Some people consider accommodation on a trip to be a place to rest their head and store their suitcase, but I reckon a beautiful place to stay can take your travel experience to the next level.
I’ve stayed in hundreds of unique places to stay around the world in my travels, from bamboo nests to capsule hotels to funky hostels and five star hotels, and I wanted to write a one-stop-shop list with all my favourites along why you should visit, how you can book and some bonus tips to get the most from your stay.
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All of the places on this list I’ve personally stayed in myself, except for one which friends have raved about (see if you can find it!) so you can trust that the reviews are based on my own experience, as always. Select the continent or country you’re looking for below, or scroll through for some accommodation inspiration!
Australasia and the South Pacific
Best places to stay in New Zealand
After spending a year in one place (which never happens in normal life!) I’ve stayed at some many incredible places in New Zealand that I had to give it a blog of its own.
You can read all about them here: Best Places to Stay in New Zealand
Best places to stay in Australia
I recently spent 2.5 months on an epic Australia road trip and I now have a list of 20+ incredible places to stay, so I’ve migrated all of these to their own dedicated blog post which you can see right here: Best Places to Stay in Australia
Best places to stay in Fiji
Octopus Resort
Type of accommodation: Luxury resort
Why it’s amazing: A quintessential island resort, complete with beachfront activities, traditional bures and incredible staff. There are dorm beds available for budget or solo travellers too, that’s a win!
Address: Likuliku Bay, Waya Island, BA Nalauwaki, Fiji
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Mantaray Island Resort
Type of accommodation: Luxury resort
Why it’s amazing: This resort is unique in that it’s pretty heavily catered to a younger crowd, with both private and dorm rooms, loads of optional adventures and a bustling bar with delicious cocktails. Don’t miss the sunset tubing activity!
Address: Nanuya Balavu Island, Yasawa Islands, Nanuya Balavu Island, Fiji
Check your travel dates and book online here.
North America
Best places to stay in Canada
British Columbia
Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria
Type of accommodation: Luxury hotel
Why it’s amazing: Rated as Canada’s #1 hotel by Conde Nast Traveller, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is an iconic waterfront retreat that combines traditional décor with a boutique vibe, and also boasts fantastic food offerings, panoramic ocean views and a magical mineral hot pool complex exclusive to hotel and spa guests.
Address: 1175 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC
Read my full review: A review of Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Search your travel dates: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Best places to stay in the USA
San Diego
California Dreams, Ocean Beach
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: With epic facilities like a swimming pool, spa pool, surf boards and bikes for rent, as well as activities including yoga and mimosa mornings and bike tours around the city, California Dreams is the perfect place to stay in San Diego if you want to meet other travellers. The hostel is super clean, comfy and chilled out, and it’s only a 5 min drive/Uber from Ocean Beach or 15 minutes from Downtown SD, super convenient location for exploring the city.
Address: 3790 Udall St, San Diego, CA 92107
Read my full review: California Dreams Ocean Beach review
Search your travel dates: California Dreams Ocean Beach
Asia
Best places to stay in Hong Kong
Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
Type of accommodation: Luxury hotel
Why it’s amazing: Um, it’s the Ritz-Carlton… Do you need any more convincing? Seriously though, I somehow managed to score a few nights here a couple of years back and it was INSANE. The staff are brilliant, there are not one but two Michelin-starred restaurants, and the rooms are basically built for royalty. It’s the highest hotel in the world too, with the Presidential Suite on the 117th floor (and I stayed on the 116th floor!).
Address: International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Rd W, West Kowloon, Hong Kong
Read my full review here and book online here.
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SLEEEP
Type of accommodation: Capsule hotel
Why it’s amazing: There’s nothing better than a full night of deep sleep, and that’s what this cute little capsule hotel is built for. It’s got eight pods, each set up with your choice of mattress, pillow and duvet which you select before check in through an app. You can tailor the pod lighting to your preference too, and even set a ‘sunrise’ alarm to wake you up naturally. The hotel has bathrooms and lockers but no kitchen or fridge to use, and there’s no food allowed inside, so you’ll need to chow down on dumplings at the night market instead.
Address: 1/F, 242 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Read my full review here and book online here.
Best places to stay in Thailand
Bangkok
W Station
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: Bangkok is one of my favourite cities in Asia, but there’s no doubt that it can be a bit of an assault on the senses. If you’re looking for an escape from the chaos, W Station is the ideal spot. It’s a quiet, homely boutique hotel with cosy rooms, friendly staff and a brilliant restaurant downstairs, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the nearest Skytrain station.
Address: 6 Soi Krung Thonburi 2, Krung Thunburi Road, Bangkok
Check your travel dates and book online here.
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Siam@Siam Design Hotel
Type of accommodation: Hotel
Why it’s amazing: If you’re happy to splurge a bit (in relation to Thailand’s normal prices) for a fancy hotel in an excellent location, Siam@Siam offers is well worth it. Prices start from around £75/$150 for two people but you’ll get a huge room, luxurious bathroom, access to the infinity pool, an amazing breakfast and you’ll be just a short walk from the Siam Paragon, MBK and Siam Discovery shopping malls.
Bonus tip: I’ve been randomly upgraded both times I stayed here and according to their reviews this is fairly common, so it might be worth asking nicely!
Address: 865 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok
Check your travel dates and book online here.
LubD Siam Square
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: Just across the road from Siam@Siam Design Hotel, Lub d is the answer if you’re on a tight budget. With dorm rooms or cosy privates to choose from, fast WiFi, laundry facilities and a common room to meet other travellers, it’s perfect for backpackers, social travellers or anyone wanting to save their cash for cocktail buckets and elephant pants.
Address: 925/9 Rama 1 Road Wangmai Patthumwan, Bangkok
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Khao Sok National Park
Floating rafts
Type of accommodation: Unique
Why they’re amazing: Um hello, it’s literally in the middle of paradise. It amazes me that Khao Sok is so often left off Thailand itineraries, because every single traveller should know about this place. While a boat trip around Khao Sok is worth every cent (or baht), I would highly recommend spending a night or two on the man-made Cheow Lan Lake in a floating raft hotel.
How to book them: It can be costly and difficult to get transport if you book your own floating hotel, so your best bet is to book a Khao Sok National Park tour that includes a night on Cheow Lan Lake plus the boat there and some activities too.
LOVE TRAVEL INSPO?
I’m managed nine months of a year-long solo round the world adventure, visiting a new country every week for an entire year, with my route based on the cheapest flight every Tuesday (before a little something closed borders). Am I crazy? Yes. But was it epic? Also yes. Follow along on Instagram @findingalexx.
Art’s Riverview Lodge
Type of accommodation: Unique
Why it’s amazing: Offering basic accommodation but in a lush all-natural setting, Art’s Lodge is good value jungle life at its best. Sleep in wooden treehouses, watch for monkeys down by the river and soak up the off-grid vibes.
Address: 54/3 Moo 6, T.Khlong Sok, Phanom District, Surat Thani, 84250 Khao Sok, Thailand
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Elephant Hills
Type of accommodation: Glamping
Why it’s amazing: This is the only place in this list I haven’t stayed at yet, but I’ve had so many friends rave about it and I was hoping to make it there later this year (ha, thanks COVID). Elephant Hills has luxury glamping tents in both the jungle and on Cheow Lan Lake, an ethical and sustainable elephant sanctuary, and loads of jungle activities to keep you occupied.
Bonus tip: If you are celebrating a special occasion, this is the perfect type of place to book.
Address: 170 Moo 7 Tambon Klong Sok, Panom District, Suratthani 84250 Thailand
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Krabi
Avani Ao Nang Cliff Resort
Type of accommodation: Luxury hotel
Why it’s amazing: This one’s a classic beach resort but the infinity pool alone makes it a worthwhile stay. The sunset view is absolutely incredible, and it’s made even better when you’re chilling in the water with a half-price happy hour pina colada. The dream!
