John Waters, James Joyce, the Maharaja of Indore—references to all abound at this bold feat by the AD100 firm Ash. (It was designed with the firm’s then creative director Will Cooper.) Set in the 1912 Latrobe Building, the project centers around a fictional bachelor home from a grand tour, enticing current travelers to make their own journey. From $199/night; hotelulysses.com
Vermelho Hotel
Melides, Portugal
Red is the theme that ties together Christian Louboutin’s spectacular new hotel. Floor tiles, window shutters, even wastepaper baskets all nod to the fashion designer’s scarlet soles. But the 13-room property, designed with Carolina Irving and architect Madalena Caiado, is also a love letter to craft, with frescoes by Konstantin Kakanias, ceramic appliqués by Giuseppe Ducrot, and, of course, azulejos galore. From $440/night; vermelhohotel.com
Villa Inkognito
Oslo
