Most people are just fine. Yes, there are a few weirdoes in the world and a few strange folks but if you operate a short-term rental you’ve no doubt found that most people are are perfectly fine human beings. This is why, more than likely, when I’ve heard...
If, like me, you’re the type of traveller who prefers the unusual, then it would be a great idea to put Poland’s Gorzanów Castle high on your list. The place is amazing and seems to be a combination of a faded, grand old castle and modern, cultural...
I admit that I’m a sucker for room service. I can slob around in a robe, forget the lipstick, watch junk on TV and eat a lovely meal prepared by someone else and served directly to my room. Lovely. So what’s the alternative nowadays in hotels when...
When I first saw a photograph of the building you see above, it went straight to the top of my list. I have to go there one day. The excellent photographer who created the photograph above has made the building look very stylish and elegant – it dates from...
You might not think that there would be a need for short term rental accommodation that’s specifically for people who choose to eat vegetarian or vegan diets but believe me, there is. Do people who don’t eat animal products really truly need their own...
What is an albergho diffuso? If you’re looking for a vacation experience with a difference then these accommodations in Italy might be just what you’re looking for.Almost thirty years before Airbnb made famous its ‘live like a local’ concept...
You’ll find paradors in many Spanish-speaking countries these days but the original paradors were started in Spain in the 1920s. The idea – and rather a splendid one it is too – is that these hotels are housed in some rather magnificent buildings or...
I do like a good hotel but I’m not sure whether this is one I’d like to stay in. It’s not open as yet, so I’m secretly hoping that it might be delayed at the planning-permission stage or something. You see, to me this is just a little too...
There are some people who are under the impression that Airbnb is still the same as it was when the company first began in 2008. But if anyone is in any doubt that the company has come a long way since its early days then a quick look at Airbnb Luxe will show exactly...
That’s how Chillingham Castle describes itself – it claims to be the most haunted castle in Britain. You’d think that most castles worthy of the name would have a good smattering of ghosts and ghouls so that’s quite a claim for Chillingham to...
The mystique, the unusualness, the authenticity, the fabulous reviews!!! Far from crowds and traffic, yet near to Los Angeles, is a vacation rental located in historic Chatsworth, California. Open sky, 360-degree dramatic valley and city views and sandstone cliffs...
Of course, events that seem to be relatively recent to me happened a long time before a lot of people who are reading this were even born. It might be that some have never even heard about the famous scandal that took place as long ago as the early nineteen-seventies....
When I was a lot younger, I was a lot more willing to rough it. As I got older, I found that I preferred to have running water, cool AC and proper toilets.But sometimes, you need to do without the ‘American’ luxuries to truly enjoy the experience of your...
Just before Christmas in 1958, twelve couples driving through California received an unusual Christmas gift. Independently of each other, they all spotted what seemed to be a new motel – the Madonna – and stopped to stay there for the night. The next...
That gorgeous roof garden pictured above, and its stunning view, would be reason enough to stay in the Jane Hotel in New York but just wait until you hear more about it, especially its history. The hotel was built at the beginning of the last century (1906 –...
Here’s one that’s definitely for your wishlist. The Koshu Nishiyama Hot Spring – see the map below for its location – is officially the oldest hotel in the world according to the experts; the Guinness Book of World Records. It was founded in...
Stay in a property that neighbours one of the homes often inhabited by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Freely wander through the grounds and you might see the royal couple walking their dogs. Stay in a room that has been carefully decorated with pieces...
This fabulous hotel was built in 1957. I know that its style make it look as though it could be early twentieth century – or even late Victorian – but the Ukraina Hotel was commissioned by Josef Stalin and until 1976 was the tallest hotel in the world. The...
Casa Grande`on Hendricks Isle in Fort Lauderdale was designed in the late 1940s by Michigan architect. C. Dale Dykema. He was commissioned to design this small and now historic apartment complex by another couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Walter and Leolyn Semeyn....
If you consider the internet to be a good research tools giving accurate results then it might surprise you to know that research has shown that in the hotel industry, twenty to thirty minutes is considered to be an acceptable time to prepare a guest room (plus...