Address: 328 Moo2, T. Aonang, A.muang, Krabi, 81000 Ao Nang Beach, Thailand
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Best places to stay in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
Type of accommodation: Luxury hotel
Why it’s amazing: One of the most recognised hotels in the world, this one’s a bucket lister for sure. The rooms are what you’d expect from a fancy hotel but, of course, the reason for booking is the world-famous infinity pool with insane views over the Singapore skyline.
Bonus tip: There’s no way to access the infinity pool without being a hotel guest or without knowing one willing to lend you their key (each person needs to scan their hotel key to enter the pool area), but you can get the view by heading up to Ce La Vie rooftop bar instead.
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay, 018956 Singapore
Check your travel dates and book online here.
YOTELAir Singapore Changi Airport
Type of accommodation: Capsule hotel
Why it’s amazing: YOTEL has capsule-style hotels in airports and cities around the globe, and I’m obsessed with their perfect mix of comfort and efficiency. YOTEL at Changi is in the Jewel Changi mall, only a few minutes’ walk to departures. It’s ideal if you’ve got a long stopover or have an early morning flight. The rooms are small but they use they space incredibly well, with a huge, comfy mattress complete with a remote to recline it from couch to bed, a fold out desk, room for luggage and a decent bathroom with a hair dryer and toiletries. The mall itself is amazing too, with loads of shops, an insanely huge food court and epic activities like bounce nets, light shows and a cinema.
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, Changi, Singapore, Singapore, 819666
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Best places to stay in Indonesia
Labuan Bajo
Le Pirate Boatel
Type of accommodation: Unique
Why it’s amazing: Le Pirate Boatel is a boat that’s permanently moored in a harbour near Labuan Bajo in the Komodo Islands, with funky open-air rooms with views out over the ocean. Each room has a fan, a net curtain, storage space and power plugs, plus a hammock net over the water for maximum chill out time. The boat’s got shared bathroom facilities (although they are pretty small!), an on-site bar and restaurant, and offers activities like snorkelling, kayaking and island visits. A super cool and unique idea for something to do in Indonesia!
Address: Labuan Bajo, 86754 Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Read my full review here and book online here.
Bali
The Udaya
Type of accommodation: Luxury hotel
Why it’s amazing: You’ve probably seen the Udaya’s Insta-famous pool or flower baths on your social media feeds, because it’s one of the resorts that has become synonymous with Bali’s travel bloggers and digital nomads. And I’m not even embarrassed to say that I got caught by the hype and splurged on a night to celebrate six months of solo travel back in January! The Udaya was next level in terms of service, comfort and surroundings, and the flower bath at the on-site Kaveri Spa was ultra-relaxing and a great way to treat myself for making it half way through my 52 in 52 project.
Fun fact: I booked a night here at the beginning of January for my last night in Bali for £131 (well over my average accommodation spend of £15-20), and was counting down the days to my self-treat. But a few days before, I got an email telling me to check in for my flight… which was the day before I thought it was. Yes, I had booked the expensive hotel room for the night of 6 January, when my flight was actually out of Bali at 10.50pm on the 6th of January. Cue tears. Luckily the hotel ended up having a cancellation for the same room type the morning of 5th of January, so I managed to get the epic Udaya experience after all!
Address: Jl Sriwedari, No.48B, Banjar Tegallantang, Ubud, Bali
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Firefly Eco Villa
Type of accommodation: Unique Airbnb
Why it’s amazing: If you’ve never wanted to stay in a bird’s nest before, this one might just change your mind. Firefly Eco Villa has a few different rooms and huts to choose from but I stayed on the 3rd floor of the bamboo bird’s nest, in the middle of lush rice paddies in Ubud. The ‘room’ is a comfy mattress with a mosquito net and a plug, with storage for bags downstairs. There’s a shared semi-outdoor bathroom but it offers full privacy, a flushing toilet and hot water. It’s such a cool experience to spend a night in the Balinese countryside, falling asleep to nature’s sounds and waking up to a gorgeous sunrise!
Bonus tip: The ladder to get up to the room is not for the faint-hearted, so if you’re not okay with heights, aren’t comfortable climbing or have a small bladder requiring midnight bathroom visits, book the first or second floor option or one of the other huts instead.
Address: Literally the middle of the rice fields in Ubud’s countryside
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Kos One Hostel Canggu
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: If I could magically build the hostel of my dreams, it’d look pretty similar to Kos One in Canggu, Bali’s hipster hot spot. The dorm rooms have spacious and comfy capsule-style beds, there are private rooms if you want your own space, there’s social spaces on each floor, and downstairs has a huge café serving up delicious meals and strong drinks. Oh, I forgot the best part! There’s also a gigantic pool complete with floating bean bags, a pool bar and a waterslide from the second storey.
Address: Pantai Batu Bolong St No.78, Canggu, Bali 80361
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Warwick Ibah
Type of accommodation: Luxury villas
Why it’s amazing: A total oasis away from moped traffic jams and endless honking horns, Warwick Ibah can be found in the Campuhan Valley on the outskirts of Ubud. The rooms here are enormous, with bathrooms bigger than most bedrooms, complete with a huge marble bath for ultimate relaxation. The resort is so spread out that it truly feels like you have the jungle to yourself!
Bonus tip: I’m a sucker for hotel pools, if you can’t tell already, and Warwick Ibah’s is one of my favourites. It’s set against palm trees that reflect beautifully in the water, you can catch the sky changing colour at sunrise and sunset, and there are comfy day beds or “relaxation corners” built into a stone wall.
Address: Jalan Raya Campuhan, Bali, 80571 Ubud, Indonesia
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Nusa Lembongan
The Tamarind Resort
Type of accommodation: Luxury resort
Why it’s amazing: With modern rooms, a brilliant restaurant and two infinity pools (!!), the Tamarind will impress anyone… But it’s the staff here who take it to the next level. Incredibly warm and welcoming, from the moment I stepped through to the door until they offered to drop me off at my ferry back to the mainland, they were helpful and went out of their way to ensure I was enjoying myself. The cherry on top of the cake!
Bonus tip: Looking for a floating breakfast? This is the spot, the Tamarind’s floating breakfast is to die for. You’ll get choc chip pancakes, a smoothie bowl with your name cut out of fruit, strawberries and cream, champagne, eggs benedict and more. Take it in the infinity pool by the restaurant to get volcano views in the background.
Address: Jalan Jungutbatu, 80771 Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
Read my full review here and book online here.
Acala Shri Sedana
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: The Acala’s serene location is a beautiful escape from the chaos of mainland Bali, and it’s excellent value for the price you pay. The villas are large with gorgeous outdoor bathrooms, the staff are lovely, and the infinity pool offers incredible views over lush jungle and the ocean.
Bonus tip: I’m not an early riser at all but the sunrise view from the pool at the Acala is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Definitely worth an early wake up!
Address: Jl. Ancak Sari No. 277 Ancak, Lembongan, 80771 Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
Read my full review here and book online here.
Best places to stay in Vietnam
Tam Coc
Tam Coc Garden
Type of accommodation: Luxury resort
Why it’s amazing: Tam Coc Garden Resort is the perfect mix of authenticity and luxury, giving you a five star experience in the middle of the Vietnamese countryside. Surrounded by lush gardens, rice paddies and towering limestone karsts, the resort has spacious rooms with great views, a restaurant serving up incredible dishes, and a huge pool.
Bonus tip: The WiFi here is literally the fastest I’ve ever had at a hotel, ever. So if you’re in Tam Coc and in need of fast internet for work or video uploads or whatever, it’s worth popping in for a meal or a night!
Address: Hai Nham Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Check your travel dates and book online here.
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Hue
Sahi Homestay Retreat
Type of accommodation: Homestay
Why it’s amazing: Located in a residential area just a short drive from the main centre of Hue, Sahi Homestay is beautifully-designed with a focus on natural health. There are private rooms as well as a 2-bed and 4-bed dorm, and all the rooms are Scandinavian-style and minimalist, with loads of natural light and lots of space. The family who run it are super friendly, they are happy to help with local travel tips and they cook some deliciously authentic Vietnamese vegetarian meals!
