Stay (Archives)

Author

Greg
August 29, 2023

This cheeky hostel in the heart of Centro Historico in Mexico City will serve you well as a base for your CDMX adventures. The social component is the best part of this place. And if you’re worried about trying to sleep to the sounds of two lost lovers knocking boots in the bunk above you, don’t fret, it’s one strike and you’re out…if you’re caught. However, if you are highly against being in a crowded city center, then it may not be the place for you.

Great hostels are the bee’s knees, and if you haven’t stayed in one ever, I don’t necessarily blame you, but I would highly encourage you to change that. Opt for a private room if you like your personal space! You’ll still benefit from the organized activities, amenities, and opportunities to meet people.

This little beauty of an airbunbun is everything you could ever dream of for your “Tuscan” getaway. Hosts, hospitality, design, all mwah BELLISIMO. Technically, it does fall over the border in Umbria, but here’s the thing—Umbria has all the charm of Tuscany and none of crazy prices. PLUS, Umbria is known for its truffle.

For anyone who missed my first newsletter (linked here). The restaurant that ruined my life is a measly 10-minute drive from this bunbun.

La Casa del Mundo – Guatemala's most magical hotel

I found this neat little boutique hotel entrenched in the depths of Instagram Reels. Situated right on Lake Atitlán, this hotel has a really cool vibe. Although you’ll have to work for it (it’s only accessible by boat or by foot), the views of volcanos over the lake are well worth it.

Guatemala seems like a country that is criminally overlooked, but views like this have it skyrocketing to the top of my shortlist. Hawaiian views for not-so-Hawaiian prices…what’s not to like?

Picture from BoHo Website

If you like to stay at places that inspire you to change your life forever, I’ve got a little something for you. This cozy little boutique hotel has 8 rooms (last I stayed there). The host is wonderful! She’ll help you schedule activities and even make breakfast fresh for each guest in the morning 🥹. Super cool story as well—the family lives in a house connected to the hotel. They used to vacation in Costa Rica from France and ended up falling in love with the area. SO they did what any rational family would do and built this place to live and work in—started their new life in their own little tropical paradise.

This is simply one of the most ridiculous hotels I’ve ever seen. Take a gander at some of the video tours on the website. With 8 completely unique standalone rooms and a guesthouse, I think it is fair to say this hotel has something for everyone (that is, anyone capable of getting to Harad, Sweden). Ridiculous? Yeah, I thought so too. Expensive? You bet your sweet cheeks it is. But hey, my job is to bring you the most unique travel experiences and I’d say this checks the box. So don’t hate the player, hate the game 😎.

While hotels associated with big chains aren’t typically the go-to for an authentic travel experience, some of the more boutique collections make for a best-of-both-worlds scenario—use some of those well-earned points you’ve been racking up AND get to stay at a beautifully designed boutique feeling hotel. The Grand Universe Hotel in Lucca, Italy delivers that exact benefit.

Situated in the middle of this gorgeous, historic Tuscan town, the hotel offers beautifully designed rooms and a front-row seat to everything Lucca has to offer. The town is designed for walking and even limits car access, which is fairly easy with the help of its centuries-old city walls. Check out the cozy rooftop bar at the hotel for a gorgeous view. And stop by the concierge when you feel like saying “Jesus take the wheel” and have someone do the work for you. Otherwise, experience the inescapable Italian charm of Lucca for yourself as you stroll past shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Leave it to Amsterdam to come up with a place like this—a hotel, that isn’t really a hotel, but is certifiably dope. The SWEETS hotel is a collection of 28 restored, iconic bridge houses on Amsterdam’s canals. These unassuming little canal coves offer views of the famous Amsterdam waterways for you to experience the city from a new perspective. If you can’t fathom what these rooms look like (I don’t blame you, I couldn’t) click on the link and see for yourselves.

We’ve got a guest recommendation hot off the press! Caroline recently stayed at this beautiful boutique hotel and has been kind enough to share it with you all 🤗.