Travelling these days is so different than in times gone by, especially for those of us who want – or need – to travel on a restricted budget. Staying in a hostel is a budget-conscious way to see the world and meet new people and costs are low. At time of...
This grand hotel was built in 1924 and was the first custom-built hotel in Lima. It was designed with luxury in mind. It was intended to provide accommodation for heads of state, the rich and the famous. And it did exactly that. But over the years its maintenance has...
The opulent Empress Hotel in British Columbia sits like an elegant Edwardian duchess overlooking the harbour of Victoria on Vancouver Island. But this sumptuous hotel was at one time considered to be a dowdy and faded building that was better demolished to make way...
It’s going to be a little difficult writing about the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel in Tennessee without resorting to ‘pardon me boy’, ‘dinner in the diner’ and ‘won’t you choo choo me home’ but I’m fairly sure that...
Olveston House on the British territory isle of Montserrat is a relaxing, lazy haven for travellers. Better described as a guesthouse than a hotel, it features traditional Caribbean architecture, swimming pool, cool verandahs, wifi, room service, a library and plenty...
The Hotel Negresco in Nice is located on the Promenade des Anglais. Eccentric dancer, Isadora Duncan, died on the promenade in 1927, – by many accounts right outside the hotel. She was wearing a long silk scarf, as was the fashion in the 1920s, when she and a...
In 1926, Agatha Christie was already well-known thanks to her novels. But in December that year she suddenly disappeared. Her car was found abandoned and for the next eleven days, a massive police search was undertaken. It was surmised that she had committed suicide...
Stay at the La Dimora di Metello Hotel in Matera and the terrace above will be an excellent place to sit and enjoy a glass of local wine and gaze at the most amazing scenery. Sassi di Matera, also known as ‘The City of Caves’ is a UNESCO World Heritage...
Sputnik Hostel is in a fantastic location in the heart of Moscow. Take a look at the map below. It’s convenient for so many places that you’ll want to experience and sights you’ll want to see. In addition, there are many nearby bars, cafés and...
Although the Blue refers to itself as a hostel, many guests prefer to call it a hotel due to the high standard of the facilities. Plus of course, the fact that private rooms are available and not the regular hostel-style dorms. (See examples in the images below)....
A cult movie of the 1980s, Dirty Dancing was set at the fictional Kellerman’s Resort in the Catskills. In fact, the filming took place at the Mountain Lake Hotel in Pembroke, Virginia. The film was set in 1963 and reflected the lifestyle of prosperous New...
Imagine relaxing under the stars in your own private cocoon watching a fabulous light show provided by Mother Nature. This is exactly what you can do at the Panorama Glass Lodge in Iceland. This private small lodge gives you privacy and spectacular views. As you can...
I love the Greek islands (and Corfu in particular) and I’m all in favour of staying in quirky hostels to experience great fun and also as a budget measure. Sunrock on Corfu is a great example of a backpackers’ hostel in a great location. Did you know that...
‘If expecting a regular hotel experience, best look elsewhere. Thank you’. So says the website of Helga’s Folly in Sri Lanka, right on the homepage. Very true. Helga’s Folly is such an unusual place that I doubt that I could ever find the words...
The Mount Nelson Hotel was painted pink in 1918 – to commemorate the end of the Great War. It remains that colour to this day. The building was first opened as a hotel in 1899 and has had many distinguished guests over the years – from Sir Arthur Conan...
Retro and a lot of fun, the Boots Court Motel is located on Route 66 and US 71. This means that this almost-fully-restored (work continues) motel offers rooms with one queen size bed for $66 per night and double rooms with two queen beds for $71 per night. A good...
Within walking distance of Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and just about everywhere you want to visit in New York, sits the fabulous High Line Hotel. The building is splendid, the rooms are gorgeous and the amenities you can...
If so, then you’ll find that Fort Lauderdale is hard to beat. And there’s so much more than the sea, sand and sun. Fort Lauderdale’s events calendar is always busy – from festivals to theatre, from art exhibitions to sporting events – and...
How many hotels are there in London? I’m sure that Google would be able to tell me but the information would soon be out of date. There are faceless chain hotels, independent quirky hotels and then … there’s 40 Winks. It defies description –...