Address: 27/245a Bui Thi Xuan, Hue, Vietnam
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Hoi An
TRIPLE Riverside Villa
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: This bright yellow brand new hotel hasn’t been open long, but has already made its mark as a top place to stay in the gorgeous town of Hoi An. With an ideal location on the river, a short bike ride to the Ancient Town using the hotel’s free bikes, and a huge pool to cool off in after a busy day or exploring, TRIPLE Riverside Villa was a brilliant place to stay during my five days in the city.
Address:
You can read my full review here and book online here.
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Phu Quoc
Naomi Resort
Type of accommodation: Overwater bungalows
Why it’s amazing: I’ve done a lot of research on places to stay around the globe, so I’m pretty confident in saying that Naomi offers some of the cheapest overwater bungalows in the entire world. I paid just £50/$100NZD for a night in a double bungalow with a comfy bed, decent bathroom, storage and sitting areas both inside and outside, with a ladder right into the ocean just 20 metres away. Absolute bliss.
Bonus tip: This is a new hotel and the area is still quite fresh in terms of tourism, so don’t expect pristine resort beaches and world-class restaurants, but the value is undeniable. Similar bungalows in the Maldives would cost upwards of £400 a night, and even Thailand or Malaysia would set you back at least £200. It’s worth it for the overwater experience alone!
Address: Ap Cay Sao, Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Lanaland Homestay
Type of accommodation: Homestay
Why it’s amazing: Lana is one of my favourite people I’ve met on all my travels, and spending a few nights at her homestay on the underrated island of Phu Quoc was definitely a highlight. The homestay has dorm rooms with shared bathrooms as well as private rooms with en suites, and both have access to laundry facilities and cooking equipment. There’s free WiFi, filtered drinking water and loads of social events every week, and it’s a ten minute walk to the beach.
Bonus tip: Z Coffee is a small café on a corner just a few minutes from Lanaland, on your way to the main road and the beach, and the food is amazing and so cheap! I rate the banana pancakes and chocolate milkshake, delicious.
Address: Cua Lap, Duong To, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Best places to stay in India
Udaipur
Premkunj Udaipur
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: Hidden next to a local village on the outskirts of Udaipur, Premkunj is an opulent oasis far from the craziness of India’s cities. The rooms are adorned with stunning feature walls and decor, there’s a huge pool to cool off in on a hot day, and the chefs serve up authentic cuisine using local ingredients. The hospitality I experienced all through India as a solo female traveller was heart-warming, but Premkunj literally felt like a home away from home, and I can’t wait to return one day.
Fun fact: The team at Premkunj have a strong focus on sustainability and protecting the local area. The staff are all from the nearby village, giving young locals the chance to work in tourism, learn English and meet travellers from all over the world, something that’s often reserved for privileged and well-educated city-dwellers who were taught English in school. They’ve also installed rubbish bins on a nearby hike, and do a weekly clean up to keep the track litter-free.
Address: House No.1, Upli, Basti Ram Jiki Badi, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Jodhpur
Almond Tree Homestay
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: The Blue City of Jodhpur is colourful and chaotic, and the Almond Tree is a much-needed escape from the crowds at the end of a long day. With massive rooms and equally massive bathrooms, an on-site restaurant with delicious masala chai and succulent curries to choose from, and a lush rooftop garden with a spa pool and views of Umaid Bhawan Palace, it’s simply dreamy.
Address: 321, Umaid Heritage, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006, India
Check your travel dates and book online here.
The Middle East
Best places to stay in Turkey
Istanbul
Blue Mosque Suites
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: This family-owned hotel is ideal for anyone wanting to sight-see in Istanbul! It’s just a short walk from the stunning Blue Mosque and grand Hagia Sofia, and has easy transport links to other tourist hot spots like the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace. The bed is one of the comfiest I’ve slept in on my travels, there’s a little rooftop terrace so you can eat breakfast in the sun, and the family who run it are always happy to help with any Istanbul questions.
Address: Sultanahmet Mah. Akbıyık Cad. No:94, Fatih, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey
Check your travel dates and book online here.
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Cappadocia
Artemis Cave Suites
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: Staying in a Cappadocia cave hotel is on the bucket lists of people all over the globe, and with over 1000 reviews averaging 9.3/10, Artemis is definitely one of the best options in this otherworldly region. The rooms are spacious, with lovely bathrooms, comfy beds and air con/heating, but the best thing about Artemis has got to be the three rooftop terraces that allow the perfect vantage point for sunrise balloon viewing and photos. Oh, and the massive buffet breakfast is nothing to scoff at either!
Bonus tip: From Artemis it’s only a few minutes’ walk up a steep hill to get to Sunrise Point, which has panoramic views of the valleys and, if weather permits, the balloons floating over them. The balloons go up every day depending on weather, but if you’re desperate to see them (or to go for a ride yourself) then I’d recommend staying at least three nights in Cappadocia just in case.
Address: Isa Gaferli Mah. Aydınkırağı Sk. No:22 Göreme Nevsehir, 50180 Goreme, Turkey
Read my full Artemis Cave Suites review here and book online here.
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Kookaburra Pension
Type of accommodation: Value hotel
Why it’s amazing: I’m a sucker for a good deal, and the value you get for the price you pay at Kookaburra Pension is seriously impressive. Prices start from only £30/$60 for two people and that includes a buffet breakfast! The rooms are basic but decent, it’s close to the main street and eateries, and there’s a gorgeous rooftop terrace for sunrise balloon viewing.
Bonus tip: Topdeck Cave is a restaurant that’s only a short walk from Kookaburra, and it’s one of the best culinary experiences I’ve had on my all travels. Big call! The menu changes daily, the dishes are authentic Turkish cuisine and made with local ingredients, and the setting inside a traditional cave house is super cool in itself. This place is so popular that it’s often booked a few days in advance, so contact them to book a table.
Address: Orta Mah. Konak Sok No:10 Göreme Nevsehir , 50180 Goreme, Turkey
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Best places to stay in Dubai
Al Seef Heritage Hotel
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: Dubai is known for ultra-modern skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls, but Al Seef Heritage Hotel is a world away from that side of the city. Located next to the Al Fahidi Historical District, the Al Seef complex transports you back to Old Dubai, complete with rustic decor, traditional Arabian architecture and restaurants serving up authentic Emirati and other Middle Eastern cuisine. The service here is impeccable, I particularly liked the golf cart drop off, and you also get access to the nearby Canopy by Hilton Al Seef’s infinity pool.
Address: Al Seef Street, Umm Hurair 1, Dubai Creek, P.O. Box 35449, Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Check your travel dates and book online here.
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Sonder Apartments
Type of accommodation: Apartment
Why it’s amazing: If you love staying somewhere with homely vibes and self-contained facilities while you’re on the road, Sonder’s going to change your life like it did mine. They have beautifully designed and comfortable apartments for short or long-term stays in 28 countries around the world, and they can match the service level and ideal locations of top hotels while keeping their spaces livable and practical. The Sonder Dubai is located down the main stretch of JBR, with access to the Rixos Premium’s on-site pool bar and gym, and each room has a full kitchen, fancy bathroom, living area, separate bedroom and laundry facilities.
Bonus tip: The Sonder JBR Suites are located in the Rixos Premium complex, which has loads of food and drink options too. Head to Black Tap for the world’s craziest milkshakes, check the Ladies Day specials at the Azure Beach pool bar, and tuck into some delicious Italian food at Luigia.
Address: The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, 34HP+VG Dubai, United Arab Emirate
Read my full Sonder Dubai review here and book online here.
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Best places to stay in Israel
Tel Aviv
Abraham Hostel
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: Abraham Hostel is a social event in itself, with a huge common area, work spaces, an on-site bar and a rooftop terrace. Rooms are basic with bunk beds but they’re spacious and clean, and you can upgrade to a private if you prefer. But Abraham’s event calendar is particularly worth shouting about. Each week they hold loads of fun activities like themed parties, pub crawls, Shabbat dinner, curry night, hummus workshops and more, and they run day trips and multi-day tours around Tel Aviv and other parts of the country too.
