More often than not the hotel lobby is the first impression guests will have and provides a good indicator as to what lies beyond the lift doors.
If holidays makers are greeted with peeling paint and shabby carpet then chances are what they have waiting for them in their room upstairs isn’t any better.
So taking ‘first impressions’ into consideration, some hotels around the world have built lobbies so beautiful it would almost be hard to walk away.
Without any sad furniture in sight, these are some of the world’s most beautiful hotel lobbies.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Renewed for its high buildings and beautiful cityscapes, the Mandarin uses its perfect location to welcome guests up on the 38th floor.
This five-star luxury hotel lobby will take your breath away from the moment you step out of the lift. The east facing view stretching out across Tokyo’s oldest part of town.
Fauna Hotel, Miami Beach
Greeted by a plush red carpet entrance, guests to the Miami hotel are treated like a star from the get-go.
Alongside the Hollywood worthy entrance, the lobby is decorated like a precious art gallery with golden pillars and beautiful murals created by artist Juan Gatti leading towards a woolly mammoth designed by Damien Hirst.
Maison Souquet, Paris
Small yet mighty, this beautiful boutique hotel was the creation of French interior designer, Jacques Garcia.
The lobby is filled with eloquent furniture and features stunning mosaic, famous artworks and subtle velvet finishings.
The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
Resembling a scene from the Great Gatsby, only without the dancers, guests will struggle to leave this stunning 101-foot dome that centres the hotel.
The former bank, turned hotel offers guests a night of total luxury with the lobby just a flavour of what’s in store.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
This luxurious lobby has retired its Irish charm with wooden oat-lined walls and furniture that takes guests on a journey back in time.
The castle, turned hotel, is fit with 19th-century armour and a whopping 24-light chandelier.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
This quirky hotel lobby in the Netherlands certainly makes a strong first impression.
Designed by Tom Dixon, the contemporary lobby retains historic elements whilst offering guests the chance to sit back and ogle at the rooms beauty and artwork.
Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria, Italy
This beautiful lobby is less like a hotel entrance and more like the walkway into a historical art museum.
The art collection included those of 16th-century paintings and priceless antiques make this lobby truly breathtaking.
St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Missouri
The hotel’s stunning entrance is fitted with sweeping archways and gold leaf detailing making a stay at this hotel memorising.
In the midst of busy city life, this lobby transports guests to a time when travel and art were of the utmost importance.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Colour is the most prominent feature of this hotel lobby. The sail-shaped entrance hall symbolises modern Dubai whilst the furnishing and artwork hint at the country’s historic past.
The Lanesborough, London
This lobby, slighter closer to home, is full of UK charm. Situated across from Hyde Park, the grand luxury mansion has been renovated by designer Albert Pinto.
According to travel and food writer, Keith Flanagan, the great hall is so great, that it is only opened for the Queen.