That true holiday feeling starts from the moment you first set foot in your hotel. From James Bond-style entrances to hand-blown glass flowered ceilings, some provide an arrival that will leave you with a lasting impression.
With unique hotels like these offering travellers opulence at first glance across amazing destinations around the world, the next question is: where to go first?
Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas
The most affordable hotel on the list is the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, pictured top of page. Guests may not be planning a trip to Las Vegas specifically for fine art, but that is exactly what you are treated to on entering the lobby. Sculptor Dale Chihuly has earned a reputation for his work with glass and perhaps one of the most eye grabbing pieces is his incredible installation is made from 2,000 colourful hand-blown glass flowers and weighs over 40,000 pounds.
The hotel, inspired by the Lake Como town of Bellagio in Italy, is also famed for The Fountains of Bellagio display which runs daily. Each performance is unique in expression and interpretation so no matter how many times you have seen the Fountains, they always have more in store to wow you with.
Nightly rates from $209 (£155). Visit the website
The Langham, Jakarta
After years of anticipation, The Langham, Jakarta officially opened its doors in September in Indonesia’s capital city. The stylish and contemporary 65-storey hotel is located within the new prestigious complex of District 8 at SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District), close to the city’s most important financial, cultural and entertainment centres.
On entering the arrival lobby, all eyes are drawn towards the magnificent chandelier depicting 3,000 fluttering crystal butterflies, some of which are suspended by intricate wire work. Titled “Haven” by Lasvit, the renowned designers of dazzling bespoke light installations from the Czech Republic, the chandelier takes its inspiration from the Indonesian rainforests where butterflies fly freely thereby creating an ethereal aesthetic in the remarkable space.
Nightly rates from 3,726,800 IDR (£194). Visit the website
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
This five star luxury hideaway in Venice is situated on its own private island, Isola delle Rose. Guests are welcomed with a James Bond-style arrival by private boat, which takes them from St Mark’s Square straight into the hotel lobby.
The hotel is an oasis away from the labyrinth of canals and bridges, with lush green spaces and wide open areas where you can spend days exploring the finest wellness and dining experiences on offer at the island resort. All of this is just a stone’s throw away from the heart of Venice. Families will also be well looked after with a range of activities to enjoy, from the dedicated family pool to Venetian biscuit making at the Sapori Cooking Academy.
Nightly rates from €450 (£377) for a double room. Visit the website
Aman Tokyo
Located on top of the Otemachi tower in Tokyo, The Aman offers panoramic views of the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Designed to resemble the inside of a traditional shoji paper lantern, the space also incorporates a water feature and rock garden to showcase the beauty of nature meeting the elegance of Japanese design.
Foodies must try the Lounge’s icon afternoon teas. A team of expert mixologists also concoct signature tipples from behind the bar, where they preside over a rich and varied collection of premium sake, beers, wines, spirits and renowned Japanese whiskies.
Nightly rates from ¥75,000 (£490) in a deluxe room. Visit the website
Corinthia Hotel, London
For English decadence at its finest, look no further than London’s Corinthia Hotel. This elegant establishment is next door to the city’s finest attractions, moments from Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.
The hotel lobby is punctuated with a stunning Baccarat chandelier and grand piano and you can enjoy one of London’s finest afternoon teas here which includes a glass of champagne in Baccarat flutes.
Nightly rates start from £599 for a deluxe room. Visit the website
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai
The most expensive hotel on the list is a blow-the-budget experience. Designed by architect Tom Wright, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah has become an landmark of architectural innovation, and a symbol of Dubai to the rest of the world. The hotel is home to one of the tallest grand atriums at 180 metres high, and the building itself soars to 300 metres – taller than the Eiffel Tower.
With lashings of gold at every corner, a coral-filled aquarium, kaleidoscopic fountains, and floral displays that are tended to by a team of 16 florists, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah screams opulence and has taken hotel design to a new level of modern luxury.
Nightly rates from £1,083. Visit the website
