Short answer: for the best mix of strong design and good value, look first at citizenM and The Hoxton (midscale, well-designed, good price for what you get), then Ace Hotel and 25hours for character and creative programming, and Moxy and Mama Shelter if you want trend-forward design at lower prices. Which is “best” depends on city, travel dates and whether you prioritize big rooms or lively public spaces.

Quick breakdown by price / style:

• citizenM — Best overall value for modern, consistent design

  • Style: compact, ultra-modern rooms with smart tech, bold color/graphic interiors, strong lobby/bar spaces.
  • Value: high — focuses spend on public design and tech, keeps rooms small to keep price lower.
  • Best if you want contemporary design, a reliable experience, and you’re okay with compact rooms.

• The Hoxton — Best value for stylish social hotels in city centers

  • Style: warm, eclectic, vintage-meets-modern rooms and active cafés/bars/restaurants.
  • Value: very good — centrally located, high-quality design and food/scene at midscale pricing.
  • Best if you want bigger rooms than citizenM and a lively neighborhood vibe.

• Ace Hotel — Best for creative-culture credentials

  • Style: hip, locally-inflected interiors, lots of wood/leather/industrial touches, event programming.
  • Value: good — design-forward with strong music/culture programming; rooms vary by property.
  • Best if you want a boutique creative scene and distinctive character.

• Moxy (Marriott) — Best budget-friendly design

  • Style: playful, millennial-oriented design; compact rooms, buzzy communal areas.
  • Value: excellent for price-conscious travelers who want Instagrammable public spaces.
  • Best if saving money matters more than large rooms.

• Mama Shelter — Best for quirky, colorful personality at mid-low price

  • Style: fun, bold, pop-art interiors with casual restaurants/bars.
  • Value: strong — eye-catching design without boutique price tag.
  • Best for casual stays and social scenes.

• 25hours Hotels — Best for eclectic, narrative-driven design

  • Style: imaginative themes, locally inspired interiors, strong F&B.
  • Value: good — creative layouts and memorable design; midprice in Europe and growing elsewhere.
  • Best in European cities; ideal if you want a hotel with a story.

When design vs. price trade-offs matter

• If you value roomy, well-appointed rooms plus design, The Hoxton often beats citizenM on space for similar price.
• If you want the design to be visible everywhere (rooms, lobby, restaurant) choose Ace, 25hours or The Hoxton.
• If you want the most design per dollar and can tolerate smaller rooms, choose citizenM or Moxy.

How to pick the best option for your trip

• Check location first — great design matters less if you’re far from where you want to be.
• Compare total nightly cost with taxes, resort fees and breakfast (some brands bake value into on-site restaurants).
• Look at recent guest photos and reviews for the exact property — design can vary widely between locations of the same brand.
• Use flexible dates and membership programs (captive brands like Moxy/Marriott or Hoxton’s loyalty offers) to get lower rates.

If you tell me budget, city or dates I can give a short ranked list of specific properties that match your needs.