The 101 Hotel’s clean lines and minimalist color scheme—Nordic-cool grays, whites, and blacks warmed by tan oak floors and natural light—reflect the sensibility of owner Ingibjörg S. Pálmadóttir, a graduate of The New School for Design in New York. Named for Reykjavik’s stylish 101 district, Iceland’s first boutique hotel is situated near the city’s central shopping and dining neighborhood, and is a showcase for modern Icelandic art. The hotel feels intimate with only 38 rooms, and the bar and lounge are popular with trendsetting locals.

101 Hotel. Doubles from $285, Hverfisgata 10, 354/580-0101. This appeared in the May/June 2012 issue. Photo courtesy of 101 Hotel.