Bonus tip: Even if you don’t stay at the hostel, Abraham’s Tours are absolutely incredible. The food tour to the multi-cultural Neve Sha’anan neighbourhood had delicious food and gave us an eye-opening insight into the city’s diversity, the Best of the West Bank tour took us into the Occupied Palestinian Territories for a thought-provoking history lesson, and the Hebron dual narrative tour was by far the best cultural day tour I’ve ever done on my travels.
Address: 21 Levontin Street, Tel Aviv, 6511604, Israel
Check your travel dates and book online here.
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Best places to stay in Jordan
Amman
Cabin Hostel
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: This place has cosy pod-style beds, luggage storage, comfy hang out areas and shared bathrooms, and it’s one of the cheapest options for accommodation in the whole of Jordan. The Cabin Hostel team are awesome and make everyone feel at home, they even brought us afternoon snacks when they noticed we’d been working on our laptops all day! The location is ideal, with easy access to ancient ruins, street markets and cheap eats.
Bonus tip: Hashem Downtown Restaurant is an Amman institution that can’t be missed if you like your Middle Eastern cuisine. They serve up impressive portions of falafel, hummus, pita and chips for only a few Jordanian dollars, which is brilliant value. Expect a line at lunch and dinner time!
Address: King Hussein Street Building 3, 16665 Amman, Jordan
Check your travel dates and book online here.
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Europe
Best places to stay in Iceland
Reykjavik
Center Hotels Laugavegur
Type of accommodation: 4-star hotel
Why it’s amazing: Center Hotels is a locally-owned hotel chain with multiple locations in Reykjavik, all with different design styles but all modern, comfortable and well-located. I stayed at their gorgeous Laugavegur hotel, right on a main street amongst eateries and bars, and right next to the bus stop for airport shuttles. Handy!
I stayed in a super spacious corner room complete with a desk, a reading chair (cute) and heaters to keep cosy and warm in Reykjavik’s harsh winter. The hotel has a fab buffet breakfast, the best way to fuel up for a busy day of exploring Iceland.
Address: 95-99 Laugavegur 95 – 99, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Read more: The ultimate four day Iceland itinerary
South Coast
Afternoon Cottages (near Hella)
Type of accommodation: Self-contained cabin
Why it’s amazing: These super cute, secluded studio cottages are just a short drive from the main South Coast tourist trail, but they’re far enough away to benefit from minimal light pollution (hello aurora!), stunning panoramic views and total silence aside from the rushing waterfall nearby.
The cabins are equipped with a kitchen, dining table for two, comfy bed, great insulation and a heater to stay warm. There’s a deck for watching the sunset, or (if you’re lucky) catching the Northern Lights dance across the sky from September to April. Pure magic.
Address: Þingskálavegur Svínhagi – SH-16, 851, Iceland
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Borgarnes
Basalt Hotel
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: Located near the Silver Circle tourist route north of Reykjavik, Basalt Hotel is a small hotel offering cosy rooms and panoramic views of rural Iceland. Another great spot for Northern Lights viewing if you’re there during the right time of the year.
Basalt has a fab restaurant and bar onsite serving up daily breakfast for guests as well as a variety of hearty dishes for lunch and dinner. The hotel is simple but they do it incredibly well, it’s perfectly clean, very comfortable and the staff are helpful and friendly.
Address: Iðunnarstaðir Lundarreykjadalur, 311 Borgarnes, Iceland
Check your travel dates and book online here.
West Iceland (Sauðafell)
Sauðafell Guesthouse
Type of accommodation: Guesthouse
Why it’s amazing: The best guesthouse I stayed at in Iceland for sure, set on a working farm with Icelandic horses and fluffy sheep (!!) roaming near the house. Great value for a very expensive country, with a shared kitchen, included breakfast, big lounge and loads of helpful travel info.
Address: Dalasýsla, 371 Sauðafell, Iceland
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Best places to stay in the UK
London
BLOC Gatwick
Type of accommodation: Airport hotel
Why it’s amazing: When I was living in London I was constantly on the lookout for cheap weekend flights, which usually meant flying in and out of Gatwick at very inconvenient flight times (arriving super late and leaving super early). No one likes a two hour trek home on public transport after arriving at 11pm on a flight, and having to leave home at 4am to catch an 8am flight is even worse!
I discovered BLOC Gatwick quite early on in my London life and it was a total lifesaver, providing good value, easy, comfortable accommodation literally 30 seconds from the departure gate at Gatwick. The rooms are small but they use space incredibly efficiently, the beds are amazing and definitely encourage a good night’s sleep, and they’re practically silent, you’d never even know you were at an airport unless you look out the window.
I wouldn’t say it’s cheap, it is London after all, but a £130-£180 room split between two people in order to save £250 each on flights is worth it for sure.
Address: South Terminal, Airport, Horley, Gatwick RH6 0NQ, United Kingdom
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Hilton Heathrow Airport Terminal 4
Type of accommodation: Airport hotel
Why it’s amazing: Newly renovated and with a strong focus on sustainability, the Hilton at Heathrow’s Terminal 4 is my top pick for where to stay at London’s main airport. They offer classic Hilton hospitality with spacious and luxurious rooms, it was hard to drag myself out of bed at 5am for my flight. I felt like I could’ve slept for 12 hours in that bed.
They also have some brilliant dining options. Make sure you book in for dinner at OXBO Kitchen restaurant, they use responsibly-sourced local ingredients and have an excellent range of dishes to choose from at OXBO Bar. I highly recommend the baked camembert and literally all of the cocktails! The buffet breakfast was also seriously impressive, unfortunately I had an early flight (8.30am ugh) so I couldn’t savour it as much as I wanted to, but it was the perfect start to a hectic day of travel.
When you’re ready to go to the airport it’s just a six-minute walk under a covered walkway to get to Terminal 4, too easy.
Address: Terminal Four, Hounslow TW6 3AF, United Kingdom
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Room2 Hometel Chiswick
Type of accommodation: Boutique aparthotel
Why it’s amazing: I know this blog post is full of all my favourite places to stay, but if I only had to choose a select few as my absolute top choices, Room2 would be up there.
This funky hotel (or ‘hometel’ as they like to say) is the first hotel in the world to be ‘whole life net zero’, meaning that all carbon emissions from conception to operation to deconstruction have been completely reduced (where possible) and offset (when reducing isn’t possible) to zero. How incredible is this! It’s been done through using local materials in the build, renewable energy sources, a zero waste policy, smart technology that tracks and optimises energy usage and more.
In a world where it can be hard to sort the greenwashing from genuine sustainability practices, Room2 truly sets an incredible standard for other hotels to follow suit (and they share loads of info about their net zero roadmap to help other operators do the same, no gatekeeping here).
Aside from the fact that they’re probably the most sustainable hotel in the world, the design at Room2 is beyond epic! It’s set in an old wallpaper factory so the vibrant wallpaper around the building is a key feature, but the studio rooms are beautifully designed with good use of space, there’s a café with loads of tables for digital nomads or remote workers, and the staff were by far the friendliest hotel staff I’ve ever dealt with in London.
If you can’t tell I’m obsessed with this place, I’m already planning my next visit!
Address: 10 Windmill Rd, Chiswick, London W4 1SD, United Kingdom
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Herefordshire
Brook House Woods
Type of accommodation: Glamping
Why it’s amazing: If you’re living in London and need an escape from the city, Brook House Woods has a number of glamping tents in the English countryside just three hours away! This place is totally off the grid, with no WiFi or cell reception, an outdoor kitchen, toilet/shower stalls and a fire pit. We stayed in the bright red Goji hanging tree tent, complete with two single beds, a fireplace, a desk, storage and a glass-top roof for star-gazing and a sunrise wake up. It offers a much-needed escape from the London madness.
Address: Brook House Farm, Avenbury Lane, Bromyard HR7 4LB
Read my full Brook House Woods review and book online here.
