From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

Following a lavish renovation of this city center grande dame, Bordeaux finally has the luxury hotel it so sorely lacked. Opposite the magnificent eighteenth-century Grand Théatre, the 150-room Regent Grand perfectly mirrors the aristocratic elegance of this lovely city, thanks to the exquisite interiors of designer Jacques Garcia. Black-lacquer wrought-iron lamps with pleated silk shades soften the reception area, which is furnished with striped-velvet barrel chairs and potted palms, and rooms are done in pretty nineteenth-century damasks and wallpapers, with reproduction Napoleon-something furniture. The signature restaurant, Le Pressoir d'Argent, is a stunner with a rocaille decor (seashells set into elaborate plaster moldings) and a sublime seafood menu. There's also a lively wine bar, a brasserie that offers great people-watching from the sidewalk terrace, and a full-service spa scheduled to open this summer.—2009 Hot List

When to go: Spring or fall.

Which room to book: Splurge on a fourth-floor junior suite with private balconies.