Bougie Parisian hotels, along with those in other world-renowned cities, can have a tendency to make your vacation stay feel as stuffy as a 3-hour car ride in the summer with no AC. But that’s why you have me! Check out the classy AND sassy modern art deco hotel on the right bank in the city of love. Quick walks to museums, landmarks, and of course, flaky, buttery, juicy croissants.

This may just be the best hotel that I have ever personally stayed at - that’s right I said it. This absolute stunner of a property sits right in the heart of Lisbon - a couple blocks away from the main drag and the Santa Justa Lift. Stellar hospitality, all the way through. We felt taken care of as if we were the only ones there. Another example of a Marriott hotel that gives that boutique feeling, and another excellent use of points if you’ve got them.

Hidden behind the lobby’s large, dark wood doors, sits one of the most beautifully designed bars, let alone hotel bars, that I’ve experienced. A truly lovely place to stay if you’re looking to spend time in Lisbon.

With numerous Hostel World distinctions to its name, this place is a real humdinger. Offering authentic experiences hosted by Colombians, Los Patios is your tour guide and social circle all in one. You just can’t do much better than the best hostel in the world in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

After opening the original location in 2017, Los Patios has opened a newer hostel in Cartagena, along with a new concept called “Cool Living” also in Medellin, that caters more towards digital nomads and remote workers.

Space pods in the middle of the snow desert. This tagline — “Inspired by astronauts. Used by explorers.” — is pure electricity. That is exactly the kind of energy I try to bring here at T.O. They have some other locations and experiences that are worth a look as well.

Truly an aspirational stay more than anything, I’d like to think this is one of the more unique travel destinations you can come across. If you have the funds to pull this off, please take me with you 😇.

This absolute stunner of a boutique BnB in Oaxaca, Mexico offers the perfect home base to explore one of the most magical cities in the country. I can’t even begin to tell you all of the amazing things people shared with me about Oaxaca when I was in Mexico City. In retrospect, it was a huge miss to not make it there during my last trip to Mexico 😤.

This hotel is set in an 18th-century mansion and renovated to reflect the city that surrounds it today. For breakfast, a traditional Oaxacan dish is prepared each day to highlight the local gastronomy. The BnB also features a gorgeous courtyard and a terrace that offers views of the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain range.

This glorious wildlife park and hotel offers views of wolves exactly how I like them—shielded by a thick glass barrier. Whether you opt for the day pass, guided tour, or a night in one of the many accommodation options, you’ll be able to see some of the 20+ different species of wildlife roaming within the park.

As a wildlife fanatic myself, this has been on my list for a while now. Could you imagine being up close and personal with a wolf? 😍 

If you’re looking for a little R&R, let me introduce you to these cozy little cottages in the Cotswolds. This hotel offers a variety of accommodation options including rooms, suites, huts, and treehouses along with a luxurious seafood-inspired on-site restaurant. The 500-acre private estate has a smörgåsbord of outdoor activities—from falconry to flying in their hovercraft. And for my pet lovers out there, it’s dog-friendly! 🐕 What’s not to love?

As many of you may know by now, I typically enjoy unique stays over chain hotels, but I can’t resist meeting in the middle for a good value points play. This is why I love the different hotel collections that Marriott has to offer.

Take the Blique for instance, a part of Marriott’s “Design Hotels” portfolio. An unsuspecting, modern hotel tucked away in the city of Stockholm. The hotel includes some great amenities like a rooftop and courtyard bar both complete with a DJ, in typical Swedish style (any Avicii fans out there?). There’s even a sauna in the basement. We weren’t quite able to get that humming, but in their defense, we didn’t try too hard. This hotel is in a great spot to explore the city. I’d recommend scooters as the most efficient form of transportation. They’re everywhere in Stockholm! 🛴 

Stay in the Scottish Highlands

This cozy cottage is a Scottish hidden gem. Situated near great local food, quaint yet thriving villages, nice shopping, and interesting history, this Airbnb has everything you’ll need for an off-the-beaten-path experience in the gorgeous Scottish Highlands—and I’m pleased to report it is travel-tested, thanks Mom 🤗. Be sure to interact with the friendly locals to uncover your own hidden gems in the area!

