Hurokun

Set in the heart of the Middle East’s financial hub, this Four Seasons is an exceptionally urbane space, where the sophisticated suites include curvy cream couches, low-slung leather chairs, and sexy standalone bathtubs. The lively Mina Brasserie, by Egyptian-born chef Michael Mina, is a perfect spot for power lunches, with standout dishes like lobster pot pie and a show-stopping signature cocktail inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpiece, made with Silvermoon tea, lemongrass, violet liqueur, edible gold, and a precious crescent moon sliced out of citrus zest. This being Dubai, you’re surrounded on all sides by skyscrapers: You can practically go on a starchitect tour from the comfort of the glass-walled rooftop pool, while the Luna Dubai lounge, also up on the roof, offers uninterrupted views of the half-mile-tall Burj Khalifa.

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From the second you walk into The Westbury in Dublin and up the grand, bifurcated staircase, it’s hard not to be impressed. Settle into one of The Gallery's plush armchairs for afternoon tea, grab a seat in The Sidecar for a perfect martini, or book a table at WILDE, an impeccable restaurant with a luxurious 1930s feel, for a full meal. Upstairs, the rooms and suites are light-filled and tranquil, with large bathtubs and Irish art; beds are dressed in crisp Lissadell linens and sumptuous Blanc d'Ivoire throws, and bathrooms have marble and heated floors. (If you're really looking to go all out, splurge on the Presidential Suite, a penthouse with its own bar and a huge bathroom—complete with a private sauna and steam room.) The Westbury is a classic city meeting place, and it's ideal for a special occasion—you’ll find guests celebrating big birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones. In December, The Gallery is filled with folks taking a break from Christmas shopping on Grafton Street. This is unbridled Irish luxury at its finest, and the service is always exemplary.

There is no more authentically Texan hotel than this 1880s-era grand dame near downtown Austin. Beyond its iconic limestone-and-brick facade, the Driskill is freshly modernized, with light, bright guest rooms, though the decor pays tribute to the hotel's place in Texas history; for example, the headboard of the iron bed features Texas stars and the letter "D," reminiscent of a cattle branding iron. (Mr. Driskill was a cattle baron.) With its cowhide bar stools, well-worn leather couches, and nightly jazz pianists, the hotel bar is dark and cozy. Locals are on a first-name basis with the bartenders who have been pouring cocktails there for more than 30 years. Check out the Civil War–era pistols that have been repurposed into lamps. And don't skip the bar snacks: house-made beef jerky and truffle popcorn in particular. Room service is available 24/7—and you'll want to use it. The hotel is famous for its 1886 Chocolate Cake, named for the year the hotel was built. It costs $8 per slice, and is worth every penny.

Located in the mixed-use West Bay complex, this Moorish-designed hotel showcases local white stone, latticework domes, geometric patterns, arches, columns, and palms galore, and the lobby is often bursting to colorful life with gorgeous floral arrangements. Rooms are clean, white, and neutral. Try the French- and Lebanese-inspired grand buffet at Elements, or ci**rs and single malts at the Library Lounge. Get a mineral body wrap at the spa, followed by snacks on the spa terrace.