GRAND REDESIGNS After a serious sprucing up (and plenty of investment), these big-name hotels are back and better than ever

The Langham, Boston

A two-year closure and a $200m (£166m) transformation later, this historic Massachusetts hotel is firmly back in business. The Langham is set in the glorious surrounds of the former Federal Reserve

Bank of Boston, completed in 1922 in the Financial District. Fitting for a city that wears its history with pride, the building’s storied touches remain intact, including the murals of the founding fathers, the soaring ceilings and marble floors. But it’s far from oldfashioned. Additions include a Boston-centric, contemporary art collection, a lobby with grand fireplaces and revived guest rooms and suites in soothing duck-egg blues, including the new Chairman Suite penthouse, with its own baby grand piano. As far as renovations go, this one’s right on the money. From $595 (£485). langhamhotels.com

RUNNERS-UP

BELMOND SPLENDIDO MARE, ITALY

Reopened last summer after an 18-month facelift, the 14-room Belmond Splendido Mare in Portofino has had a complete overhaul from Paris-based Festen Architecture. There’s still a strong sense of la dolce vita here, with locally crafted materials taking centre stage. The midcentury furnishings nod to Portofino’s 1950s heyday, while Liguria’s colourful houses are echoed in the mustard and sienna bathroom tiles. There’s also a delicious new gourmet restaurant, DaV Mare, right on the famous Piazzetta waterfront. From €650 (£549). belmond.com

CARTON HOUSE HOTEL, IRELAND

This was one of Ireland’s finest Palladian mansions, and now it’s on a mission to become one of its finest hotels. Just outside Maynooth, in County Kildare, Carton House was the longtime home of the Duke of Leinster, and is today the country’s first Fairmont resort, thanks to a massive, multi-year renovation. Highlights of the five-star include the ornate Morrison Room restaurant, casual dining in the former servants’ kitchens and the intimate Whiskey Library. The old house is still the centrepiece of the hotel, while plush modern wings house a pool, spa and the airy Courtyard Bar. From €360 (£300). cartonhouse.com

Clockwise from left: Bedroom at The Langham Boston; The Langham reception desk; The Spence bar, Gleneagles Townhouse Previous pages: Water villas at Joali Being