Here are high‑value design-focused hotels (or reliable design-budget chains) in major cities — each is known for strong design, good locations, and prices that tend to undercut full‑service boutique rivals. I list one recommendation per city with a short reason and a typical price band (subject to season / events). I checked contemporary sources for brand positioning and typical rates.

Notes: prices below are approximate nightly ranges for mid‑season, double/standard room (USD) and will change by date. If you want specific dates or a different city list, I can check live availability and exact rates.

• New York — Freehand New York (Gramercy)

  • Why: artist-driven interiors, restaurants/bars on site, a true “hip” design hotel that’s often cheaper than downtown boutique alternatives. Typical range: $180–$320. (thehotelguru.com)

• London — CitizenM (Tower of London or Bankside)

  • Why: compact, tech-forward rooms and lively social lobbies — a design-led concept built for good value in central locations. Typical range: £95–£220 (~$120–$280). (readerescape.com)

• Paris — Moxy (Paris CDG / several Paris locations)

  • Why: playful, design-forward Moxy properties deliver stylish public spaces and modestly sized rooms at lower prices than full‑service boutiques. Typical range: $100–$220. (roame.travel)

• Tokyo — 9 Hours / Capsule boutique hotels or YOTEL (Haneda / Shinjuku nearby)

  • Why: if you want minimalist modern design on a budget, capsule brands like 9 Hours or compact design hotels (and YOTEL-style pod rooms) give an efficient, polished experience. Typical range: $50–$180 (capsules) / $120–$260 (compact design hotels). (en.wikipedia.org)

• Berlin — Motel One

  • Why: European “budget design” pioneer — city‑center locations, consistent high‑quality interiors and low rates compared with independent design boutiques. Typical range: €80–€160 (~$85–$180). (motel-one.com)

• Barcelona — Mama Shelter or Yurbban

  • Why: both mix bold, local design with good locations and reasonable rates vs. luxury design hotels. Typical range: $100–$230.

• Amsterdam — CitizenM or Generator (hotel/hostel hybrid)

  • Why: CitizenM gives compact modern rooms in central spots; Generator’s premium private rooms are design-led and cheaper than classic boutiques. Typical range: €90–€200 (~$95–$210). (readerescape.com)

• San Francisco — Moxy / YOTEL or boutique values like Hotel Zetta

  • Why: YOTEL/Moxy-style properties focus on smart rooms and social spaces to keep cost down; independent boutique “value design” hotels (e.g., Hotel Zetta) can be good picks when priced right. Typical range: $130–$300. (roame.travel)

• Chicago — Ace Hotel Chicago (or YOTEL Chicago)

  • Why: Ace is design-forward with a lively lobby scene; YOTEL provides compact, techy rooms with central locations for lower rates. Typical range: $140–$290.

• Seoul — L7 (Lotte’s lifestyle brand) or Moxy/Design hotels in Hongdae

  • Why: L7 and similar lifestyle brands combine contemporary design and good locations at better prices than full luxury hotels. Typical range: $80–$200.

Quick tips for best value

• Book midweek or shoulder season and avoid major events — that cuts boutique prices dramatically.
• Choose compact-room design hotels (CitizenM, YOTEL, Moxy) if you prioritize style and location over room size.
• Compare direct‑brand offers (member rates) vs. OTAs — brand sites sometimes include free perks (drinks, breakfast) that increase value.
• Consider “lifestyle” economy European chains (Motel One, 25hours) for consistent design value in Europe.

If you’d like, tell me:

• which cities you care about (I can expand the list), and
• exact dates — I’ll pull live availability and the best-value specific properties and rates.