Hotel Hotel Greif, Bolzano, Itália (Bolzano, Italy)

A distinguished member of design hotelsTM. ''Greif'' is the German word for ''Griffin'', a mythical creature with the wings, beak and talons of an eagle, and the body of a lion. Just as it combines strength and wisdom, temporal powers with supernatural, so Hotel Greif compounds tradition with modernity, and architectural substance with creative energy. The main entrance is a clear indication of the hotel's approach: a transparent steel and glass construction, framed by the antique wood of the original portal. Thirty-three individually extraordinary rooms have been composed by owner, Franz Staffler, and Viennese architect, Boris Podrecca, each displaying a specially commissioned artwork by a different artist. Contrasting and complementing colours and materials are employed throughout the interior to augment the varied styles, including warm wooden tones, raw silk curtains and rich Gabbeh carpets. Even bathrooms are each lined with their own special marble. To really get to know Hotel Greif, you'll need at least 33 nights...