skip to main content
 
 

Hotels

Hotel Gabriel Paris Marais

Last month I was lucky enough to make time for a quick getaway trip to Paris and I stayed at this little gem. The room was super small just like a ship’s cabin, yet the decor was soothing and well designed, which made the room seem cozy and comfortable (the bed gets 5 stars in my book as far as sleep comfort). Most of the places I wanted to visit was within easy walking distance or reachable by metro (a stop is about a 5 min. walk away), so all in all, it was a pleasurable experience. (Note: I didn’t try out the menu seeing I was intent on getting as many baguettes and cheeses into me as humanly possible, nor did I indulge in any of the ‘detox’ spa treatments. Next time…)

The first-ever “detox hotel,” this Paris property is entirely devoted to the regeneration of its guests’ internal ecologies via healthy food, quality sleep and soothing atmosphere – the detoxification trifecta. Located right in the busy heart of the city, it is a mecca for the urban frazzled, a metropolitan oasis in the truest sense of the term. –designhotels.com

Rate for 3 or more days starts from €110
See review on tripadvisor.

€116-€160, Book it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: €116
Availability: Buy Hotel Gabriel Paris Marais here

Ace Hotel: Palm Springs

Sometimes hotel interiors serve as inspiration for small touches in our own homes, and the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs has me taking notes. On my list: denim slouchy headboards, patterned rugs, canvas bedspreads (with simple graphics), wood and leather accents…all together it equals a relaxed comfortable look.

Rooms: Doubles from $89.00, book it here.
Also, check out their packages for some nice discounts/specials.

Purchase Information:

Price: $89.00
Availability: Buy Ace Hotel: Palm Springs here

Hotel Room nr 1

This hotel has a different sort of concept: rooms will be spread all over the world. The very first room (Room nr 1) has opened its doors in Helsinki’s bohemian district Kallio. It looks like it’s worth checking out if you’re the type to venture off the beaten path, and personally, I’m looking forward to seeing rooms nr 2 & 3.

Room nr 1 is anything but. It´s a 30m2 fully furnished flat with complete
kitchen and funky interior to make you feel that strange but alluring
Finnish vibe. It´s located on the main boulevard of Kallio (Helsinginkatu 12),
surrounded by the most vivid bar scene, alternative shops and ethnic
restaurants in Helsinki. The tram stops at the hotel, and runs
directly to the city and back. Room nr 1 is perfect if you are looking for something different to those
seen-one-seen-all downtown hotels, or if you wish to live like a local in
a home-like environment with the freedom and space.

120 € per night, Book it here.
(The longer you stay, the more discount you´ll get.)

Secret Hotels

Secret hotels around the world that usually cost less than $200/night? I think I’m adding this book to my ‘need’ list.

Compiled by the editors of Budget Travel magazine, this out-of-the-ordinary guidebook acquaints you with an enticing array of lodgings—from beachside cottages, to hilltop villas, to gracious, family-run guesthouses—where you’ll vacation in comfort and style without having to worry about breaking the bank. Setting its sights on eight of the world’s top travel destinations—Provence, Tuscany, Tahiti, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Cornwall, Bali, and the French Riviera—Secret Hotels scopes out the hidden treasures that, till now, have mostly been known only to the locals. The description of each hotel is accompanied by sumptuous color photos of the grounds and interiors, and contact information and rates (usually less than $200 per night) are provided.

$15.61, Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $15.61
Availability: Buy Secret Hotels here

AirBed & Breakfast

This site is so easy to browse through- it’s perfect for finding a local place to crash when traveling on a small budget.

$35.00/night and up, browse here.

La Casa Que Canta, Zihuatanejo, Mexico

So, I’m not the world’s most frequent traveler but I can honestly say that this is one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in. Ranked #1 of 56 hotels in Zihuatanejo, it is the ideal location for a relaxed read-by-the-pool kind of vacation. With 24 suites and two pools (one freshwater, one salt), this hotel features excellent service and privacy…which means it’s actually quiet. Maybe it’s geared more towards a romantic getaway type of place than go-crazy-and-socialize-with-other-guests, but man, I have to say it was so freaking nice just to have a beautiful view and really good Mexican food…plus anytime you want anything there’s someone there to get it for you.

La Casa Que Canta is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

$335.00 and up,
Book it here.
(Also: It’s always a good idea to check out reviews on tripadvisor before you plunk down money on a hotel somewhere. For this hotel’s review on tripadvisor go here.)

Purchase Information:

Price: $335.00
Availability: Buy La Casa Que Canta, Zihuatanejo, Mexico here

Best Western Hotel Tomo

Right in the middle of San Francisco’s thriving Japantown, you’ll find Hotel Tomo which has been recently renovated and inspired by Japanese pop-culture. And yes, you read that right- it is apart of Best Western Hotel chain…somehow makes the future seem more promising, doesn’t it?

