I've decided to start a list on this page, not as an advertisement (I'm sure as heck not getting paid for this!), but as a 'friend-to-a-friend' sort of thing. My only readers (except whoever is reading this blog in Russia - HELLO READER IN RUSSIA!) are my friends and family anyway, so I doubt I drive much business to these places.
I'm only going to list hotels that are standouts in the series of 5 star Luxury to No Star Moldy hotels that I've frequented in my 13 years of world traveling. I'll be honest...I found most of them on booking.com.
This site will ALWAYS be under construction...please be patient. I will add descriptions and links as I find the time. I've included photos where I remembered to take any. I've included the year I stayed in each hotel as a disclaimer - it may have been a while since I stayed in a particular hotel.
**Note: If you are a hotel on this list and DON'T want the positive, upbeat review of a seasoned traveller, just email me and I will take it down.
Also, I can't recommend anywhere to stay in Cairo other than my best friend's place...and I think the cats have now moved into the guest room.
Los Arcos is a B&B run by David, an expat from Virginia, who has converted the back-yard of his colonial home into a paradise with two guest rooms. There is a pool (available 24 hours) and David, the consummate host, appeared with beers for the swimmers, who were taking a mid-afternoon break from the heat with a dip in the shade. Breakfast (cooked by Lucas) was so filling and delicious I couldn't even think of eating again until late afternoon.
Aswan, Egypt
I'm only going to list hotels that are standouts in the series of 5 star Luxury to No Star Moldy hotels that I've frequented in my 13 years of world traveling. I'll be honest...I found most of them on booking.com.
This site will ALWAYS be under construction...please be patient. I will add descriptions and links as I find the time. I've included photos where I remembered to take any. I've included the year I stayed in each hotel as a disclaimer - it may have been a while since I stayed in a particular hotel.
**Note: If you are a hotel on this list and DON'T want the positive, upbeat review of a seasoned traveller, just email me and I will take it down.
Also, I can't recommend anywhere to stay in Cairo other than my best friend's place...and I think the cats have now moved into the guest room.
Merida, Mexico
Los Arcos (2012)
Now that I'm in Mexico, I am excited to actually explore it! For my first 'domestic vacation' I took a long weekend to Merida. The original plan was to take a cooking course or a street-food tour, but those things didn't pan out - I didn't care though because the hotel was so fantastic!Los Arcos is a B&B run by David, an expat from Virginia, who has converted the back-yard of his colonial home into a paradise with two guest rooms. There is a pool (available 24 hours) and David, the consummate host, appeared with beers for the swimmers, who were taking a mid-afternoon break from the heat with a dip in the shade. Breakfast (cooked by Lucas) was so filling and delicious I couldn't even think of eating again until late afternoon.
The decor is fabulous, but what was even more fabulous was the welcome (not only by David, but also his 3 little dogs and two big cats!). After only 2 nights at Los Arcos, I felt like I had had a full week's vacation! The house (I shudder to call it a hotel, because I really did feel like I was visiting an old friend) is situated an easy 5 - 10 minute walk from the central square in a very peaceful neighborhood. The rates were beyond reasonable and the hospitality was unbeatable. I strongly recommend popping in for a few relaxing days to recharge your batteries - whether you are living in Mexico or coming from abroad!
Aswan, Egypt
The Old Cataract Hotel (2012)
The most amazing hotel stay of my entire life, and I was only there two nights. Incredible service, super comfy beds, enormous balcony overlooking the Nile (I stayed in the Nile Tower rather than the Palace, it was less expensive and had a better view). You can look across the infinity pool at the Nilometer archaeological site on Elephantine Island and see the tippy tops of feluccas floating by. I can see why Agatha Christie stayed there. (PS You can also request to tour the Agatha Christie suite, which I sadly did not know until I was checking out!)
The most amazing hotel stay of my entire life, and I was only there two nights. Incredible service, super comfy beds, enormous balcony overlooking the Nile (I stayed in the Nile Tower rather than the Palace, it was less expensive and had a better view). You can look across the infinity pool at the Nilometer archaeological site on Elephantine Island and see the tippy tops of feluccas floating by. I can see why Agatha Christie stayed there. (PS You can also request to tour the Agatha Christie suite, which I sadly did not know until I was checking out!)
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| The view from my balcony |
Luxor, Egypt
Sofitel Karnak (2010)
Positively luxurious hotel on the banks of the Nile north of Luxor with a cool Nubian design. Free shuttle bus to all the attractions in Luxor, great pool, and excellent customer service. Beautiful sunset views of the Nile. One of my favorite places I've stayed in Egypt.
Vienna, Austria
Hotel Urania (2009)
Quirky and fun hotel with a quiet location right near the river. A little bit of a walk to the major tourist attractions, but TOTALLY WORTH IT! I also stayed near the tourist center on a different trip to Vienna, and this was a much better choice for me, as I prefer a more neighborhood-feel to where I stay.
