Winter Escapes: Le Meridien Lingotto, Turin, Italy

The myriad charms of Turin were revealed to the world during the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. And it's no wonder the vibrant city now tops the list of holiday getaways for travelers this year. This winter, hit the slopes near Turin and stay at the chic Le Meridien Lingotto, formerly a Fiat automobile factory. It's a masterpiece of modern design and restoration: loft-style guest rooms still preserve the original Fiat glass walls (lots of natural light) and the rooftop track which was once used to test cars, is now used by guests for a morning run. From the rooftop, gaze out at Turin's beautiful cityscape of churches and castles: the rich culture of Italy at your feet. And be sure to explore the top floor art gallery, Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli. The hotel is directly connected to the Lingotto Exhibition and Congress Center, designed by famed architect Renzo Piano— its first floor occupied by a one-kilometer long shopping small "8 Gallery" with excellent boutiques and cafes.