10 awe-inspiring hotels from around the world

9 Claridge's
London, England

Why we love it
Claridge's hotel, located in the Mayfair area of London, England is known around the world as a traditional and elegant representation of English design. The hotel is rich in both history and style that is truly reflected in its decor. From its inception, Claridge's has had the most influential architects and designers contribute to the Art Deco Jewel of Mayfair, as the hotel is now known.

C. W. Stephens, famous for designing the renowned Harrods, was commissioned in 1894 to redesign the row of houses that once served as Claridge's. In 1898, Claridge's reopened. Come the late 1920s, the hotel wanted to embrace the popular and funky art deco style, and asked the famous Basil Ionides to redesign the restaurant and some of the suites. Most of Ionides modern style-choices still exist at Claridge's and are still thought of as contemporary.

Though famous designers continue to make their mark, they all pay homage to the original, unspoiled traditional and art deco decor.

In 2008, British furniture and interior design company LINLEY was commissioned to redesign some of Claridge's rooms. The LINLEY 'Hybrid' Suite, pictured above, was one of them. LINLEY sought to combine Stephens' and Ionides' styles, which was done quite successfully. By using original pieces from the turn of the century and the 1930s, LINLEY kept the traditional feel, and by incorporating new, specially designed pieces was able to attain a 21st century look.

We love how the monochromatic look lends a dramatic and sleek style to the room. The use of long mirrors and reflective surfaces makes the room appear more spacious. The use of textured fabrics elevates the room to a level of luxury and glamour, all the while maintaining a look of comfort.