Candidasa, Bali
Anom Beach Bungalows (2011)
I'm not sure Anom has a web site, but the inexpensive rooms are well-appointed and the views from the terrace are breathtaking. This hotel was the best value of the seven places I stayed in Bali. Roughly $30 USD a night for a room with a private bathroom, but no view. The hotel hosted a large group of us for several days and was wonderfully efficient at setting up cars and tours; but most of the party was happy to just sit on the lounge chairs on the terrace reading books and swimming in the sea. The food at the on-site restaurant was also fantastic and incredibly affordable.
I'm not sure Anom has a web site, but the inexpensive rooms are well-appointed and the views from the terrace are breathtaking. This hotel was the best value of the seven places I stayed in Bali. Roughly $30 USD a night for a room with a private bathroom, but no view. The hotel hosted a large group of us for several days and was wonderfully efficient at setting up cars and tours; but most of the party was happy to just sit on the lounge chairs on the terrace reading books and swimming in the sea. The food at the on-site restaurant was also fantastic and incredibly affordable.
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| There is no air-conditioning, but the openings in the thatch actually circulate quite cool sea air in the evenings. |
Ubud, Bali
Hotel Tjampuhan (2011)
This hotel was a bit more expensive than where some of the wedding guests stayed, but was worth every penny. The hotel is a series of thatch-roofed buildings nestled on the slope of a river valley in a jungle setting. There is plenty of good food and exploring to do near the hotel, but it is a bit out of Ubud center (about a five - ten minute walk, there is a shuttle available). When I finally ventured into the tourist center of Ubud, I was grateful I was staying a bit away from it all. The hotel is also a short walk from Penestanan (sp?), an artist community just up the hill. Note: because it is located on a slope, there are winding paths and several steps to get to many of the rooms. If you have knee problems, you might want to request a room close to the entrance pavilion.
This hotel was a bit more expensive than where some of the wedding guests stayed, but was worth every penny. The hotel is a series of thatch-roofed buildings nestled on the slope of a river valley in a jungle setting. There is plenty of good food and exploring to do near the hotel, but it is a bit out of Ubud center (about a five - ten minute walk, there is a shuttle available). When I finally ventured into the tourist center of Ubud, I was grateful I was staying a bit away from it all. The hotel is also a short walk from Penestanan (sp?), an artist community just up the hill. Note: because it is located on a slope, there are winding paths and several steps to get to many of the rooms. If you have knee problems, you might want to request a room close to the entrance pavilion.
Singapore, Singapore
The Saff (2011)
Located on the edge of Chinatown, close to the metro and fantastic food options, this is a very cool hotel with super duper comfy beds. A bit pricey, but less expensive than most options in the area.
Located on the edge of Chinatown, close to the metro and fantastic food options, this is a very cool hotel with super duper comfy beds. A bit pricey, but less expensive than most options in the area.
Hydra Town, Hydra, Greece
Piteoussa Guest House (2010)
A bit up the hill from the port (again, a good thing. You get all the charm of a beautiful Greek Island, without having to deal with the day-trippers in the port). I visited the last week of tourist season in October, so the prices were incredibly reasonable. The rooms were lovely with a little outdoor area for sitting and watching the locals go about their day. I would go back in a heart-beat!
A bit up the hill from the port (again, a good thing. You get all the charm of a beautiful Greek Island, without having to deal with the day-trippers in the port). I visited the last week of tourist season in October, so the prices were incredibly reasonable. The rooms were lovely with a little outdoor area for sitting and watching the locals go about their day. I would go back in a heart-beat!
Pisa, Italy
Royal Victoria Hotel (2010)
My profile picture actually comes from a photograph of an antique typewriter that was in a reading room next to my room at this historic hotel. All of the rooms are appointed with antiques, as are the hallways, lobby, and sitting areas. It is like staying in a museum, but better, because you can actually sit at the antique desk in your room and compose a postcard and imagine it's 1890, instead of 2012. Rooms that face the river have a gorgeous view, but there was also a loud dance club across the street that kept me awake after I would have liked to have been sleeping. There are also great farmer's markets and alley-way restaurants within cobblestones of the hotel and a lovely little roof terrace.
My profile picture actually comes from a photograph of an antique typewriter that was in a reading room next to my room at this historic hotel. All of the rooms are appointed with antiques, as are the hallways, lobby, and sitting areas. It is like staying in a museum, but better, because you can actually sit at the antique desk in your room and compose a postcard and imagine it's 1890, instead of 2012. Rooms that face the river have a gorgeous view, but there was also a loud dance club across the street that kept me awake after I would have liked to have been sleeping. There are also great farmer's markets and alley-way restaurants within cobblestones of the hotel and a lovely little roof terrace.
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| The windows looked out on the river. |
Rome, Italy
Hotel Archangelo (2009)
I stayed at this hotel in October 2009 and have recommended it often to friends, but every time I have tried to book a room there again, it's been sold out! (That's what I get for making recommendations!) The hotel is located near the Castillo and the Vatican and has a great roof-terrace. On our last night, my brother and I got prosciutto, mozzarella, wine and a baguette from a local market and ate on the roof, which was perfect at sunset (even in the October chill) and filled with travelers making conversation about their adventures.
