COMEBACK KID

Call it the ‘chrysalis effect’ — storied landmarks transformed into beautiful, brilliant gems of the hotel world. There’s a knack to a successful transformation, and these are the butterflies of their kind NOMAD LONDON, LONDON

It’s a brave move to open a luxury hotel in the middle of a pandemic, but that didn’t stop NoMAD. The US group has brought its distinctive panache to its first international property, housed in a plum spot in the heart of Covent Garden: the former Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, which once hosted defendants including the Kray Twins, Emmeline Pankhurst and Oscar Wilde. Today, its 91 bright bedrooms and suites are offset by a dusky, sophisticated vibe elsewhere in the property. The real star of the show, however, is the orange-tree-filled, glassceilinged restaurant, which retains the triplestoreyed atrium layout of the old courtyard it’s housed in. There’s also Side Hustle (a Mexicaninfluenced take on a classic British pub) and a private events space in the original magistrates’ courtroom, now decorated with hand-painted murals. From £480. thenomadhotel.com

BOTTLEWORKS HOTEL, INDIANAPOLIS

Once part of the world’s largest CocaCola bottling plant, this 1920s property is awash with details like art deco-style doors, spiral staircases and terrazzo floors. Swing by The Garage Food Hall, located on the site where Cola-Cola delivery trucks once parked. From $199 (£144), B&B. bottleworkshotel.com

THE BODMIN JAIL HOTEL, CORNWALL

This former prison, built in 1779, has been transformed from a semi-ruinous site to one of the UK’s most intriguing boltholes. Its dark history is balanced by modern architecture and plush decor — as evidenced in the old chapel, now a sophisticated restaurant and bar. From £203. bodminjailhotel.com