Some people travel without giving much thought to their accommodations. Others think that a good hotel can greatly enhance a trip, indeed, that some hotels are worth seeing in and of themselves. Those travelers in the latter group probably look for trendy hotels that offer more than just a bed and a bathroom. Conde Nast Traveler and Tripadvisor rate some of the trendiest hotels in the country. If you’re traveling to Louisville, Kentucky; Chicago, Illinois, or New York City, you should consider staying at one of these trendy hotels.
theWit is the top ranking hotel on Tripadvisors’ 2010 Trendiest Hotels list. It offers guests the best of design, location and comfort in the heart of downtown Chicago. Here you’ll find resort-like amenities combined with a boutique hotel’s attention to detail and customer service. Stay here, and you’ll be within walking distance of the Ford Center Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Art Institute, Modern Wing, Field Museum and many other tourist destinations. Hotel amenities include a gym, yoga studio, library, spa, Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant. Guest rooms have flat screen televisions, luxury linens, designer toiletries and in-room safes. Many guest rooms also have views of the Chicago River. theWit starts at $290 per night.
theWit
201 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60601
312-467-0200
http://www.thewithotel.com/
Smyth Hotel also is featured on Tripadvisors' 2010 Trendiest Hotels list. It is located in New York City's Tribeca neighborhood, home to celebrities such as Jay Z and Beyonce, Robert DeNiro and Justin Timberlake. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, Smyth Hotel has 100 guestrooms, each with walnut paneling, chrome accented furniture, and ostrich-embossed leather walls. The luxurious marble bathrooms feature Hans Grohe rain shower heads. Some suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies with views of Manhattan. Amenities include a 24-hour gym, laptops available for use, Wi-Fi and chauffeur car service. The on-site restaurant is Frederick Lesort's French-inspired restaurant, Plein Sud. Rooms start at $460 per night.
Smyth Hotel
85 West Broadway
New York, NY 10007
212-587-7000
http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/nyc/smyth-tribeca
The 21C Museum Hotel in Louisville is the highest scoring hotel in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2010 Design category. Located just a few blocks from the Ohio River, 21C is for the traveler who wants a truly unique experience. The buildings that comprise the hotel used to be tobacco and bourbon warehouses. The space has been converted to hotel rooms and museum exhibit space filled with contemporary art. Many original architectural features remain in place, such as brickwork, arches, glass transoms, hand-knotted rugs and wood floors. Rooms are minimally, yet artfully decorated. The on-site restaurant, Proof on Main, prepares Kentucky-inspired cuisine. Guests enjoy unusual amenities such as iPods preloaded with a variety of music, 42-inch HD televisions, Wi-Fi, 500 thread count sheets, silver mint julep cups, gourmet coffee machines, and concierge services. Guests can also use the gym, steam room, sauna, and spa. Rooms start at $250 per night.
21C Museum Hotel
700 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
502-217-6300
http://www.21cmuseumhotel.com/overview/default.aspx
