On a per capita basis Great Britain might be the boutique-hotel capital of the world — and any explanation of this fact will necessarily mention the Malmaison name at some point early on. The occasion of this particular mention is the Malmaison Aberdeen, which, if we won’t be thought patronizing for saying so, is essentially a London-quality hotel located in Scotland’s number three market. And while we wouldn’t call it formulaic, by any means, there are certain things you come to expect from a Malmaison hotel. Dark and swanky is the look, for one. It’s a palette that’s often called “masculine,” though it feels less specifically gendered than that. It feels like a place where things happen; whether in the suites, with their chic mixture of classic décor and modern coloring, or in the public spaces, which can be counted on to maintain an atmosphere of decadence. The Bar & Grill is a Malmaison constant, and the Whisky Snug (a place, not a quality) is a concession to the north-of-the-border locale — both, like the hotel that contains them, are among Aberdeen’s most desirable places. How to get there: Malmaison Aberdeen is approximately a 20–30-minute drive from Aberdeen Airport, and a taxi will cost approximately £25.