Caution: beware of incredibly tiny sinks across Scotland 😂. You may even notice one in the pictures for this Airbnb.

Stay in Aix-en-Provence

A guest recommendation hot off the press! This one is thanks to Caroline.

This family-operated 3-suite Bed and Breakfast offers an intimate and authentic Provençal experience. The property is just minutes from the town center, but feels as if you are alone in the French countryside. The hosts live on site in the main house, and prepare a true French feast each morning for the guests. Olive trees surround the 10-acre property and the pool allows for an break from the summer heat of southern France. If you are looking for a serene escape on your trip to Aix-en-Provence, this BnB is for you.

Pro tip: Make sure your taxi drives you up to the front of the property, otherwise, you may be in for a long sweaty walk. 🥵 

Stay in Ucluelet, Canada

I recently came across this stunning new property on the coast of British Columbia and had to share it with you all. Drawing from Japanese architectural design, the visionaries behind The Nami Project aimed to combine a serene design aesthetic with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Based on the pictures, dare I say they achieved it!

The area offers a wealth of opportunities for hiking, surfing, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors. And the rooms provide a wonderfully relaxing environment to recharge. There are a few guest rooms to choose from and they each feature their own private sauna (just in time for sauna szn). Just look at that view. 😍 

Stay in Bearsville, New York

I recently enjoyed a short weekend trip to the Catskills — a peaceful, mountainous region about 2 hours north of NYC. This has become somewhat of a staple fall trip for us since moving to the area, and I’ll tell you why. The Catskills offer a tremendous change of pace from city living—peace and quiet, privacy, open space, slow pace, fresh air, farms and livestock. You're surrounded by nature, stunning nature at that, especially in the fall.

For this last trip, we stayed at the Airbnb pictured above and it was our best stay yet. It’s a little teahouse on the back end of the host family’s property. Although the land is shared, you can barely tell and are mostly enjoying complete privacy. There’s a pool and tennis court on-site and the property is just 10 minutes from the town of Woodstock and multiple local farm stands. You have everything you need right nearby. This teahouse is the perfect place for some rest and relaxation.

Stay in Ios, Greece

It’s been a while since I’ve featured a hostel, but we’re coming back with a bang!

This family-run hostel on the beautiful Greek Island of Ios, Francesco’s, has it all — top-notch location, staff, and facilities. I mean just look at that view!

This hostel has won numerous awards. You can check out their website or their page on HostelWorld to learn more, but you’ll have to call to inquire about reservations.

Another Lebanese recommendation from my lovely sister:

5-star hotel in a popular neighborhood in East Beirut, with not-so-5-star prices? That’s a win for us! The hotel features European comfort combined with Lebanese hospitality. And let me tell ya, Lebanese hospitality is LEGENDARY! They will go above and beyond with local recommendations, restaurants, nightlife, etc. Such a welcoming, inclusive, and loving culture.

Check out this hotel if you’re looking to visit Beirut in style 😎.

View from the couch

I truly don’t think words can describe how amazing this stay was. But here’s my best shot…

Silvana, the host, is a 73-year-old Italian nonna who only speaks Italian. She is the most hospitable woman I’ve come across in my life. She prepared a massive breakfast spread each morning, made a reservation for us at a local restaurant, drove us to and from town on request, and even washed AND folded our clothes.

The language barrier made for a wholesome experience as we attempted to communicate with hand signals, Google Translate, and a few words of the opposite language here and there.

The place itself was lovely and was only a 10-minute drive to Varenna, our favorite town on Lake Como. The views were unreal, and Silvana even had a Bernese Mountain Dog named Liebe that reminded us of our pup back home. 🥺