Little-known fact: The term "Stockholm Syndrome" (referring to the psychological phenomenon in which captives feel sympathy for their captors) dates from a 1974 bank heist at Stockholm's Kreditbanken. But since there's no such thing as bad publicity&Welcome to Nobis, a design hotel opening December 1 in the former Kreditbanken building. The bank vault where it all went down? Well, that's the hotel's Acne flagship store now.

The dramatic transformation from crime scene to cool scene didn't stop there, of course. The 19th-century building is an imposing presence at the center of the city's business, shopping, and entertainment neighborhood, but inside, things take a softer, contemporary turn, with natural materials (wool, wood, stone, leather, and glass) used throughout the 201 high-ceilinged rooms. The light and airy feel is most apparent in the cathedral-like atrium topped with a modern fresco, pictured above.

Book a room now for 15 percent off the opening rate: Now that's a steal.

Photo: Courtesy of Design Hotels"

 
If you want to immerse yourself in Istanbul's arty scene, The House Hotel Galatasaray is where you need to be. Located near the happening neighborhoods of Çukurcuma and Tophane, it's a 19th-century apartment building reimagined as a 20-room hotel with a mod feel and original flourishes. The wood-beamed lounge on the fourth floor (where you'll also find the best rooms) is a fun hangout. Be warned, there's no elevator, but should a few stairs stand in the way of you scoring a room for under $200?

And while you're there...

Explore here:
The gentrifying neighborhood of Tophane, near the port, has become popular with the local art crowd. To see what all the fuss is about, stroll down Boazkesen Caddesi, where you'll find the galleries Pi Artworks, Outlet, and Non, as well as the magnificent, eight-domed Tophane-i Amire building, which hosts temporary exhibitions.

Eat here:
If you're serious about Turkish food, take the ferry across the Bosphorus to Kadiköy for a meal at Çiya. Chef Musa Dadeviren collected recipe ideas from Turkey's most far-flung corners for his meze, stews, and kebabs. Try the nizip yourtlusu, a meatball dish served in garlic yogurt with pita bread.

Photo: The House Hotel Galatasaray

After years of being told "Do not touch" in art galleries, you might feel a little reticent about the hands-on approach at the Rainbow City installation that coincides with Art Basel Miami Beach

Arty think tank FriendsWithYou has created a psychedelic environment that features 40 brightly colored, toylike inflatable sculptures ranging in size from 10 to 40 feet tall--all of it intended to make you feel like a kid again. Running around, jumping on the exhibits, and generally regressing to childish ways is actively encouraged.

We've seen this kind of behavior in Miami before, but it had nothing to do with art.

Photo: Courtesy of FriendsWithYou