I stayed at this hotel in October 2009 and have recommended it often to friends, but every time I have tried to book a room there again, it's been sold out! (That's what I get for making recommendations!) The hotel is located near the Castillo and the Vatican and has a great roof-terrace. On our last night, my brother and I got prosciutto, mozzarella, wine and a baguette from a local market and ate on the roof, which was perfect at sunset (even in the October chill) and filled with travelers making conversation about their adventures.
Vernazza, Italy
Hotel Gemmy B&B (2010)
Gemmy is a friendly, incredibly energetic soul who opens her house to visitors - she lives on the top floor with her son and rents out the lower floors to travelers. My room came with a private bathroom, a great view (especially beautiful view from the bathroom - seriously) and was about the same rate as the other home stays in the town. Warning: there are many many steep steps in the house to the rented rooms. Of course, there are many many steep steps EVERYWHERE in the Cinque Terre, so it should come as no surprise that the same would be true in the houses.
Gemmy is a friendly, incredibly energetic soul who opens her house to visitors - she lives on the top floor with her son and rents out the lower floors to travelers. My room came with a private bathroom, a great view (especially beautiful view from the bathroom - seriously) and was about the same rate as the other home stays in the town. Warning: there are many many steep steps in the house to the rented rooms. Of course, there are many many steep steps EVERYWHERE in the Cinque Terre, so it should come as no surprise that the same would be true in the houses.
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| The view from the bathroom window. Seriously. |
Istanbul, Turkey
Ayasofya Hotel B&]B (2009 & 2012)
I've recommended Ayasofya Hotel to friends and fellow travelers since my first visit. The location is FABULOUS (just below the Blue Mosque in a great little neighborhood of Ottoman-era town houses, also close to the sea), the price is reasonable, the owner is a helpful and kind Australian woman (and you will meet manyAustralian tourists if you stay!), and the roof terrace/bar is a great place to meet other travelers and relax after a long day of touristing. There is a book exchange in the lobby under the television set, and an excellent breakfast spread downstairs with helpful travel information posted! When I visited at Easter there were renovations going on, and the rooms could use updating, so this is a good thing. A particularly good place to stay for single female travelers as it is very safe and full of friendly folks who speak English. You can purchase your tickets for most big tourist spots at the front desk, saving a good deal of time in ticket lines!
I've recommended Ayasofya Hotel to friends and fellow travelers since my first visit. The location is FABULOUS (just below the Blue Mosque in a great little neighborhood of Ottoman-era town houses, also close to the sea), the price is reasonable, the owner is a helpful and kind Australian woman (and you will meet manyAustralian tourists if you stay!), and the roof terrace/bar is a great place to meet other travelers and relax after a long day of touristing. There is a book exchange in the lobby under the television set, and an excellent breakfast spread downstairs with helpful travel information posted! When I visited at Easter there were renovations going on, and the rooms could use updating, so this is a good thing. A particularly good place to stay for single female travelers as it is very safe and full of friendly folks who speak English. You can purchase your tickets for most big tourist spots at the front desk, saving a good deal of time in ticket lines!
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| Rainbow-spotting on the roof terrace. |
Petra, Wadi Rum, Jordan
Petra Moon Hotel (2012)
What I liked about Petra Moon was that the beds were perfectly comfy, and the shower had good water pressure. When you've just hiked through Petra, these things are important. Also, it is the second closest hotel to the entrance to Petra, which is also important when every muscle in your body hurts. I think it had a pool, but I was too tired to try to find it.
What I liked about Petra Moon was that the beds were perfectly comfy, and the shower had good water pressure. When you've just hiked through Petra, these things are important. Also, it is the second closest hotel to the entrance to Petra, which is also important when every muscle in your body hurts. I think it had a pool, but I was too tired to try to find it.
New York, NY
Sohotel (Lower East Side/The Bowery)
Super comfy beds, close to the metro / Chinatown / the Lower East Side, affordable, feels fancy, huge TVs.
Super comfy beds, close to the metro / Chinatown / the Lower East Side, affordable, feels fancy, huge TVs.
The Gershwin (Flatiron/Mid-town)
Amazing location, super quirky with lots of art events in the lobby. Very affordable by NYC standards.
Amazing location, super quirky with lots of art events in the lobby. Very affordable by NYC standards.
Washington, DC
Hotel Morrison (2010)
Beautiful little B&B in the heart of DC. Easy to get to, easy to park, convenient to the Mall (not the shopping mall, the place where all the monuments are) and museums. Surprisingly affordable and filled with antiques and interesting notions.
Beautiful little B&B in the heart of DC. Easy to get to, easy to park, convenient to the Mall (not the shopping mall, the place where all the monuments are) and museums. Surprisingly affordable and filled with antiques and interesting notions.
San Francisco, CA
Hotel Sorrento (2014)
Sweetly decorated hotel in the Union Square area of SF. Good hospitality and a great bar/restaurant attached to the lobby. Excellent customer service.
Sweetly decorated hotel in the Union Square area of SF. Good hospitality and a great bar/restaurant attached to the lobby. Excellent customer service.
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