LUXURY TRAVEL MAGAZINE - Top 10 Trendsetting Luxury Hotels

PALAZZINA GRASSI HOTEL & RESIDENCE - VENICE, ITALY is located in the historical heart of Venice, directly on the Grand Canal. The hotel is an ambitious new project of contemporary hospitality, with 28 rooms and 4 apartment-suites for a dialogue between different epochs and impressions, past and present, history and modernity. An exclusive stay, offering guests a truly unique experience, enjoying the most advanced international art production directly from the heart of Venetian culture. You need only cross the narrow street that separates the famous cultural center from the Palazzina to enter the GRASSI Bar and relax, sipping a drink, enjoying the unforgettable view of the Grand Canal. The architectural container of the hotel is a building in Venetian style from the 15th century, a sophisticated shell that speaks the aristocratic bourgeois language which is typical of the architecture of that time. The interior surprisingly, reveals a modern propensity, arising from a sudden exercise of abstract and contemporary taste.

SUMAHAN ON THE WATER - ISTANBUL, TURKEY is a newly restored 19th century Ottoman distillery that opened its doors as a hotel in May 2005. The hotel is situated in an area of Istanbul that still preserves an authentic Bosphorus neighborhood. It is a village of wooden houses, seafood restaurants and seaside promenades.

Sumahan on the Water is a rare example of thoughtful, historical transformation in Istanbul. "Suma" is the word for unadulterated spirit. The hotel was the industrial factory that distilled the high proof ingredient for "Raki" the famous Ottoman tipple. "Han" was the word for inn in Ottoman times. In essence the "Sumahan on the Water" experience is about modern comfort in a historic as well as spectacular setting with friendly and personal service.

The properties of light and water, different at every time of day and in every season provide the instant attraction of staying here. At the Sumahan, the most intoxicating thing is the view of palaces, skyscrapers, Hagia Sophia and the sparkling strait. There is a choice of suites and rooms, each with their own personality, most with fireplaces, but all with magnificent views.

HOTEL JOSEF - PRAGUE is a design sensation in a city of exceptional heritage by Prague-born architect Eva Jiricna. The hotel is located in Prague s medieval quarter, near Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. Two new buildings, containing eight and six floors of bedrooms are linked by an open landscaped courtyard.

Unlike most modern hotels in historic city centers, Hotel Josef has not been shoehorned into an old building. It is totally purpose-designed to suit the needs of a modern facility. The public areas flow effortlessly around a central courtyard giving visual clarity and orientation. The bar and reception areas are integrated into the natural patterns of movement.

The rooms ar designed to optimize the sense of space and light. The staggered plan and section ingeniously exploit the idiosyncrasies of the complex site, bringing natural daylight deep into the buildings. Every single piece of furniture has been carefully selected to fit into the overall aesthetic framework, from the Baleri armchairs and Philippe Starck fittings.

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LANCHID 19 - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY is named after Budapest s famed Chain Bridge which spans the Danube. Located on the Buda side on the bank of Danube, Buda Castle is within 10 minutes walking distance of the hotel and the city center is 10 minutes away on the Pest side. The Lanchid 19 becomes a contemporary highlight in a neighborhood of predominately 19th century architecture.

This contrast is indicative of Budapest s evolving character, one which celebrates both past and present. The architects created a moveable accordion-like glass fa ade, further animated by the changing colors of an innovative lighting design concept. Glass is one of the dominant materials in the interiors as well, creating a sense of openness and allowing movement and connectedness to become an integral part of the building s character.

The lobby is dramatic with its transparent floor revealing Roman ruins a level below. History is well integrated into the interior design where examples of classical-modern design, such as chairs by Alvar Aalto are mixed with custom-designed furnishings.

HABITA HOTEL - MEXICO CITY "Like a cool ice cube standing on a hot street corner", Mexico City s Habita signalled a new advent in hotel design when it opened in 2000 in Mexico City s Polanco district, a fashionable neighborhood of tree-lined boulevards, trendy restaurants and chic shopping. The converted 1950 s building gained a new identity, bringing in light and space by adding a "wrapper" of frosted glass.

The adventurous design encapsulates the hotel in a floating glass box suspended from the original facade. From the top of the box, take in the spectacular city views, or relax in the rooftop bar and pool while mingling with locals and visitors alike. The rooftop bar and terrace features nightly DJs and pool VIP area for members and guests.

A minimalist approach gives Habita a raw modernism, opening the eyes of the old world to the new. The hotel offers 32 luxurious rooms and four Junior Suites decorated with a contemporary theme and feature Hermes amenities. Retreat to the Aqua Spa or enjoy contemporary Mexican cuisine in Aura restaurant.