Now that more and more visitors from other countries are realising that visiting Britain means more than just touring London, many other resorts are enjoying a new heyday. This means that some of the UK’s best – and most quirky – hotels are in the...
Capsule hotels, often found in overcrowded countries such as Japan, have been with us for many years now. But if you’re heading to Amsterdam and looking for accommodation try CityHub. This is similar to a capsule hotel but its ‘hubs’ (as they are...
Many years ago, just after the Second World War in fact, an area of land that was due to become prime real estate in Fort Lauderdale was nothing more than a garbage dump. Anyone travelling along the prestigious Las Olas Boulevard down to the beach would pass this area...
So few people want to stay in faceless chain hotels these days. And that’s why the Långholmen Hotel in Stockholm can provide you with a truly different accommodation experience. This is because the hotel is a converted nineteenth-century prison! It’s...
Miami Beach is a pretty exciting place to be. And one of the best places to stay in right on the famous Collins Avenue which is where you’ll find the Confidente Hotel. But there’s more. If you’re a fan of Mid-Century Modern architecture and...
I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t think that giraffes are completely adorable. And when you stay at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi you’ll be almost living with them – but in gracious and stylish surroundings. This fabulous building, which now sits on...
If you can imagine Hercule Poirot investigating a mysterious murder in the Art Deco interior of the Burgh Island Hotel, then it’s no surprise. For one of its illustrious guests in days gone by was Poirot’s creator, Agatha Christie, and several of her...
Would you really like to get away from it all? Then consider the Kasbah du Toubkal set high in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. And if you’re accustomed to stepping out of your cab and straight into your hotel you’ll find that even your arrival at the...
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Panama, then you’ll want to take a look at this wonderful beachfront hostel. You can dive straight into the Caribbean sea right from their enormous deck. And the hostel has so much more to offer. It is one of...
Slovakia is known for its beautiful historic buildings and its fabulous areas of natural beauty. But among all this is the Hotel Galéria Spirit – with a rather brave choice of architecture, to say the least. The interior is equally unconventional featuring...
Are you looking for somewhere to stay in the UK? Somewhere that’s incredibly peaceful, tranquil, historic and set in wonderful countryside? And if you’re a reader or book lover then Gladstone’s Library will be right up your street. Yes, it’s a...
Welcome to the world’s very first floating hostel. It’s set on the fabulous Danube River in Belgrade, Serbia. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay that offers you a different experience then this could be the very place for you. It offers you...
Imagine – you’re on vacation on Paris and you wake up in your own luxurious apartment. You can see the Eiffel Tower from your comfortable bed. A few small steps take you out onto your balcony where you and your partner enjoy local croissants,...
Stay in an iconic and historic hotel in New York. The Bryant Park Hotel is in an extremely unusual structure that was originally named the American Radiator Building. It has an interesting creative history as it was based on a design by Finnish architect...
The romance and history of Egypt’s pyramids – and the famous Sphinx – is something that many people would love to experience. For most of us, simply getting there is a costly matter and then we have to find affordable accommodation – it seems...
I’ve always loved Barcelona and if you want to stay there in style – in a wonderful historic building – then you’ll want to take a look at the Cotton House Hotel. You’ll see photographs and a video below. It’s certainly a luxury...
When I first came to Fort Lauderdale from England – way back in the eighties – I would have loved to have stayed in a place where someone knew what I was talking about! Ten years later, I moved here permanently and it took me quite some time to adjust to...
Stay in Cambridge and you’ll see fabulous architecture, experience real history and enjoy the atmosphere of this ancient university city. You’ll see breathtaking views, enjoy traditional punting on the river and see rolling countryside with cattle freely...
If Tepoztlan in Mexico isn’t on your wish list of places to visit, then the video below might persuade you otherwise. There’s just one major problem with the town – hotels there can be expensive. I just saw one on TripAdvisor that was described as...
Stuttgart, in the Baden-Württemberg area of Germany, is an ancient city with so much to see and do for travellers. But if you’re keen on cars or if you’re a motorsport fan there are even more reasons to visit this fascinating place as Stuttgart is often...
