From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

Model T meets Maserati is an apt description of this newcomer in downtown San Diego, a welcome splash of Euro chic in a neighborhood of brash Americana. The Romanesque revival facade dates to the 1890s, but with legendary Italian design house Pininfarina at the wheel, the interior design is about as late-model as it gets—a fusion of faux glass, stainless steel, and a color scheme dominated by flashy swaths of racing red. The 35 guest rooms are wired with plasma TVs, iPod docks, and (Pininfarina-designed) espresso machines. The basement has been transformed into a semiprivate lounge, bar, and wine cellar fashioned from the building's Victorian-era bank vault, while more substantial fare can be had at Croce's Restaurant, a longtime area favorite that has forged a culinary joint venture with The Keating which includes providing room service to hotel guests.

When to go: San Diego rocks out through the summer.

Which room to book: The corner suites have high ceilings and bay windows.

Amenities: 24-hour Room Service, Bar/lounge