Edition Hotels.

You must be kidding if you think that Hotelier and Real Estate Developer, Ian Schrager (co-founder of the legendary Studio 54) could ever sit around and not be busy with yet another ambitious project. In 2006, he reopened the iconic Gramercy Park Hotel, NY to much fanfare and excitement. The hotel with its bohemian charm and distinct character has earned its place in New York as one of the coolest hotels around.

So the man understands what hip is. Maybe he got bored with the whole boutique hotel thing (100 or less number of rooms), so he is reinventing the industry. After all he is the father of boutique hotels and everyone in the industry over the last decade have tried to replicate his success, interpret their own style in the many boutique hotels that have sprung up.

This time, he has teamed up with Marriot to come up with a new hotel brand named, Edition. Its target market are the young, hip who are understated, love art and the finer things in life. No more very trying, pretentiously hip and self-conscious hotels. Their first hotel in Waikiki, The Waikiki Edition (353 rooms) opened its doors on 15th of October 2010. Most of the rooms have terraces, the hotel has also a very famous chef, Morimoto as its resident chef, its own exclusive beach, an outdoor movie theatre and also its own surf and bikini boot camp. It can't get more cool than this.

The next few hotels will open in London (the old Berners Hotel), Istanbul, Barcelona, Bangkok, Mexico City and South Beach, USA. So look out for them.

The Reception of The Waikiki Edition.

Lobby of The Waikiki Edition.

One of the Rooms at The Waikiki Edition.

View of the Hotel and Swimming Pool of The Waikiki Edition.

The Artist's Impression of The Mexico City Edition.

Hotel La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco.

Hotel La Mamounia is one of the most beautiful grand hotels left. Built in 1920, recently it went through a 3 year long beauty slumber (reopening late last year). USD 176m was spent on the renovation to update the hotel. Judging from these photos, the 3 year long wait has definitely paid off. It is stunning. The restaurant with tables in a courtyard has such a mysterious yet grand vibe about it. I love the swimming pool too. The hotel has been a national treasure since its opening and has attracted many celebrities over the years and now with its update, it just might have cemented its position in Marrakech as the hotel to lodge in.

Mondrain Hotel, South Beach, Miami.

Mondrain Hotel is owned by Morgans Hotel Group which was founded by Ian Schrager of Studio 54 fame. So you should expect nothing less than glitzy and spectacular. This is no exception. The maestro behind this is no other than Marcel Wanders. All that name dropping, this hotel must be excellent and it is. They have pulled out all the stops in this hotel, from the grand lobby with its dramatic pillars and staircase to the chandeliers hidden under huge bells, all the attention to detail is meticulous in the most dramatic manner.

However, having said all that, I do love the fact that when you step into this hotel, you feel as though you were transported into a different world, a world that dares to dream big; a world that is bold and beautiful, almost in its own fantasy.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Barcelona.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Barcelona is gorgeous, and I mean drop dead gorgeous. I saw pictures of it and I was bowled over. While its location on Passeig de Gràcia is unbeatable, it is the work of Spanish-born architect, Patricia Urquiola (who did the interior design of the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona) that gave the hotel it's unique look and feel. To me, it's the definition of sheer perfection. It has a rooftop bar and swimming pool that overlooks the city. Guest rooms that are simple, easy yet well detailed. I'm in love.

The Arch London.

The Arch London with its 82 individually designed guest rooms must be one of the more easy and comfortable rooms in London. From the understated entrance to the elegant lounge and dining rooms, the public areas reflect the hotel's intention; to charm as well as to welcome. I love their use of rich colours and prints in the rooms which is such a nice change from the standard contemporary hotels with their block shades of black, grey and cream.

Hillside Su, Antalya, Turkey.

If one had to describe Hillside Su, the words crisp white and myriad of colours would definitely pop up. The hotel is white washed but bathed with colours. There are mirror balls in the lobby to reflect its fun persona. Then it all changes the minute you step in your room. It is calm. I love the beautifully generous swimming pool with the deck chairs. Definitely somewhere I'd laze all day till the sun sets.