Barrière Lille

The city of Lille, at the northern tip of France, has a Flemish-inspired old town filled with brick townhouses and quaint cobblestoned streets. But one of its finest luxury hotels, located nearby in the business district, represents a stylistic departure from traditional Flemish and French architecture. A futuristic triangular glass structure houses the Hôtel Barrière de Lille, complete with a two-story casino and a range of high-end restaurants and bars. It’s evident from outside that guest rooms and suites are flooded with light through floor-to-ceiling windows; inside, they’re spacious and sleek, outfitted in blonde wood paneling, rich jewel tones, cheerful polka dot carpets, and large mirrors that reflect views over the city and the treetops in the neighboring park. Also present are a state-of-the-art spa and a buffet breakfast served on a terrace that’s heated year-round. There’s always a party going on in one of the hotel’s ground-level venues, but when you’ve played your last hand, guest rooms are perfectly soundproofed.