The high-design revolution of the 1990s has provided a stylish alternative to the chain hotels and traditional "grand" hotels. This guide features 44 hotels that are widely diverse in their gastronomy, architecture, ownership, location, atmosphere and design; but they all offer one key feature - an experience. It may be high design or high art, Zen minimalism or cool kitsch, chic loft living or lavish historical revivalism, but always the hotel takes centre stage. Many big names in contemporary architecture, interior design and fashion have had a hand in creating the style of this book, including: Terence Conran in Vienna; Diesel in Miami; Anouska Hempel in London; Karl Lagerfeld in Berlin; Christian Liaigre in New York; Andree Putman in Cologne; and Philippe Starck in Hong Kong and Los Angeles.