2012 has been a big year for luxury hotel openings. All across the United States, the hottest cities have given rise to stunning and unique places for business and leisure travelers to rest their heads. From the gargantuan Hilton Conrad in New York City to the historical Inn at the Presidio in San Francisco, the past year has provided even more diverse and sophisticated options for discerning travelers worldwide.

The Hotel Bel-Air LA

Interior design for the Hotel Bel-Air was overseen by famed Interior Designer Alexandra Champalimaud in a golden-age of Hollywood fashion. Guestrooms have an intimate and homey, yet glamorous feel, some of them leading out to viewing patios. Chic heated limestone bathroom floors and rain showers are a standard amenity for hotel guests, along with a variety of cuisine from Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck, whose Mediterranean and European themed restaurant is located at the Bel-Air.

Starting Room Rate: around $600 a night

Photo courtesy of The Hotel Bel-Air LA

Conrad New York

Set against stunning views of the Hudson, this luxury hotel sits in the center of New York, surrounded by lower Manhattan’s greatest economic symbols, including the New York Stock Exchange and The World Trade Center. All 463 rooms are two-room suites featuring two flat-screen TVs, and sophisticated, contemporary décor to help relax the spirit after a long day of business meetings or sightseeing.

Starting Room Rate: around $420 a night

Photo courtesy of The Hilton Conrad NY

Inn at the Presidio San Francisco

A stay here is a trip back in time to the Presidio’s military and natural origins, as the Inn is located on a former Army base, the barracks having been converted into luxury accommodations. With only 39 spacious guestrooms, the Inn provides an intimate and comfortable stay, while offering guests a piece of San Franciscan history to hold in their memories. The property is a great home-base for those who wish to visit the city's national treasures, like the Presidio National Park, the Golden Gate Bridge and even Napa wine country.

Starting Room Rate: around $300 a night

Photo courtesy of Inn at the Presidio San Francisco

Ivy Hotel Chicago

The Ivy Hotel Chicago is 63 rooms spread out over 15 floors—information that may be a bit disconcerting in the windy city, but that ensures each guest (only five per floor) gets the utmost in personalized service. The hotel is located near Chicago’s favorite attractions, like The Magnificent Mile and Millenium Park. The guestrooms are full of luxurious details, including bathrooms decorated in Italian marble and outfitted with flat-screen TVs. The stylish exterior is mirrored indoors, with modern and simplistic décor.

Starting Room Rate: around $230 a night

Photo courtesy of the Ivy Hotel Chicago

The James Royal Palm in Miami

The James Royal Palm is, in keeping with the classic James brand standard, an art inspired property, outfitted with sleek décor that is thought provoking, without being stuffy and uncomfortable. The hotel features a number of eco-friendly and locally sourced offerings like distilled water, a locally filled pantry, and public spaces crafted from reclaimed wood. That doesn't mean the James skimps on luxuries, however. Guests are pampered with rich cotton robes, organic bath products, and twice daily turndown and housekeeping along with a fully equipped gym, two pools, and complimentary shoe-shining services.

Starting Room Rate: around $350 a night

Photo courtesy of the James Royal Palm

The Palomar in Phoenix

A largely social hotel, the Palomar is a Kimpton property that provides guests with great views of Phoenix, as well as little luxurious details like Italian Frette linens, iHome docking stations, and plush bathrobes. The two dining options and a hosted wine hour allow guests the opportunity to mingle in opulence, while the third-floor hotel pool area becomes a chic lounge by night. Here, the young and beautiful of Phoenix are often seen gathering over cocktails to admire the bright lights of the cityscape.

Starting Room Rate: about $250 a night

Photo courtesy of the Palomar in Phoenix

Refinery Hotel New York

The Refinery Hotel, a converted hat factory, takes guests on a trip back in time to the prohibition era, where cocktail lounges were called “tea rooms.” The property's 197 rooms are located in the heart of New York’s garment district, only a few blocks from the city’s most beloved attractions, like Times Square and the Empire State Building. Rooms and suites feature such detailed luxuries as brushed oak hardwood floors, Frette linens, 12-foot ceilings, and quirky furniture pieces that point to the location’s fashionable history. The hotel also features three playful restaurant choices, like Winnie’s Tea Lounge, where drinks are served out of innocent-looking tea-cups.

Starting Room Rate: around $630 a Night

Photo courtesy of The Refinery Hotel

Revel Atlantic City

Although Revel is an Atlantic City casino, it is nothing like the cheesy gambling establishments that the title often brings to mind. In fact, the casino aspect of the hotel fell to the wayside and a luxury leisure hotspot took the front seat. Guestrooms feature modern and clean décor, with granite countertops, aromatherapy bath amenities, full mini bars, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Revel also offers fine dining options, with Spanish, Italian, Belgian, American and Mediterranean themed menus. A spectacular InOut pool is open year-round, offering guests expansive sea views as they lounge under the sun or hotel roof.

Starting Room Rate: around $160 a night

Photo courtesy of Revel Atlantic City

Revere Hotel Boston

Formerly the Radisson Boston, the Revere Hotel opened in 2012 as a nod to Boston’s revolutionary spirit. It sits within walking distance of some favorite local attractions like Boston Common, Shubert Theatre, and even Paul Revere’s former home. The hotel’s 356 guestrooms feature balconies with uninterrupted city views, Frette robes and slippers, Kindle borrowing services, and access to a 24-hour fitness center. The Revere, despite its youth, is a AAA certified four diamond property, and specifically caters to the business elite, providing a number of event spaces and services to make planning an event as effortless as possible. That is not to say that the Revere doesn’t know how to have a good time—their two dining options include the Emerald Lounge, where guests are encouraged to unwind with a fancy cocktail or two under gold metal light fixtures and vibrant green lighting.

Starting Room Rate: around $185 a night

Photo courtesy of Revere Hotel

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami Beach

The St. Regis Bal Harbour was named Forbes’ “Most Anticipated Hotel Opening of 2012,” and lives up to that name with a AAA Five-Diamond accolade and an oceanfront location nestled between luxury shopping destinations and tropical gardens. Guestrooms impress with private balconies, premium entertainment systems, five-fixture marble bathrooms, and premier comfort technology. On-site dining venues are full of breathtaking views and the menus are specifically designed to go with each of the hotel’s four restaurants' individual ambiances.

Starting Room Rate: around $460 a night

Photo courtesy of St. Regis