While everyone from Christain Lacroix to Todd Oldham . . .even Philip Treacy at the G in Galway . . . have turned their talents to hotel interiors, it's only the cream of the couture world that actually own their own stylish retreats.

Versace, Krizia, Alberta Ferretti and jewellers Bulgari are all members of this elite club with Missoni preparing to open a chain of branded hotels with Rezidor SAS later this year.

Rumour has it that Ralph Lauren has his sights set on a similar venture.

While these fashionable hideaways are undeniably exclusive and expensive, they offer those of us afflicted with couture tastes and high-street budgets a sneaky way to sample the glamorous world of fashion and style.

If you'd rather splash your cash on a quilted Chanel tote than a couple of nights in one of Donatella's boudoirs, simply pop in for a coffee, cocktails or a designer dinner while on holidays.

Don't be tempted to take souvenir snaps of your stylish surroundings though . . . you'd look awfully uncool surrounded by so many 'model' citizens.

ASK THE EXPERT TINA LEONARD, EUROPEAN CONSUMER CENTRE

How long must you be delayed before having a right to entitlements?

It's after two, three or four hours depending on the length of the journey you are about to undertake. If it's a short flight from Dublin to London, legally a delay would be after two hours. If it's a longer flight it would be after four hours.

What are you entitled to?

First of all, you are given duty of care . . . meal vouchers to keep you going during the delay. Hotel accommodation if it goes overnight, if it's appropriate. And a telephone call or email. If the delay goes over five hours, regardless of the length of journey, you should be given a choice of being re-routed with the airline or making your own way home. If you want to make your own way, you are entitled to a reimbursement of that part of the ticket.

What about cancellations?

It's the same as a five-hour delay but with additional compensation of between 250 and 600 as well as the duty of care.

That again will depend on the length of the flight. If the cancellation is outside the control of the airline [a strike or adverse weather conditions], they don't have to give additional compensation. www. eccdublin. ie

WHERE TO STAY

1 ALBERTA FERRETTI
Palazzo Viviani Via Roma 38 Rimini From 250 www. palazzoviviani. com

2 KARL LAGERFELD
Schlosshotel Grunewald Wilmersdorf From 320 www. schlosshotelberlin. com

3 MAXMARA
Albergo delle Notarie Reggio Emilia From 200 www. albergonotarie. it

4 VERSACE Palazzo Versace Main Beach Queensland From 215 www. palazzoversace. com

5 BULGARI (pictured) Via Fratelli Gabba 7 Milan From 560 www. bulgarihotels. com