If you’re looking for accommodation in the Boston area, then I’m delighted to introduce you to this gorgeous private three room suite located in a lovely home built in 1903. The suite is on the third floor so you will have fabulous views of the area and...
You’ll find everything you need at the Qualia Hotel. But more about that in a moment. For now, let’s set the scene with some beautiful images that are much more descriptive than I will ever be. I’m sure that you’re like me and can picture...
I love finding unusual places to stay and the Don Q – located in Dodgeville, Wisconsin – is certainly one of the strangest in the United States. And it’s not easy to describe…The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is the Boeing...
Santorini is a small Greek island set in sparkling seas. It’s an almost magical place and one of he most popular and fascinating places on the island is Oia. And one of the best accommodation you will find there is the Katikies Hotel. Santorini is best known for...
If I told you that you could enjoy accommodation in London at a budget price but with the advantages of a luxurious swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, wifi and even breakfast you’d probably think I was joking. But it’s true. You’ll be staying in a great...
When Susan Wilson decided she wanted to buy a caboose and have it on the land by her home, husband Mike didn’t bat an eyelid – unlike most husbands, I would think. But things didn’t stop there. Before long the couple have several railway carriages on...
Today, it’s quite the thing to stay in yurts or enjoy glamping experiences. But in the 1930s and 40s seven motels were built in various places in the USA and luckily, three of them still survive. Based on the tipi, these motels consist of groups of concrete and...
Why stay in an ordinary hotel when you could stay in a Trojan Horse with the most individual rooms? Located in the Luxembourg province of Belgium, this extraordinary bed and breakfast started life as a fantastic restaurant. And fantastic really is the word to describe...
Are you coming to Fort Lauderdale for the Air Show this May? This year the event takes place on the 6th and 7th and, as always, promises to be a fantastic show for everyone who attends. But are you looking for somewhere to stay? The organisers of the show recommend a...
If you’re travelling to Budapest and like quirky accommodation at a budget price then add the Lavender Circus to your wishlist right now. It’s wonderfully located near the Danube and everything you’ll want to see. But the price and the amazing decor...
Which is the most beautiful country in England? Of course, it depends on who you ask. I’m from Yorkshire so naturally, I’m going to tell you that it’s England’s finest county in every respect, but I admit to loving Cumbria too. If you’re...
I’ve always been fond of Liverpool. There’s so much going on there and these days, it’s a popular tourist destination. This is an excellent thing because in days gone by, visitors from other parts of the world tended to visit only London. They missed...
Set in a convenient area of Prague , Sir Toby’s offers you budget accommodation in style. More and more travellers are finding that today’s hostels offer better value and more unusual venues than were previously available. And the days of sleeping in...
I live in Florida so it’s no surprise that I highly recommend it as a wonderful destination. Great weather, the beaches, the ocean, plenty to see and do – what more could you want? Florida also has a fascinating history that’s well worth exploring....
In most places in the world there are hotel rooms (or quite often, seedy motel rooms) that can be rented by the hour by amorous couples. But the Japanese are experts in this field. Hundreds of years ago, they set up inns or tearooms that offered discreet accommodation...
It doesn’t take a genius to realise what the main attraction is at Waitomo Caves! These limestone underground caverns are spectacular and one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations. But where to stay? Well, only a short distance (just over half a mile)...
If you are on vacation in Scotland and are thinking of spending some time in Edinburgh taking in all the wonderful sights and sounds of this historic capital city then you will need somewhere to stay. You could, of course, book into one of Edinburgh’s many luxury...
If you’re looking for somewhere really different – and truly inexpensive – in Bonn, Germany, then take a look a Basecamp. It’s not a hotel, or a hostel or even a campsite. Basecamp consists of a selection of quirky accommodations located in a...
If you ever have a money-is-no-object moment, then for the height of luxury look no further than the Hôtel Ritz Paris. You’ll be following in the footsteps of the rich and famous – and the infamous. This luxury hotel first opened its doors in 1898 and...
Oxford is an amazing place – and only about 60 miles from London – so if you’re looking for accommodation in the area it’s unlikely that you’ll beat staying in one of the university buildings there. These bed and breakfast accommodations...
