Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Munich

"This five-star, 19th-century hotel, commissioned by King Ludwig I, commands an imposing position on Munich ’s grandiose Promenadeplatz. With its seven bars, five restaurants (including one with a Michelin star), fitness studio, and private cinema, plus rooftop spa, pool, and lounge bar, it’s a veritable royal palace—and in fact does offer suites in the adjacent Palais Montgelas. Little wonder Michael Jackson chose to stay here. The hotel has commissioned an array of designers throughoutitshistory, resulting in a wide variety of room styles, from African to Art Deco. Also available are a number of private suites,with glass-walled bedrooms that offer panoramic views. The designer flamboyance doesn’t stop at the guestrooms, however.Axel Vervoordt worked on the in-house cinema and Garden restaurant, and Andrée Putman designed the swimming pool and rooftop bar."