New on Oyster This Week: 7 Stunning Hotels around the World

This upscale property has 17 private villas and is centrally located in a residential area with attractions a short drive away. Each large villa has a soft, modern Balinese design and includes kitchenettes, robes/slippers, minibars, and upscale sound systems. Additionally, all villas have outdoor spaces with small private pools and garden areas. Some guests have mentioned, however, that the outdoor bathrooms lack privacy. Spa Venus is a major plus and The Oasis Restaurant and Bar is generally well received, though prices are high. Wi-Fi, an area shuttle, made-to-order breakfast, bike rentals, and butler service round out the amenities.

One of the world's foremost design-driven hotels, the boutique g Hotel offers bold, colorful interiors courtesy of the renowned Irish hat designer Philip Treacy. The three-floor, 101-room hotel features a stylish bar, fine-dining Irish restaurant, full-service spa, and rooftop Zen garden. Guests can also delight in upscale rooms with free Wi-Fi and plasma TVs. The downside of a stay is the hotel's relatively inconvenient location at the northern end of Galway, overlooking Lough Atalia (a lake). For rugby fans, the property is only an eight-minute stroll from the Sportsground, but it's a 10-minute bus ride or 15-minute walk to Eyre Square.

A beautifully restored 19th-century mansion on a cobbled street, the 31-room Villa Oniria offers a stylish, upscale experience in the city center. This lovely property has rooftop and fireplace lounges, along with lush gardens, a full-service spa, and a chic restaurant serving gourmet Spanish cuisine. Rooms are modern and spacious with cozy couches, while suites have big terraces with Albaycin views. Some rooms are showing signs of wear and tear, and there's a fee to use the cramped gym, but Wi-Fi throughout is free. For travelers seeking an Andalusian villa experience with outdoor space and proximity to the sights, this is a solid pick.

The small, intimate, budget Pigeon Cay Beach Club is located on beautiful and secluded Cat Island. With only seven beachfront cottages, the atmosphere is friendly and laid-back but also private. The simple, rustic cottages have dated decor and no TVs or Internet, but they include fully-equipped kitchens and furnished outdoor spaces. The beach is the best part of Pigeon Cay -- it’s quiet, secluded, and gorgeous with turquoise blue water and powdery white sand. This isn't an updated or lavish property, but the very affordable rates make Pigeon Cay a good choice for those looking to get lost in Cat Island's natural beauty. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with nearby Shannas Cove; rooms are more updated there, but they don't have full kitchens.

With its panoramic views, pristine gardens, and exquisite Neo-renaissance architecture, the 18-room Villa la Vedetta offers a truly luxurious experience outside the center of Florence. This refined, five-pearl property sets itself apart from others in its class with modern decor, a spacious rooftop terrace, and a surprisingly large seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub. The restaurant offers an impressive wine list and creative Florentine cuisine, and there's a free shuttle to the city center throughout the day. Rooms are big and opulent, with canopy beds, garden or city views, and marble bathrooms. The only downfalls for some guests could be the distance from the center of Florence, and the fact that sometimes weddings overtake the grounds. Guests seeking a more old-world luxury vibe could try the Grand Hotel Villa Cora. Wi-Fi here is free throughout.

The Motif is an artsy upper-middle-range hotel located a couple of blocks from Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. Its 319 rooms are comfortable and stylish and have mini-fridges and high-end coffeemakers -- many also have spectacular views of the waterfront and Olympic Mountains. The hotel has a great restaurant and rooftop bar with rooms service and there's a gym, but no spa or pool. Still, for the relatively high price tag, it has more class and character than similarly priced chain hotels in the area. For those who want to be even closer to Pike Place Market, check rates at the Inn at the Market.

At nearly a mile long, this mid-range property is one of the largest resorts in the Maldives. Highlights include a putting green, outdoor pool, and six restaurants -- but Sun Island has significant drawbacks. The rooms are dated, buffet food is mediocre, and getting around the island can be a pain with no shuttle service. Nonetheless, rates are affordable for the uber-expensive destination, and guests can choose from half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive rates.