The Emblem Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic

Located a stone's throw from Prague's old town square, in a building that dates from 1908, Emblem is the second offering from the local family-run hoteliers, Olga Valtrova and her son Richard, who have recruited local architecture firm RAP and Canadian integrated design outfit Dialog to conceive their 59-room luxury lodgings. The duo, along with the owners, have overseen every detail of the project, which includes strong materials such as Canadian marble flooring, textured wallpaper, leather wall coverings and various woods, offset by original artworks and bespoke furnishings by designers Marlieke van Rossum and Vladimir Kagan. Public spaces comprise an upper level spa in calming sea greens, and an adjacent rooftop bar offering sprawling views of the city. Below deck, guests can eat at the American-style steakhouse or simply rub shoulders with the city's elite at Prague's first member's club.