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Edinburgh
ROOMZZZ
Type of accommodation: Boutique apartments
Why it’s amazing: In a city notorious for incredibly expensive accommodation, Roomzzz offers brilliant value rooms and apartments at a much better price than loads of lower-rated hotels. We stayed in a studio apartment and it was huge and well-equipped, with a decent kitchen, desk, comfortable beds and a nice view of Carlton Hill. The location is unbeatable, a few minutes’ walk from Waverley Station (ideal for train travellers) and it’s easy access to loads of the best things to do in Edinburgh. The staff were super friendly too!
Bonus tip: There is an epic food court called Edinburgh Street Food just a short walk from Roomzzz which is well worth a visit.
Address: St James Square, Leith St, Edinburgh EH1 3AD, United Kingdom
Book online at www.roomzzz.com and get 10% off when you join their free Perkzzz rewards club.
Best places to stay in France
Paris
LAZ’ Hotel Spa Urbain
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: This small boutique hotel in Paris’ elegant 9th arrondissement is a must-stay for any fashion fiends or theatre geeks. It’s super close to major shopping malls like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps as well as the Palais Garnier opera house, and has great transport links to the rest of the city’s landmarks. There’s an indoor pool and wellness area, the buffet breakfast is varied and delicious, and the rooms are absolutely gorgeous. As far as fancy hotels in Paris go, this one certainly offers brilliant value.
Bonus tip: If you have something to celebrate, splurge on a room on the top floor. You’ll get your own rooftop terrace with views of the Sacre Coeur!
Address: 17 Rue de Milan, 9th arr., 75009 Paris, France
Read my full LAZ’ Hotel review and book online here.
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Disneyland Paris
Hotel L’Elysée Val D’Europe
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: This dreamy hotel is the perfect place to stay to escape from the chaos of Disneyland. I just spent a night here but I can’t explain how good it felt to enjoy a bubble bath and then climb into a comfy bed after walking 35,000 steps in the rain at Disney!
The hotel is family-friendly and is in an ideal location, just around the corner from the Val d’Europe train station, and there’s a free shuttle to Disneyland right outside.
Make sure you set aside time for the restaurant too, the buffet breakfast is a great way to start the day and Le George Steakhouse has excellent reviews.
(But I have to be honest, by the time I got home from Disneyland I was exhausted, and decided to UberEats some pizza to eat while in the bath. Actual heaven!)
Address: 7 Cr du Danube, 77700 Serris, France
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Eklo Hotel
Type of accommodation: Affordable hotel
Why it’s amazing: Affordable hotels are hard to come by in France, especially ones that offer great service and top quality facilities. I was stoked to have discovered Eklo Hotel, a perfect option for visiting Disneyland Paris on a budget!
What drew me to Eklo Hotel was that they offered solo rooms, a cosy but efficient single bedroom which would be totally fine for a short visit to Disneyland. They also have doubles, twins, family rooms, dorm rooms and even apartments with kitchenettes.
Eklo has a bar/restaurant downstairs as well as a kitchen for guests to use, fantastic to help save money as you can have a hearty breakfast and pack your own lunch instead of having to splurge on Mickey-shaped treats and expensive sit-down meals at the theme park. There’s also work-friendly spaces for digital nomads.
There are Eklo hotels all through France (including Bordeaux, Lille, Toulouse and Lyon), hopefully I’ll be able to stay at some of their other properties during my next Europe trip and see if they’re just as good.
Address: 1 Av. du Couternois, 77700 Serris, France
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Best places to stay in Bulgaria
Sofia
Maria Luisa by INTROVERT Hotels
Type of accommodation: Digital nomad hotel
Why it’s amazing: This colourful smart hotel is the perfect place to stay on a Sofia city break if you’re a digital nomad. It’s got contactless entrance but there’s helpful staff at the front desk if you need, there’s a dedicated co-working space with ergonomic chairs, a PlayStation room to chill when you need a break from your laptop, and it’s right in central Sofia with easy access to landmarks as well as the metro network.
Guests have access to a rooftop gym and yoga area, free tea, coffee and soft drinks, and the rooms are really comfortable with dreamy beds and Chromecast on the TV. I spent five years here and would have happily stayed another week!
Address: 29 bulevard “Knyaginya Maria Luiza”, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Check your travel dates and book online >>
Hostel Mostel
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: Hostel Mostel is by far the best value hostel I’ve ever stayed in, and that’s saying something. Dorm rooms start at just £7.50/$15NZD and that includes breakfast and a vegetarian dinner with a beer… A budget traveller’s dream! It’s super social and you’re guaranteed to meet new travel buddies in the dining area each night. They offer private rooms for a great price too.
Address: 2A Makedonia Boulevard, Sofia, Bulgaria
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Best places to stay in Denmark
Copenhagen
Bryggen Guldsmeden
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: This design-forward eco-hotel is a lush escape from Copenhagen’s urban streets, with stunning interiors and an equally impressive courtyard in this renovated historical shoe sole factory. It’s located in the Islands Brygge area, a mainly residential area well connected by bus and metro, ideal if you’re wanting a more local Copenhagen experience.
The lobby is filled with weird and wonderful art and textiles, with stained glass windows letting colourful light in and and vintage furniture making it feel cosy and homely. The rooms are a totally different style, with industrial chic vibes and recycled textiles. Outside you’ll find the Balinese-inspired courtyard with a heated pool, sauna and sunbeds. Dreamy!
The food is worth a mention too, the restaurant Sole Factory has great reviews and I can personally vouch for the incredible breakfast, which includes a brilliant range of hot and cold foods. Dishes will depend on seasonal produce but some notable things I saw were chilli scrambled eggs, delicious fresh fruit smoothies and the crispiest bacon I’ve ever had in my life.
Address: 4 Gullfossgade, Amager Vest, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
CityHub
Type of accommodation: Capsule hostel
Why it’s amazing: I’ve already mentioned CityHub Rotterdam on this list but its sister property in Copenhagen also deserves a mention.
CityHub is honestly one of the coolest accommodation brands in the world, they perfectly combine comfortable sleeping conditions, convenient hostel facilities, authentic locations and helpful staff. For a solo traveller on a modest budget but who needs a good night’s sleep and somewhere to work, it’s pretty much perfect.
CityHub in Copenhagen is located in the edgy Vesterbro district which is brimming with culture, a former red light district that’s now known for its galleries, boutique shops, tattoo studios and epic food scene. They also offer reasonable rates for a week-long or month-long stay if you need somewhere to park up for an extended period.
Address: 97B Vesterbrogade, Vesterbro, 1620 Copenhagen, Denmark
Check your travel dates and book online >>
Next House Hostel
Type of accommodation: Premium hostel
Why it’s amazing: I’ll put it simply: If Next House was your first experience at a hostel, you’d probably be disappointed with almost every other hostel you ever stay at in the future.
The dorm rooms themselves are pretty small but the capsule-style beds are great, they’ve got little storage pockets for your stuff and your own plug to recharge phones and gadgets overnight.
But Next House’s real selling point is the amount of (and the quality of) facilities. I’m talking full kitchen, rooftop terrace, well-equipped gym, indoor sports arena, projector screen, movie room, yoga studios, games dotted all over the place and multiple bars. Phew!
If you’re solo and want to meet people there’s even a dedicated corner for solo traveller meet ups, but there’s so much going on at any one time it would be impossible to not make friends anyway unless you specifically want downtime. And if you do want downtime, there are quiet spots around the hostel too, perfect for reading, watching a movie or getting work done on the high speed WiFi.
Address: Bernstorffsgade 27, 1577 København, Denmark
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Best places to stay in Norway
Lofoten Islands
Lofoten Rorbuer
Type of accommodation: Family-owned hotel/apartments
Why it’s amazing: I reckon this super cute rorbu (traditional fisherman house) is the best value place to stay in the Lofoten Islands, offering a range of options from budget-friendly basic rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, to affordable studio apartments, to sea-view suites.
It’s warm, cosy and comfortable, the facilities include a rooftop deck with BBQ, bikes and boats for rent, you can walk to town in 20 mins or bike/bus in 5 mins, and the best part is the hotel’s mascot, Bean the cat!
