Boutique hotels give us a chance to experience another lifestyle. Next time you check into one of these intimate accommodations--whether it's a Zen retreat or an urban getaway--pay close attention to the interiors: You might well check out with a suitcase full of decorating ideas for your own home.

If you're drawn to a serene, natural environment, visit the lobby of San Francisco's newest boutique property, Hotel Vitale. The nook pictured here displays an intriguing blend of organic textures and materials. "The space is all about patterns and light," says interior designer Colum McCartan. "We used wood, stone, and fabrics in muted colors inspired by nature. It's a look that won't date."

Urban wilderness

HOTEL VITALE, SAN FRANCISCO

With its sweeping views across the Embarcadero, the new Hotel Vitale is a big-city sensation. The best spot to soak up the sights is in one of the two idyllic tubs on the eighth-floor spa terrace, surrounded by a forest of bamboo trees in containers. DESIGN: Clark Manus, Heller-Manus Architects, San Francisco (www.hellermanus.com or 415/247-1100); Colum McCartan, McCartan, San Francisco (www.mccartan.com or 415/956-9091) LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Marta Fry Landscape Associates (www.mflastudio.com or 415/543-8202 ext. 202) INFO: Hotel Vitale (199 rooms from $269; www.hotelvitale.com or 888/890-8688)

Take the look home

Bring the bath outside

Architect Clark Manus found that by adding redwood decking as a surround, he could use a deep tub--originally designed for residential use--outdoors. Water over-flows the edge and is recycled, making the standardsize bath feel like an infinity pool. "Not only is bathing outdoors very serene, it's the ultimate in luxury," says Manus.

Grow plant screens for privacy

Narrow metal-finished fiber-glass boxes planted with bamboo trace the perimeter of the deck. The tall plants provide privacy as well as an element of nature. The rustle of the wind blowing through the bamboo makes a lovely sound that helps mask traffic noise from the streets below. "It's a nature experience in an urban setting," says Manus.

Keep small spaces simple for a luxe mood

There are just a few elements--a tub, a redwood deck, and a bamboo screen. By keeping the area spare, it becomes tranquil and luxurious, creating a Westernized version of the Japanese bathing ritual. Here, every-thing is functional--not merely decorative--right down to the bamboo, giving a small space maximum impact.

Sources

Bathtub: Sok from Kohler ($7,119; www.kohler.com or 800/456-4537)

Faucet: Pinnacle Collection from Watermark Designs ($1,073 with hand shower; www.watermark-designs.com or 800/842-7277)

Robe: Monogrammed Hotel Vitale robe ($90; www.hotelvitale.com or 415/278-3700)

Cool pad

ACE HOTEL, SEATTLE

Not so long ago, the Ace Hotel was a Christian mission; these days, it plays host to sleekly dressed urbanites with spartan design sensibilities. A pared-down, utilitarian look is the order of the day. "When we put the rooms together, we spent a lot of time thinking about what you really need," says hotel partner Doug Herrick. The results are stark and functional, with innovative built-in furniture and occasional bold splashes of color. DESIGN: Eric Hentz, Mallet, Seattle (206/767-1875) INFO: Ace Hotel (28 rooms from $65; www.acehotel.com or 206/448-4721)

Take the look home

Contrast a neutral background with controlled color

"Using white as a backdrop makes the space feel simple and clean," says Doug Her-rick. "But color warms it up and keeps it from feeling clinical. Against this mostly white backdrop, the red blankets really pop. It still reads as a white space--but a warm and inviting white space."

Shop salvage stores for accessories with character

Throughout the hotel, you'll find items from vintage shops, restaurant supply out-lets, and army/navy surplus stores. Not only are these goods durable, but their industrial style also fits the Ace look. Case in point: the 1950s-era army blankets.

Reduce visual clutter

To keep the small rooms as streamlined as possible, the owners and architect devised strategies for storage. "We decided one of the most important needs was a place to quickly stow away your things," says Herrick. Thus, a blank wall became a storage wall, allowing guests to tuck away suitcases and other personal items.

Sources

Bedding: Blankets from Federal Army and Navy Surplus (from $23; www.gr8gear.com or 206/443-1818)

Rocking chair: Eames replica from Modernica ($349; www.modernica.net or 323/933-0383)

Shower curtain: Heavy-duty welding curtain from Central Welding Supply ($90; www.centralwelding.com or 206/766-9353)

Happy chic

PARKER PALM SPRINGS

When designing the Parker Palm Springs, Jonathan Adler had one guiding

principle: What would Mrs. Parker do? "We came up with a fictional character, Mrs. Parker. I see her as an Auntie Mame-type, a world traveler who can put things together with panache," says Adler. The hotel's library/lounge is full of ideas for would-be Mrs. Parkers who love comfort, whimsy, and style. DESIGN: Jonathan Adler, New York (www.jonathanadler.com or 877/287-1910) INFO: Parker Palm Springs (144 rooms from $305; www.theparkerpalmsprings.com or 760/770-5000)