Mandarin Oriental, Boston

To stand out in the fashion-forward Back Bay, designer Frank Nicholson approached the hotel as if it were a gallery. Everything has an artistic touch, from the blond-wood contemporary furniture to the masterpieces by Frank Stella and David Hockney. Frette, Gucci, and Elan Sassoon (son of Vidal) have boutiques within the complex, and diners can opt for New England cuisine inspired by local and seasonal ingredients at the hotel's Asana restaurant or try L’Espalier—helmed by James Beard Award winner Frank McClelland.