PARIS, JE T'AIME

I couldn't agree more with Ms. Hepburn. When in doubt, Paris is always one great destination to visit. My all time favorite city after New York, Paris steals my heart every time I go. There's something so magical and mystical about it that makes me want to discover more and more of the many hidden treasures the City of Lights has to offer. As a matter of fact, a good friend of mine is leaving later today for a week long trip to the French capital. So let's wish her a bon voyage and may she fall in love with Paris as I already have.

Inspiration via Sarah Smile

A SOULFUL STAY

Somewhere between soul and Art Noveau, the stunning Hotel Wiesler enjoys a privileged location in the dynamic center of the charming city Graz, Austria. The hotel consists of five former guesthouses converted into what the Wiesler is today. But between 1945 and 1954 the building was used a accommodation for British Army officers until it got renovated again into its original splendor in 1986. The successful combination of beautiful vintage fixtures and modern design symbolises the philosophy behind the new Wiesler—a surprising and exquisite choice of detail which makes this hotel so special. All 21 refurbished room offer plenty of space for new thoughts and an unforgettable stay.

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SHELTERRIFIC

Just like its Parisian sister, the new urban-chic Mama Shelter Hotel has opens its doors to welcome tourists in search of a unique and trendy retreat in Marseilles. Designed by no other than Philippe Starck, the 27-room hotel is more than a place to stay but rather a one-a-kind experience. There isn't a corner in this locale without the trademark Starck splash of humor and surprise. His signature cornucopia of contrasting styles is what makes Mama Shelter far from dull. Papa likes!!

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BECOME A PLUS ONE

If you like to feel and live like a local when traveling, this funky new style of accommodations might be your ticket. Plus One Berlin is a stylish, ecological hotel space in an exciting yet still non-touristy neighborhood of Berlin. Besides enjoying its cool and innovatively designed rooms, the recently opened hotel gives you the opportunity to be the 'plus one' of a well-connected and knowledgeable local of your choice. That's right. You get to pick from a group of 28 locals of different nationalities, professions and interests, who have been chosen for their knowledge and passion for the city. They will give you one-of-a-kind insight into Berlin's life and help you discover a side to the city that only a local would know.

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A STORE WITH SOLE

One of the brands I have always admired for its creativity and clean graphics is the footwear company Camper. Their store concepts, although simple and calm, are beautiful and are designed with exquisite touches of whimsy. The new stores are developed under the Together concept, a model of collaboration between Camper and leading designers to create outstanding limited-edition stores. This one, in Genova, Italy, was done by Spanish designer Tomas Alonso. I love how he lined the walls with a grid of white ceramic tiles with a simple twist that breaks the regular pattern with geometric shapes that create a three-dimensional illusion. Not only did he came up with the overall concept, but Tomas also designed the cool furniture throughout the store.

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A STRIKING HABITAT

A casual and exclusive environment surrounded by black, white and gray welcomes guests everyday at the hip Hotel Habita in Monterrey, Mexico. Behind the minimalist, concrete front desk visitors can admire a wall mosaic made of hand-made mirrored tiles brought from India. Every single space in the hotel is sleek, dramatic and filled with timeless classics like Swan Chairs by Arne Jacobsen and furniture from avant-garde designer Rick Owens. The hyper-modern interiors were created by Parisian design extraordinaire Joseph Dirand, the creative mind behind the stupendous Hotel Distrito Capital in Mexico City—which I featured here not long ago. This one is most definitely going on my list of favorite boutique hotels.

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CAPITAL OF STYLE

With impressively minimalist decor and commanding views, Hotel Distrito Capital is one of the hottest and stylish places to stay and chill out in Mexico City. The dazzling black, gray and white interiors were designed  by none other than Joseph Dirand, known for his modern, elegant style with a twist from the past. Located in one of the trendiest areas of the city –Santa Fe– this hotel is a statement to how cool and trendy Mexico’s capital has become in recent years.

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AN ENGLISHMAN IN GRANADA

Inspired by the figure of a typical English gentleman, this gem of a hotel recently opened its doors in Granada, Spain. Hotel Portago Urban was designed by the very creative Ilmiodesign, blending style with a relaxed and colorful atmosphere that permeates this central district of Granada. To add that classical British cultural icon, the designers incorporated the adorable Jeeve's bowler and the Wooster's top hat pendants by Jake Phipps—creating an important staple in the decor of this lovely hotel. Although the use of white is key in their color palette, Ilmiodesign wasn't shy about using these beautiful jewel-like tones in the carpeting and accent pieces.

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