The old marquee on the exterior of this Georgian townhouse reads “Number One Hotel.” Located near London’s King’s Cross station, the Rough Luxe hotel preserves the building’s history—and its 19th-century wallpaper—while showcasing oddball modern design. Amenities include an “Anger Release” vending machine that sells porcelain objects and encourages guests to break them. Designer Rabih Hage explains the Rough Luxe concept: “Something old has its own way of existing. So I uncovered layers instead of adding another one.” —Charlotte West

Rough Luxe, 44/(0) 20-7837-5338, from $275. Photo courtesy of the Rough Luxe hotel. This appeared in the July/August 2010 issue.