Groovy New Hotels Trump the Ritz

When you think of luxury hotel chains, the names Ritz Carlton and Intercontinental may be the first things that pop into your mind.

Most likely you envision cookie-cutter luxury with desk-in-front-of-bed layout and beige marble bathroom duplicated from Honolulu to Houston. To change your mind, we've come up with a handful of up-and-coming hotel chains debuting new properties across the U.S. in time for winter. Even if you've never heard of them before, these hotel chains are making a mark with all-new concepts, levels of luxury and locations that have their competition shaking and giving travelers a reason to venture out in the midst of a global recession for a weekend getaway or weeklong vacation.

Epic Hotel, Miami

By: San Francisco-based Kimpton Boutique Hotels

Trademark: Groovy luxury in glassy waterfront location on Biscayne Bay

It's not your usual boutique property by San Francisco's Kimpton Hotels, a collection of groovy hotels located in buzzing locations in Aspen, Chicago and throughout California. A glassy skyscraper rises out of Biscayne Bay along the banks of the Miami River, offering an urban getaway at home among its Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental neighbors. It's not your usual Kimpton located within rehabilitated historic buildings that look as though they've had an intervention with Pottery Barn a la HGTV. Instead, Epic is a flagship luxury hotel with all the services you've come to expect but with a hip clientele and laid-back manner that won't call your room at 2 a.m. complaining you're too loud.

Visitors arrive to a two-story lobby accented in natural stone-and-wood paneling with a reception desk that feels more day spa than chain hotel. The lobby opens to a panoramic pool deck with a palm-lined pool arranged in cushioned loungers and furnished cabanas. Adjacent to the pool is Epic Restaurant and Lounge, a lively global eatery of sustainable, organic cuisine and nearby bar where care-free spirits party till 2 a.m. Larger than your usual Kimpton, a staggering 411 guest room offer a sedate style of rich chocolate furnishings and beds outfitted in beige and white linens opposite an exposed bathroom. Walls of glass frame awe-inspiring views of the city from even entry-level rooms, with furnished glass patios fit for a Superman landing.