The Ned, London

A hub of accommodation that's more than a hotel, thanks to its size and intentions

Most hotels in big cities have a problem with maximizing space—but what does one do when the building-to-be-renovated is almost too massive? It requires more than one company, in fact. This month, The Ned finally opened its doors in London after four years of work, completing its transformation from Midland Bank headquarters into a gigantic 252-room hotel, with private members’ club areas, a spa, public …

Five Facets of The Historic Kulm Hotel St Moritz

Lord Norman Foster's recent pavilion overhaul, Switzerland's first lightbulb, a pillow menu and more

Tucked in the southeastern corner of Switzerland, the Engadine valley—and its centerpiece St Moritz—carries a century and a half of history and stakes claim to the birth of Swiss winter tourism. A region of four languages—Italian, Swiss-German, French and the historic Romansh—the valley dominated jet-setting headlines in the ’50s and ’60s. Today, it’s still a haven of luxury, world-class outdoor sports and après ski, but …