Waldorf Astoria, Amsterdam, Netherlands

While Amsterdam has boutique lodgings aplenty, few are truly luxurious - which explains the anticipation surrounding the Waldorf Astoria. The new hotel is earning attention as much for its exclusive location, on the city's smart Herengracht canal, as for the storied buildings that house it. Six patrician residences dating from the 17th and 18th centuries have been combined, resulting in a quirky structural flow, with interiors by GA Design International. From the grand marble lobby through to the cosy lower-level dining room - with views of the tulip-filled garden - each space is a carefully orchestrated shift of moods and styles, while still honouring the buildings' original rococo detail. And with just 93 rooms, it seems the Waldorf has embraced the boutique hotel culture so loved in the city.