Absolutely loved my time here as a base for my Lofoten adventures, it’s significantly cheaper than any decent option in Svolvær town so if you’re visiting the Lofoten Islands on a budget this is the perfect spot.
Address: Jektveien 10, 8300 Svolvær
Find out more about Lofoten Rorbuer >>
Oslo
Bob W Sentralen
Type of accommodation: Studio hotel
Why it’s amazing: Stylish, affordable and perfectly located for exploring central Oslo, Bob W Sentralen is a smart-hotel with studios at a very fair price. Check in, your room key, and concierge service is all app-based, the rooms are simple but beautifully designed, and there are fun little extras like a Polaroid camera to take on your adventures and a yoga mat for stretching after a long day. Unfortunately there’s no kitchen at this one (I think all other Bob W locations are proper apartments with kitchens) so that’s one thing to be aware of, but you get breakfast included at some great cafes nearby.
Bob W is actually one of my favourite travel companies, they’re super eco-aware with apartments in many cities across Europe, all in convenient locations, with local touches in terms of design and great facilities like access to laundry rooms, local gyms and breakfast at handpicked and top-rated cafes in the neighbourhood. They’re the first international climate-neutral hospitality provider which is a BIG deal, the travel industry (unfortunately) contributes to lots of waste in terms of energy and other resources, and Bob W is working hard to reduce emissions where they can and offset what they can’t reduce. I know sustainability is a real buzz word right now but Bob W truly walks the talk, and they share their sustainable strategies in transparent reports each year to help other travel companies follow their lead. Absolutely love them!
Address: 30 Kirkegata, 0153 Oslo, Norway
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Best places to stay in the Netherlands
Amsterdam
MEININGER Amstel
Type of accommodation: Budget hotel/hostel
Why it’s amazing: MEININGER is a European accommodation chain that has more than 30 locations throughout Europe, offering affordable rooms with decent facilities with easy access to the main tourist centres. They’ve got both dorm rooms (basic but clean and comfy) and private rooms, multi-bed rooms for families or groups, well-equipped shared kitchens, laundry facilities, a great value buffet breakfast, areas to relax and they’re typically either located in the city or near a main public transport station or stop.
The Amstel location in Amsterdam is right next to Amstel Station, less than ten minutes to Amsterdam Centraal by train. The hotel has huge common areas with plenty of space to work or hang out, there’s some great eateries within a short walk (don’t miss brunch at the Lobby, divine!) and MEININGER always has friendly staff on reception 24/7 to help you with anything you need.
I would say that MEININGER hotels are ideal if you’re travelling for work, if you’re with friends or if you’re happy to be solo, they don’t have the same organised activities and social vibe as many other hostels do. This suits me fine because I spend most of my downtime slaving away at my laptop anyway, but if you want a party hostel to meet loads of new people with organised pub crawls or games nights then you might want to look elsewhere.
Address: Julianaplein 6, 1097 DN Amsterdam, Netherlands
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Rotterdam
CityHub
Type of accommodation: Capsule hotel
Why it’s amazing: CityHub is as if someone went inside my brain and built my perfect capsule-style accommodation for a city break. These space-efficient hubs are pod rooms with a large comfy bed (big enough for two), storage space and super fast WiFi. You can connect your phone via bluetooth to use the hub speakers, and use the CityHub app to control the lighting. Each floor has single sex bathrooms with Ritual toiletries, fluffy towels and hair dryers. They’ve got locations in both Rotterdam and Amsterdam so far, but I’m desperate for them to expand further into Europe!
Address: Witte de Withstraat 87, 3012 BN Rotterdam, Netherlands
Read my full CityHub review here and book online here.
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Best places to stay in Germany
Hamburg
25hours HafenCity
Type of accommodation: Design hotel
Why it’s amazing: It’s a big call, but 25hours hotels take the top spot on my favourite hotel chain in the world. Their rooms are so beautifully designed, using different artists and designers for each hotel to create a distinctly local feeling. My room at HafenCity felt like stepping into an explorer’s ship cabin from 100 years ago, but with eco-friendly toiletries and a bluetooth speaker. The location is brilliant, near Hamburg’s Port area and close to transport links, and the facilities include a rooftop sauna, a vinyl room and Heimat restaurant, which serves up home-style dishes using fresh, regional ingredients. Oh, and 25hours has a partnership with MINI, as in the cars, which allow guests to test drive a MINI for free to explore the city!
Fun fact: 25hours hotels have two other hotels in Hamburg, nine locations in total in Germany plus hotels in Zurich, Paris and Vienna, with Dubai and Florence opening soon.
Address: Überseeallee 5, HafenCity, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
Read my full 25hours Hamburg review here and book online here.
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Frankfurt
MEININGER Frankfurt Airport
Type of accommodation: Budget hotel/hostel
Why it’s amazing: Part of the MEININGER chain that I also mentioned further up this blog in the Amsterdam section, MEININGER Frankfurt Airport is a handy place to stay with easy transport links into the city for any Frankfurt getaway. It’s just a couple of minutes away from
The Frankfurt common areas are much smaller than the other MEININGERs I have stayed at (Amstel, Salzburg and Hamburg) but they still had a small kitchen, laundry facilities and some work-friendly spaces in reception, everything you need for a short city break.
What I love about MEININGER is you know exactly what you’re going to get, so for a very affordable rate you can book a clean, comfy dorm or private room with self-catering facilities and speedy WiFi.
Address: Bessie-Coleman-Straße 11, 60549 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Best places to stay in Austria
Vienna
JO&JOE VIENNA
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: JO&JOE is a small hostel brand with locations in Vienna, Paris, Colombia and Brazil, I spent a few days at their Vienna hostel and immediately fell in love with it. JO&JOE Vienna is the perfect mix of social hostel vibes mixed with digital nomad-friendly spaces, making it perfect for remote workers, solo travellers who want to make friends, group trips and more. I stayed in a private room with en suite (basic but very comfortable and super spacious) but their dorms are fantastic, with privacy curtains on the lower bunks.
The hostel’s facilities are truly next level, with kitchenettes for guests to use (microwave, fridges and kettle), plenty of chill out space, quiet rooms for work calls or focus time, games tables, a massive projector screen, beer on tap (!!!), a photo booth, an on-site restaurant serving up diner-style dishes, a rooftop with epic views and more.
Many Europe hostels these days charge top dollar for minimal facilities (like no kitchen, barely any communal space etc.) so I was stoked to find JO&JOE Vienna, it will always be my go-to hostel in Vienna moving forward. And I can’t wait to try their other hostels around the world!
Address: Europaplatz 1/6, 1150 Wien, Austria
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Best places to stay in Switzerland
Zurich
B2 Hotel
Type of accommodation: Design hotel
Why it’s amazing: Okay this hotel is literally perfect in all ways. First of all there’s the magical library, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves housing 33,000 books 😱 A DREAM! If you can drag yourself away from this portal to many other worlds, the rest of the hotel is brilliant too. The rooms are industrial-chic with an ode to the building’s past as a brewery, there’s a dedicated co-working space for business travellers and my fellow digital nomads, and guests get half price access to the luxe Hürlimannbad & Spa complex upstairs, which has a rooftop infinity pool plus a multi-step wellness ritual to get your body, mind and soul primed for relaxation.
Address: Brandschenkestrasse 152, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland
Check your dates online here >>
Interlaken
Balmers Hostel
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: Budget accommodation is hard to come by in Switzerland, let alone a wallet-friendly hostel offering free breakfast, self-catering facilities, social events and a stunning location. Balmers dorm beds start from around £18/$36 per night in the shoulder season, which is probably the cheapest you’ll find in Switzerland’s tourist destinations. The rooms are warm and comfortable, everything is clean, there are loads of social spots to meet other travellers including an indoors chill out zone, hammocks outside and an on-site bar, and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. I would’ve happily stayed here for a week, and I’ll go back next time I’m in Interlaken for sure!
Address: Hauptstrasse 23-25, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
Check your travel dates and book online here.
