Ritz Paris, Paris, France
It's been a while, but Paris's grandest dame has thrown open her doors once more after almost four years of restorative rejuvenation. Many changes were superbly subtle, so the essence stays true to its Louis XIV spirit.
And as well as keeping many of its most legendary haunts (including the treasured Bar Hemingway, underground pool, and shopping gallery), it's lighter and brighter with host of 21st-century accoutrements; the newly added afternoon tea hotspot, Salon Proust; and the Chanel Spa – a world first.