If you’re looking for a different accommodation experience to add to your wishlist, then why not stay in a wine barrel? It sounds strange but it’s true. Barrels that one held 8000 litres of wonderful wine can now become your ‘hotel’ located...
Travelling with young children can certainly be a challenge. But if you’re going to visit Chicago, then we have just the place for you – a family-friendly self-contained apartment with everything you need for your young family. There are even local stores,...
The next time you’re in Portugal, I recommend that you stay in a hostel. Yes, that’s right, I said hostel and not hotel. The Tattva is a very special place though – it’s one of the new breed of design hostels and you can see from the...
It always surprises me that so many foreign guests to the UK visit only London. Bristol is an award-winning and vibrant city which is extremely well located. There is so much to see and do in the city and the surrounding area – fascinating history, extensive...
Are you about to visit the University of Maryland and are looking for somewhere to stay? Scroll down to see more details of a private suite that will be just right for you – and it’s only five minutes away from the university itself. The suite has the...
It’s located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It’s where Stephen King wrote The Shining. It has a colourful and extensive history. But there are many reasons why Boulder draws visitors. It’s a popular place to visit for people who enjoy...
Hollywood in Florida is a wonderful place to stay. It’s about fifteen minutes away from Fort Lauderdale yet much more suitable for family vacations. And today we want to introduce you to an excellent home where you and all the family can stay in comfort. The...
If you’re travelling to India, why not stay in a genuine Indian home? It will greatly enhance your experience of the country and will truly give you the opportunity to experience the real India thanks to your local host. Below, you’ll see details of the...
Imagine yourself sitting on the patio above as the sun is setting over the ocean. You are with your partner and deciding what to do tomorrow. (And if you’re there at certain times of year, watch for the humpback whales or roosting mynah birds). How about...
Have you seen what hotel prices are like in Central London? London is on everyone’s wishlist as one of the places they must visit but accommodation prices can be prohibitively high. The answer is to look at home stay alternative like the one you see featured...
Located almost midway between Sydney and Brisbane, Bellingen Lemon Myrtle Farm offers visitors to Australia a unique experience. This rustic, off-the-grid cabin offers an opportunity to get away from it all but with a lively historic town just a few minutes away, The...
The Catskills area is known to be a popular destination all year round. The scenery is amazing and there are opportunities for many fabulous outdoor activities. But finding a great place to stay at a reasonable price can be difficult. Which is why we are delighted to...
Originally a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland, Traquair House, located in the Scottish Borders Region not far from the border with England, is Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited house. For nearly a thousand years Traquair House has been home...
I’ve loved Cornwall since I was a child and the cottage you see here is a wonderful place to stay. See the photographs further down the page. The tiny and ancient town of Lostwithiel is well-located within the county and the perfect base for exploring. That is,...
Are you planning to explore South Florida? Is Miami one of the places you’d like to visit? Or the Florida Keys? Or perhaps you’re a race fan like me and are looking for accommodation that’s convenient for the Homestead Speedway? Stay with Carmen and...
Just look at this gorgeous suite. Located in a wonderful area of Toronto, this self-contained suite makes a fabulous base for exploring the area. It has been immaculately equipped and furnished – you can tell from the photographs below that everything has been...
If you’re traveling with a family, it can be tricky to find accommodation; especially at the right price. And when you’re looking for a place to stay in a popular area – such as Washington D.C. – then it can be so difficult to locate...
Here’s a vacation idea that is truly something different – yet inexpensive. Very few vistors from overseas venture far into the country of Wales when they are visiting the UK and this is such a shame because it’s a very attractive country. Wales,...
Yes, the photograph you see above once housed pigs! But don’t worry, they are long gone and just wait until you see how beautifully this farm building has been transformed into stylish and comfortable accommodation. It’s located in Wales in the grounds of...
September 24th, 2016 saw the opening of the long-awaited National Museum of African American History and if I had a crystal ball, I’m sure that it would tell me that this will be one of the most visited museums in the United States. The museum contains...
Let me guess what you’re thinking. ‘A private island? That’s like a dream. But I could never afford anything like that’. Am I right? Well, this is your lucky day 🙂 I’m pleased to be able to tell you that you can stay on this immaculate...
