The Dorchester, London

This 80-year-old Mayfair hotel overlooking Hyde Park is one of London's finest. Its 250 guest rooms and suites are decorated in a classic English style using specially commissioned fabrics and exquisite antique furniture. Facilities include a Royston Blythe hair salon and a relaxed, Art Deco-style spa, which reopened in 2009 after a £3.2-million refurbishment. Interior designer Thierry Despont redesigned the popular bar in 2006, and diners have a choice of five restaurants, including China Tang for Cantonese specialities, Alain Ducasse for three-Michelin-starred French cuisine, and The Grill at The Dorchester, reputed to do the best roast in town. X-factor The three Rooftop Suites, a favourite with visiting A-listers, have wraparound terraces with views of Hyde Park and the London skyline. Alexandra Champalimaud has redesigned 23 of the Premium Suites, which will open this year.