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Grindelwald
Bergwelt Alpine Design Resort
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: I think the Bergwelt might have the best mountain views of anywhere I’ve ever stayed, and I have stayed in a lot of beautiful alpine hotels so that’s really saying something! Our room overlooked giant snow-capped peaks as well as the cute wooden buildings the Swiss Alps are known for, with a balcony to relax on and soak it all in. Inside the hotel is impressive too, really comfortable rooms and elegant interior design, a wellness area with two pools, saunas and a steam room, and an onsite restaurant serving up hearty steaks as well as a fine dining degustation menu. One course was burrata foam and I will think about it every day for the rest of my life.
Address: Bergwelt 4, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
Check your travel dates here >>
Zermatt
Hotel ZERMAMA
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: My dream boutique hotel, Hotel ZERMAMA has the perfect mix of incredible design, authentic touches, thoughtful details and some extras that truly take your stay to the next level. The location is perfect, right in the heart of Zermatt with Matterhorn views from many rooms, and my suite could see the Matterhorn from the bathroom, bedroom, lounge and balcony (so spoilt!). The hotel design is young, fun and vibrant which really sets it apart from many of the traditional Swiss accommodation options, but it still feels homely and warm like a mountain chalet should feel. It also encourages wellness during your stay, with healthy food options, a yoga mat and foam roller in your room, and fitness classes on the TV by legendary F1 PT Mark Arnall.
But my absolute favourite feature of Hotel ZERMAMA is their in-room fondue set! You can get ingredients to DIY your own bubbling pot of cheese, call the kitchen to bring you some warm, fresh bread, then enjoy Switzerland’s iconic dish from the comfort of your room. Just divine.
Address: Matterstrasse 23, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Check your travel dates and book online here.
St Moritz
The Observatory at Randolins
Type of accommodation: Observatory (yes, for real!)
Why it’s amazing: Um, because it’s an observatory?! This super unique accommodation option in Switzerland is a genuine observatory complete with a hand-wound window for stargazing and a rotating mechanism that still works. Your cosy ‘room’ comes with a comfy bed, heater to keep it toasty warm, a bench for storage and a private bathroom as well as mini fridge and kettle downstairs from the dome.
The observatory is a part of Berghotel Randolins, a family-friendly hotel with lake views, a beautiful spa and wellness centre, and a hearty buffet breakfast available each morning.
This is one of the most unique places to stay in Europe (in the world even) but there’s only one observatory, so you need to book your stay pretty far in advance.
Address: Matterstrasse 23, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Skiing in Switzerland
Ski Hostel, Liddes
Type of accommodation: Ski hostel
Why it’s amazing: If you’re keen for a winter getaway, Ski Hostel is the most affordable way to experience Switzerland’s ski scene. With week-long packages including dorm accommodation, airport transfer from Geneva, ski passes to local mountains, two meals a day and more from only €800, it’s one of the cheapest places to ski in Switzerland.
The hostel is homely and warm, with plenty of chill out space, games tables, work areas, even a sauna and a campfire. Within half an hour you have three local ski fields (included in the pass) as well as Verbier, a world-class ski resort that offers fancier facilities and more runs (additional cost).
Ski Hostel runs dedicated ‘workations’ for digital nomads to spend two weeks working, skiing and exploring, and they even have coliving spaces across Switzerland as well as in Bulgaria and Montenegro if you’re keen for a longer stay.
Address: Route de La Dranse 2, 1945 Liddes, Switzerland
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Read my detailed review of Ski Hostel (and why you should go) here >>
Best places to stay in Italy
Milan
Ostello Bello Grande
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: Ostello Bello is a chain with hostels across Italy (and Myanmar, randomly!), and Ostello Bello Grande is their location just 100m from Milano Centrale station. They also have another Milan hostel close to the Duomo.
At Ostello Bello Grande the rooms themselves aren’t fancy, the dorms are basic with bunk beds (no privacy curtains but they do have plugs and storage shelves) and private but small en suites, but the benefit of the hostel is the social vibe and the epic common areas.
There’s a full kitchen with some complimentary food like pasta, tomato sauce, fruit and some sweet treats, a sun-soaked rooftop terrace, work-friendly areas, dedicated quiet zones, games to play, an impressive buffet breakfast for only 5.90EUR per person, and loads of events where you can meet fellow travellers. The location is unbeatable, particularly if you’re travelling Europe by train as it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk from Milan’s main train station.
They have private rooms too, again basic but comfortable enough and great value!
Address: Via Roberto Lepetit, 33, 20124 Milano MI, Italy
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Tirano
Ostello del Castello
Type of accommodation: Hostel/B&B
Why it’s amazing: This gorgeous farmhouse hostel is the perfect place for a quick stop if you have done (or are about to do) the iconic Bernina Express train trip between Tirano in Italy and St Moritz or Chur in Switzerland.
Ostello del Castello offers brilliant value, with spacious private rooms or comfortable dorm rooms, a decent breakfast, cosy shared spaces like a rooftop terrace and lounge, and an easy walk to Tirano’s restaurants and must-sees. Tirano is a sleepy mountain town but there are some world-class restaurants (I loved Parravicini) as well as access to bike trails, hikes and ski slopes, and Ostello del Castello is the ideal spot to learn about the area for local tourism legend Andrea and his family.
Address: Via Canali 17, 23037 Tirano, Italy
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Bolzano (gateway to the Dolomites)
Loom Hotel
Type of accommodation: Design hotel
Why it’s amazing: This innovative boutique hotel is one of the most interesting places I’ve stayed, it’s actually a ‘living showroom’ (hence the name Loom) for an interior design company! Every room is totally different and you don’t know what one you’re going to get until you check in, so it’s a fun surprise when you open that hotel door.
The design company works on hotel interiors all over the globe so they decided to build their own showroom to showcase what they can offer in terms of layout, furniture, materials and textiles, then they offer the rooms up as accommodation rather than letting them stay empty. I think this is such a cool example of sustainable tourism, ensuring that resources are used wisely and combining commercial office space with tourist accommodation.
The hotel is a bit out of the city, near the airport, but it’s got parking spaces if you have a car or you can walk a short distance to the bus or train station. Breakfast is great (not huge variety but fantastic quality), the service was excellent and staff were super friendly, and it’s a fantastic starting point for exploring the Dolomites.
Address: Via Copernico, 11, 39100 Bolzano BZ, Italy
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Florence
Yellowsquare Hostel
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: Yellowsquare is an iconic hostel chain with top-rated hostels in Florence, Milan and Rome. I first experienced Yellowsquare on a Contiki tour in Rome way back in 2016, and recently stayed at their Florence location which firmly secured itself on my list of the best hostels in Europe.
Yellowsquare has a big focus on community and social travel but they also have dedicated co-working areas, quiet private rooms and plenty of hang out zones depending on what vibe you’re after. The dorms are tidy and spacious with plugs and storage for gadgets (no curtains unfortunately) and my private room was excellent, with a desk, hanging space for clothes and even access to a little terrace.
Their Florence location has a rooftop pool (dreamy in summer!), three bars, plenty of activities each week like free pasta night, cooking classes and city tours, and it’s only a few minutes from a tram station that takes you right to the main train station.
Address: Viale Francesco Redi, 19, 50144 Firenze FI, Italy
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Best places to stay in Poland
Zakopane
Villa T
Type of accommodation: Boutique suites & apartments
Why it’s amazing: This dreamy villa in Zakopane, the gateway to Poland’s Tatra Mountains, is an ideal spot if you’re looking for a lush, relaxing getaway with easy access to hikes, brilliant food and thermal pools.
The interiors are ultra-classy, comfy furniture to make it feel like home but with the style and quality of a fancy hotel, with a range of options from simple rooms with a shared kitchen or full apartments with bath tubs and mountain-view balconies. Facilities include a jacuzzi and a sun-soaked hangout area with loungers, a sauna and massages available, and it’s a short walk across the park to get to town.
Absolutely lush, and compared to other alpine destinations in Europe it’s a really reasonable price! It’s rated as 9.6/10 on booking.com from almost 500 reviews which is seriously impressive.
