the world...
The Chatwal, New York
Best for… vintage glamour
The low-down: The Chatwal boasts one of Manhattan’s most desirable addresses, just steps away from the Theater District, with the best entertainment, dining and shopping all within walking distance. Built in 1905 by Stanford White, The Chatwal was restored and renewed by master architect Thierry Despont sparing no expense, particularly in the creation of the Chatwal Crowns, a collection of 10 distinctly decorated suites, each with a terrace looking out over the New York skyline. The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa features treatment rooms, a saltwater lap pool, whirlpool tub and fitness centre, while The Lamb’s Club restaurant offers a modern approach to classic American cuisine by celebrated Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. Additional services include butlers, 24-hour in-room dining, private bars and the Chatwal Town Car, transporting guests anywhere within 20 blocks of the hotel.
Out and about: The Chatwal has partnered with personalised travel service, LOCALIKE New York, to create a series of bespoke itineraries inspired by the themes of the Chatwal’s Crown suites. Experiences include a sailing trip around Manhattan’s waterways, wellness workshops on a rooftop farm or a docent-led history tour of Manhattan’s Theatre District.
Stella loves: The suites with spacious terraces – a rarity for Manhattan.
Rates from £750 per night, room only; thechatwalny.com
Read the full review of The Chatwal
• The best design hotels in New York
Le Royal Monceau Raffles, Paris
Best for... modern aesthetes
The low-down: Designed by Philippe Starck, the modern opulence of Le Royal Monceau combines old school French charm with Parisian chic. Located minutes from the Arc de Triomphe, all of the city sights are within walking distance – though losing yourself in the hotel's bookshop, soothing full-length pool or Matsuhisa, France's first outpost of the Nobu restaurant family, are just as rife for exploration. Raffles also plays host to an in-house art gallery and a private cinema, so if you're hoping for something beautiful to catch your eye, those and the beautifully crafted patisseries from resident chef Pierre Hermé will leave you spoilt for choice.
Out and about: The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a short amble away on the pleasingly named Rue Daru, is a beautiful byzantine Russian Orthodox structure – worlds apart from the rest of Paris's beautiful architecture, but no less impressive.
Stella loves: The list of that week's must-see local exhibitions affixed to the bedroom wall, and the charming next-day weather forecast info laid out on the bed each night.
Rates from £608 per night, room only; leroyalmonceau.com
Read the full review of Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris
• Where to stay in Paris: hotels by district
Mandarin Oriental, Milan
Best for... pure opulence
The low-down: Fusing contemporary Milanese design with timeless East Asian luxury, Mandarin Oriental, Milan occupies four elegant 18th-century buildings, perfectly located in the heart of the fashion district between Via della Spiga and Montenapoleone. The 104 rooms and suites, Michelin-starred restaurant and the eye-catchingly geometric Mandarin Bar are set around a traditional Milanese courtyard. The holistic spa and beauty centre combines ancient Asian and contemporary methods. Interior-lovers will adore the Fornasetti and Gio Ponti suites – each decorated in homage to the famous Milanese designers.
Out and about: Opposite Santa Maria delle Grazie, home of Da Vinci's The Last Supper, lies Atellani House, where the Renaissance polymath's personal vineyard has been discovered. Thanks to DNA studies on the site, experts have identified the grape variety: ‘Malvasia di Candia’, and the vines have since been replanted. Here you can learn about the history of Milan, from the days of Da Vinci to the turn of the 20th century.
Stella loves: Don’t miss aperitivo in the glamourous courtyard of the hotel – this is where the chic Milanese spend their evenings
Rates from £490 per night, room only; mandarinoriental.com
Read the full review of the Mandarin Oriental, Milan
• The best luxury hotels in Milan
The Mandeville, London
Best for… eccentric interiors
The low-down: Conveniently tucked away behind Oxford Street, The Mandeville is the perfect pit-stop for avid shoppers looking to splash the cash. The décor is not for the wallflowers of this world and a select few rooms which were designed in partnership with Christian Lacroix are beautifully bold and bright. The location is the real winning point here as you need only step out the front door to find myriad dinner and drinks venues on offer. If you don’t fancy leaving the hotel, the Reform Bar & Grill’s breakfast buffet is extensive and leaves little to be desired.
Out and about: James St. and Bond St. are on the doorstep, with plenty of great places to eat and drink such as Bone Daddies, Fancy Crab and Burger & Lobster . Bond St, a three-minute walk from the hotel, also boasts every designer shop imaginable. If you're after high street shopping, you're a stone's throw from the joys of Oxford Street too.
Stella loves: Champagne and a selection of macarons on arrival – cheeky!
Singles from £160, doubles from £180, suites from £300, Maison Christian Lacroix rooms from £217; mandeville.co.uk
Read the full review of The Mandeville
This article was written by STELLA magazine writers from The Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.
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