From the wall of televisions in our lobby to anime murals and glow-in-the-dark desk blotters in each guest room, this is a San Francisco experience like no other. The Best Western Hotel Tomo has 125 guestrooms in an eight-story building. Guestrooms at the Best Western Hotel Tomo are not only roomy, cheerful and comfortable; they are J-pop works of art. Each room has its own identity through anime-style wall paintings and views of the city.

anime murals by Heisuke Kitazawa

[via Been-Seen.com]

Purchase Information:

Price: $139
Availability: Buy Best Western Hotel Tomo here

The Dolder Grand

Holy. These pictures look more like an excellent luxury home than hotel suites, but I guess that’s the point.
The top suites (pictured above) are each inspired by four different “illustrious” guests, which hints at some serious airs of extravagance. So, if somehow you still have some money to burn, you can keep this on your short list of places to stay in Zurich.

The Dolder Grand: After a construction phase lasting four years, Zurich celebrates the return of one of its most prominent landmarks. The original “Curhaus” (health spa), built in 1899, has been transformed into a luxury-class city resort. In the process, the hotel’s glittering past and vibrant future have been fused together, as reflected in the architecture by Foster and Partners, the interior design by United Designers and the spa concept by Sylvia Sepielli.

Rooms start at around €333.33 (for Single Room Superior, not the Top Suites pictured above).

[via thecoolhunter]

Purchase Information:

Price: &euro333.33
Availability: Buy The Dolder Grand here

Ron Roozen’s place, Western Australia

Check it out- you can book a room in this nicely appointed beach house for around $300. Not so bad.

Set into sage-coloured scrub that rolls back from the surf at Prevelly on WA’s south-west coast, Ron Roozen’s home is a dedication to surfing, the elements and the enviable Margaret River lifestyle.
This architecturally award winning beach house was designed by prominent Sydney-based architect, Dale Jones-Evans.
As you descend into the house you will be drawn into a cinemascopic journey that flaunts unsurpassed 180 degree ocean views of the Indian Ocean from every room.
The iconic holiday home of local artist and surfer, Ron Roozen is now available to discerning travellers offering a spacious hip alternative to the normal run of the mill establishments. Minimalistic in design and stylishly appointed, the residence exemplifies the region’s most sought after accommodation.
Every detail has been factored in – a pantry service, your own personal chef, daily servicing (if required) and wine touring can be arranged.

Room rate: from A$400 ($295)

[via Wallpaper]

21c Museum Hotel

If you ever find yourself in Louisville, Kentucky, and need a place to rest your head, there’s a luxury hotel that also happens to house a $10 million art collection. So, in addition to the regular fare of sleep + food, you also have the option of absorbing some worthwhile art to memory. Respectable idea, no?

Purchase Information:

Price: $159.00
Availability: Buy 21c Museum Hotel here

ProTraveller Minimalist Hotel Roundup

ProTraveller recently did a nice roundup of 10 hotels with particularly minimalist aesthetic decor…worth taking a look if you get a chance.

[posted by katie]

101 Hotel: Reykjavik, Iceland

Thoughts of the impending hot weather has me falling in love with monochromatic interiors, or maybe just knowing this place is in Iceland helps…who knows.

Purchase Information:

Price: $396.00
Availability: Buy 101 Hotel: Reykjavik, Iceland here

Deseo, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Yes, please.

“The Mayan Riviera, long visited for stunning archaeological ruins and scuba diving, now has the ultimate destination for relaxation. Deseo, in Playa del Carmen, maintains the charm of old fishing villages along the Caribbean coast, yet in the smoothest of transitions, offers the best of today’s lifestyle. Open-air lounges, seabreeze and succulent dishes can be enjoyed in a purely refined atmosphere. The cocktails let alone the sounds of the best DJ’s from around the world will intoxicate you into a soothing state of mind.”

Purchase Information:

Price: $208.00
Availability: Buy Deseo, Playa del Carmen, Mexico here

Pousada Maravilha, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Man, if there was somewhere just like this that charged, say, maybe one third of what this one does, I’d be a happy traveler.

“Pousada Maravilha is the first pousada to offer comfort and luxury still unknown in a forgotten island in the Atlantic. Pousada Maravilha operates in accordance with strict principals of environmental preservation, in perfect harmony with nature. The architecture of Pousada Maravilha is neither imposing nor aggressive towards its surroundings; it mingles with the geography of the island. The Pousada offers only eight bungalows.The eight bungalows are scattered along the privileged terrain and are the only accommodation on the island that face the ocean. Each bungalow belongs exclusively to the guest who occupies it and it is isolated enough to provide privacy and peace. Pousada Maravilha is totally integrated to the culture of environment preservation that guides dwellers to Noronha. It is a great choice for those who wish to dive in the rich ecosystem or those who simply want to retire from the world and rest in paradise.”

[images via kiwicollection.com]

Purchase Information:

Price: $864.00
Availability: Buy Pousada Maravilha, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil here

Soho House New York

This is my kind of luxury hotel- take a look at the eclectic mix of furnishings. And don’t lose hope if the price per night seems a bit out of reach…sometimes you can get a ‘last minute’ rate (just call to check).

“Soho House New York is a private members’ club and boutique hotel located in Manhattan’s fashionable Meatpacking District. Built over five floors of an old warehouse the house features many spacious areas and amenities for guests to enjoy whilst staying, including a Cowshed spa, sprawling lounge area, games room, restaurant and bar. The rooftop pool has views over the West Village and the Hudson River and guests can lie in loungers or sit at tables for drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, weather permitting.”

[via kiwicollection]

Purchase Information:

Price: $495.00
Availability: Buy Soho House New York here