Address: ul. Henryka Sienkiewicza 7, 34-500 Zakopane
Find out more about Villa T >>
Krakow
Meyo Apartments
Type of accommodation: Apartments
Why it’s amazing: This small apartment provider offers bright and beautiful spacious apartments literally right on the main square of Krakow, the location is unbeatable! No wonder they’re rated 9.5/10 on booking.com from more than 800 reviews.
The apartments are stylish and super spacious, they even have some with main square views which are magical. Each apartment has a kitchen and there’s a washing machine available too.
They work with a brilliant cafe around the corner to provide breakfast if you book a room with breakfast included, I highly recommend the chorizo and parmesan scrambled eggs.
Address: 24 Rynek Główny, Old Town, Kraków
Find out more about Meyo Apartments >>
PLANTONIA Aparthotel
Type of accommodation: Vegan aparthotel (very niche!)
Why it’s amazing: PLANTONIA is Poland’s first vegan aparthotel, and honestly it’s the first vegan hotel I’ve ever heard of! It’s got a 9.6/10 rating on booking.com from more than 330 reviews so clearly I’m not the only one who loves it.
The entire hotel has been created with sustainability in mind, using plant-based and recycled materials, offering guests access to a pantry brimming with vegan ingredients and snacks, and with a gym, yoga studio and salt room to treat your mind, body and soul.
The apartments themselves are beautiful, loads of space and well-equipped with comfy furniture, full kitchens and plush beds. There are desks so if you work on the road (like me!) it’s perfect.
It’s in a more local neighbourhood which is great if you want to escape the tourist crowds, there’s a brilliant bakery just next door, and it’s 15-20 mins to the middle of Old Town by foot or with a tram ride part of the way.
Address: Tadeusza Kościuszki 27, 30-105 Kraków
Find out more about PLANTONIA >>
Gdansk
M&J Apartments
Type of accommodation: Apartments
Why it’s amazing: M&J Apartments manage a bunch of apartments in the seaside tri-city of Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot. All of them are design-forward, well-located for exploring and offer great value for money.
The one I stayed at is no longer available unfortunately but they have loads more to choose from!
Address: All through Gdansk and nearby towns
Find out more about M&J Apartments >>
Best places to stay in Hungary
Budapest
Flow Spaces Hostel
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: One of Budapest’s best-rated hostels, Flow Spaces is my go-to for when I’m spending time in this beautiful city.
It’s a premium hostel with a focus on wellness, with loads of light and bright spaces, dedicated quiet working area, well-equipped kitchens for guests to use, and plenty of space to relax and hang with other travellers.
I stayed in a private room which I loved, it was cosy but very comfortable with a private bathroom and access to a kitchen shared only with other private room guests. If you’re on a tight budget then don’t stress, the dorm rooms are super clean and comfy with privacy curtains on the bunks.
The location is brilliant, only a few minutes from Great Market Hall and offering easy access to main tram and underground lines. Unfortunately there is no elevator so it may not be accessible for those with mobility needs, but if you don’t mind lugging your suitcase up a few flights of stairs you’ll be fine.
Address: Budapest, Gönczy Pál u. 2, 1093 Hungary
Check your travel dates and book online here >>
Best places to stay in Portugal
The Algarve
Mercedes Country House
Type of accommodation: Boutique retreat
Why it’s amazing: Oh my days, this place is heaven. Located a short drive from Faro in a calm and quiet countryside setting, Mercedes is a family-owned boutique hotel offering huge rooms, private backyards, an outdoor pool and rooftop terrace. They serve a delicious breakfast and dinner on-site, using fresh, organic ingredients grown in their own backyard or sourced locally, and they offer wine tasting, a visit to a local wine producer, massage treatments or cooking classes.
Address: Lugar do Medronhal, 475-Z, 8005-502 Estói, Portugal
Read my full Mercedes Country House review here and book online here.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The ultimate five day Portugal road trip
Porto
Selina Porto
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: Selina is up there with my favourite hostel chains around the world, and they’ve got 66 locations throughout the Americas and Europe. With a focus on community, workspaces and epic accommodation, their hostels are the perfect mix of somewhere comfy to sleep, somewhere to get shit done and somewhere to make new travel friends! Their Porto location has both capsule-style dorm and private rooms, self-catering facilities and a huge outdoor social area complete with a food truck and dance floor, as well as an on-site bar, a café, a quiet work room and a secret library upstairs.
Bonus tip: Espaco 77 is a sports bar just around the corner from Selina Porto and they have 50c beer, or €1 for a big bottle. You’re welcome!
Address: Rua Das Oliveiras, n.61-65, Porto, Portugal
Read my full Selina Porto review and book online here.
Best places to stay in Greece
Corfu
Mathraki Resort
Type of accommodation: Apartments
Why it’s amazing: This small family-owned apartment complex offers traditional Greek hospitlity and incredible value in Corfu, near the port where MedSailors trips (and other yacht charters) depart. It’s perfect for a short stay before or after your island hopping adventure, or for a longer Corfu trip if you’re exploring by car or scooter. The apartments are simple but very comfortable, super clean and offer easy access to Gouvia’s main street where you can find incredible food and some cheap and cheerful bars.
Address: Gouvia, Corfu 49100, Greece
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Mykonos
Rocabella Hotel & Spa
Type of accommodation: Boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: Anywhere that welcomes guests with a glass of bubbles is a winner in my books. Rocabella Hotel in Mykonos is super stylish, with bohemian vibes and brilliant service. The infinity pool and sun-soaked day beds make it hard to leave, but Agios Stefanos is just a few hundred metres away if you do want to take a dip in the ocean. Reeza Restaurant serves up fresh, authentic dishes and there’s a spa if you want to treat yourself to a massage or beauty treatment. This place is ideal for a girls’ trip or a romantic getaway.
Address: Main Street, Agios Stefanos, 84600, Greece
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Santorini
Orabel Suites
Type of accommodation: Boutique suites
Why it’s amazing: Anywhere with a 9.8 rating on booking.com from over 160 reviews is going to be worth your money. I visited the Orabel on a trip to Greece with some friends, right before I moved to London, and it was one of the highlights of our whole Europe adventure. Our two bedroom suite was stunning, soaked in natural light and it even had an indoor spa pool to soak in after a day of exploring on the quad bikes. But what made it five stars in my books was the food and drinks… Absolutely world-class. I still dream about the breakfast to this day, fresh Greek yoghurt with honey and fruit, cooked dishes using their own ingredients from their garden, fresh bread and fruit juices from their own trees. Divine.
Bonus tip: Order a passionfruit colada from the pool bar, then send it to me!
Address: Agios Georgios, Perivolos, 84700, Greece
Check your travel dates and book online here.
Crete
Kumba Hostel
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: It’s always nice to stay somewhere you feel at home, and after four days at Kumba it felt like I was leaving somewhere I actually lived. This place is really social, with a huge area for chatting to other travellers. The rooms offer pod-style beds that block out sound and light with privacy curtains, and there’s cooking facilities, but the on-site café serves up delicious meals for a low price too. It’s not in the centre of the city but you can walk to the ocean and it’s a lovely walk into Chania’s old town too.
Address: Iroon Polytechniou 37, Chania, Greece
Check your travel dates and book online here.
I hope you’ve found somewhere epic and unique to stay on your next adventure! I’m going to keep this list updated while I’m on the road, and I’d love to know if you have any suggestions for places that I need to add to my own accommodation bucket list too. Tell me in the comments!
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This solves the issue of finding places to stay in a lot of places on my travel bucket list! :] There are so many great picks here–thanks for putting it together!!
Wow, these places are absolutely beautiful! I’d love to stay at some of these. Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
Thanks for reading
All the places you’ve stayed at are GORGEOUS! The one that really caught my eye was the place in Tairua, but I would be in heaven if I stayed at the Santorini or Mykonos places! Had to postpone our Europe trip this September so I’m living vicariously through you in this post 🙂
They’re all super special huh! I would go back to every single one if I could. So sorry about your trip being postponed, I hope you make it to Europe at soon as it’s safe to do so!