Best New Hotels 2007: The Huntley, Santa Monica, US

An exquisite aerie overlooking Santa Monica beach, the city and mountains, the Huntley first opened in 1966 and was recently refurbished to the tune of about $15 million. Designer Thomas Schoos – best known for decorating buzzy Los Angeles restaurants such as Koi – has introduced shag carpets, African daybeds, fur throws and pale wood furnishings. Picking up on its coastal locale, Schoos wove in aquatic motifs such as a stingray desk and a school of ceramic piranhas in the lobby. Dining at the rooftop restaurant and lounge is a must, if only for the views which stretch to Malibu and beyond. The Huntley’s 209 rooms are cosy in the extreme, and each has a window bench from which to gaze at the Southern Californian sunset.

Doubles from about $400, www.thehuntleyhotel.com.