PURE AND SIMPLE

The scheme: Uncomplicated luxury

The scene: Andaz Liverpool Street, London

Design doesn't only mean clever chairs and cool lighting—it's about how to move people through a space intelligently. At the Andaz Liverpool Street in London, the real cleverness is in checking in. Or not checking in, in this case. There's no reception desk at all, so instead of waiting in line, you take a seat in the "living space" (pictured) with a glass of wine and meet with a hotel "team member" (no titles here!). Or, if you're too jetlagged, they'll check you in with a handheld PC as you walk to your room. With 267 individually styled rooms, Andaz calls itself a "big boutique hotel." Many rooms mix utilitarian details with classic design (think Eames chairs and ergonomic desks), while others have extra-high ceilings, vibrant orange rugs and blankets, leather couches, and subway-tiled showers and baths. But all have environmentally happy features like bathrooms that employ 80 percent less water than your typical hotel.

Andaz Liverpool Street
Tel: 800 233 1234 (toll-free)
Tel: 44 207 961 1234
Doubles from $320