Groovy New Hotels Trump the Ritz

From the man who birthed the interiors of the Bulgari Resort Bali, Italian designer Antonio Citterio creates a grown-up getaway in the center of the Bowery. Contradicting the urban-chic decor and ruffled elegance of modern hotspots like GPH and Bowery Hotel, Citterio devotes himself to haute '80s glamour utilizing pieces from his signature collection for B&B Italia. The result is a refined, yet muted, guest room of circular lounge furnishings free of arms, high-backs or comfy cushions. Beds are outfitted with 400-count Italian Anichini-brand linens in spacious guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the surrounding cityscape.

Riviera Palm Springs

By: Noble House Hotels

Trademark: Historic mega-resorts restored for bling

Once the chicest resort in Palm Springs, Riviera is once more home to the city's top tennis club and glitzy new winter social scene. The hotel is fresh off a $70 million renovation with all-new manicured courtyard and signature curved valet portico. The design recreates Palm Springs' glamorous connection with '50s Hollywood: rococo mirrors, tufted-leather furnishings and in-laid woodwork that stretches from shiny floors to gentlemanly walls and groovy ceilings. Sprawling over 24 acres, the hotel is home to one of the city's largest tennis clubs and a new restaurant, Circa 59. Lounge lizards can hit one of three bars including the sexy new poolside Bikini Bar.

A staggeringly large resort is divided into multiple two-story hotel blocks located around drive-in parking lots, tennis courts and two resort pools. Entry-level guest rooms are arranged within outlying buildings, some louder with street noise than others. Walls are lined in exotic zebrawood treatments around oversize king beds with tufted-white headboard and well-accessorized seating areas. Upgraded suites offer more generous living areas with views of the desert or the swimming pool and its assortment of lounging eye candy. Bathrooms are lined in marble floors with deep-basin tubs and separate stall showers made for sharing.