My destination is always my #1 priority – however, I do enjoy staying in a place that I love. Here are some of my favorites from around the world. These are all from the last decade except for a couple that are extra special and have held a place in my heart a little longer. These are in no particular order other than by continent.
Africa:
Loango, Gabon. N’dola Camp. (2023) I loved N’dola Camp in Gabon. It is a beautiful secluded camp in the rain forest with only 8 rooms. I loved this so much but part of the draw was how secluded it was (after arriving in Gabon there is still another 8 hours of travel on planes, jeeps, and a boat) and the different caliber of travelers we met and interacted with. It was next level!
Marrakesh, Morrocco. Riad Les Trois Palmiers. (2013) My mom and I stayed here over a decade ago. When it sticks with you that long, you know it is a favorite! It was a beautiful small hotel with a lovely courtyard located in the heart of the Medina. I particularly remember how helpful and accommodating the staff was. Site Officiel Riad Les Trois Palmiers El Bacha
Hoedspruit, South Africa. Rukiya Safari Camp. (2022) Rukiya, an intimate tented camp, is nestled within the serene Wild Rivers Nature Reserve, just beside the iconic Greater Kruger Park. I have now stayed at least ten “safari camps” during trips to Africa. This has been my favorite thus far. It is small and personable. It was comfortable and luxurious without being over the top.
Johannesburg, South Africa. Abbey Guest House. (2022) This is a beautiful, small, stylish, privately owned-and-run boutique establishment. It has the feel of an old-style B&B with the luxury of a boutique hotel. It has wonderful common areas and it was so comfortable that once we ordered dinner instead of going out.
Asia:
Lang Prabang, Laos. Mylaohome Hotel & Spa. (2018) My friends and I disagree if this should make the list. And my memory may be flawed since it has been almost six years since we stayed here. But it continues to stay with me. This hotel is not fancy but it has amazing wood and a very peaceful feel with nice outdoor spaces in the center of town.
Bhaktapur, Nepal. Hotel Baha Restaurant and Café. (2019) This was similar to the hotel in Laos; however, my friends and I agree that this is an all time favorite. It was not very fancy but it has stuck with me over the years. The hotels and rooms were beautiful in both their simplicity and design. There was amazing wood everywhere and the staff was incredibly nice and helpful. It has beautiful wood and a courtyard with views of the temple. Manju Baha Hotel
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Hay Long Explorer. (2018) There are dozens of options and ours was mid-range in price and luxury. This was a magical experience. I loved being out on the water for a few days and the opportunity to experience this unique part of the world. The cabins were comfortable, we loved hanging out on the deck and watching the scenery and the food was fantastic. Don’t let the grey photos scare you, it was unseasonably cold when I was there but it still made the list!
I will also note that two of my fondest memories are staying in a tree house-like structure in Chitwan Nepal and on a small river boat in Borneo. But those two experiences would be too hard for anyone else to duplicate, so I will leave them as honorable mentions.
Central America:
Granada, Nicaragua. Miss Margrits. (2015) This is a small comfortable guest house in the center of the city. It has a comfortable open courtyard with a small pool to cool off. And I still often think about the Lime pancakes I had everyday while there! Miss Margrits, Granada (updated prices 2025)
Monteverde, Costa Rica. Monteverde Lodge and Gardens. (2015) This is a beautiful small lodge in the middle of the jungle. It has a butterfly garden and a wonderful onsite restaurant. The rooms overlook the jungle. Keep your balcony doors closed or you might find a monkey as a roommate! Monteverde Lodge | Costa Rica
Tikal, Guatemala. Tikal Jungle Lodge. (2023) This is in the heart of the park and there is nothing better than lying in bed hearing the howler monkeys make a racket. This hotel is not for everyone and there is no electricity at night, but I think staying in the jungle just a short walk from the park was worth it. Jungle Lodge – A unique experience
San Padro, Belize. Ramon’s. (2021) Ramon’s is right on the beach, has lovely rooms, a great dive shop, a good restaurant, and a wonderful staff. It is centrally located in town but feels off the beaten path. This would usually be a little to “resort-y” for me, but I loved it. Ramon’s Village Resort – San Pedro, Belize – Ambergris Caye
Bocas del Toro, Panama. Koko Acqua Lodge. (2015) Just over the border from Costa Rica, Bocas is a small town on the water. These overwater bungalows were simple and perfect. They are a fraction of the cost of what you will see advertised elsewhere but just as relaxing and comfortable.
Europe:
Estonia. Castle Wagenkull. (2025) The grounds are beautiful, the spa was fantastic and there is a great onsite restaurant. And of course it was fun staying in a castle. I would definitely recommend it. Homepage new – Lossispaa Wagenküll
Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland. Hotel Budir. (2015) This is a luxury hotel in a rugged windblown landscape. It is another place I definitely hope to return. It is the perfect destination if you want to get off the beaten path and stay somewhere special. Hótel Búðir
Kotor, Montenegro. Hotel Monte Cristo. (2013) From their website, “situated on a Maritime museum square in a building from 13th century, that once belonged to Kotor’s first bishop, this tastefully restored hotel features individually decorated rooms with stylish wood furnishings. … A daily breakfast buffet is … on the terrace overlooking a quiet courtyard.” Do I need to say more? I’d like to return to the Balkans and I will stay here again!
Ljubljana, Slovenia. Slon. (2013) This is Best Western hotel and the only chain hotel on the list. We stayed here over a decade ago and is our most talked about hotel. The breakfast and the pillow “menu” are legendary. It is in the heart of the city and has a fun history. From their website:
“In 1552, Maximillian II was the Archduke of Austria and about to become the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. He was 25 years old and had recently married Mary of Spain. On his way from Spain, he was bringing one of his wedding presents: an elephant called Suleiman. At that time, the Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent was Austria’s most terrible enemy. Therefore, domesticating such a powerful animal under that name was a symbol of great power. Maximilian stopped at the best inn in Ljubljana with his escort and the wonderful animal, which impressed the population tremendously. The hotel Slon was later built on the site of this inn. The memory of Suleiman the elephant was still very strong in the city, so the guesthouse, and later the hotel, were named Slon (the Slovenian word for elephant).”
I don’t have any good photos and those on the hotel’s website really don’t do it justice!
Frances Camino de Santiago, Spain. (2018 and 2022) I have dedicated an entire post to my favorite places along the Camino. I won’t repost them here. But I will narrow it down to two. Favorite Places on El Camino de Santiago – Life Kinetic Travel Research
Palas de Rei, Spain – Rectory of Lestoedo. (2022) This is another place that I would stay if just on vacation. Our room was beautiful and comfortable. I spent several hours reading in the common area with a glass of wine. Both dinner and breakfast were some of the best of the trip. The friendly staff made the entire experience fun and special. Hotel y Casa Rural en Palas de Rei | La Rectoral de Lestedo
Santa Catalina de Somoza. Via Avis. (2022) I would stay here again, and if I am ever back in this part of Spain, I will make it a point to return. This has the feel of a boutique hotel and in other areas of the world you would pay a couple of hundred dollars a night to stay here. Each room is individually decorated and there is an amazing common area. The views are spectacular and the couple that owns the hotel was friendly. They convinced me to stay for breakfast and I am so grateful they did. By far my best breakfast on the Camino! Hotel Rural Via Avis | Hote Rural Vía Avis, en León (España)
South America:
Easter Island, Chile. Cabanas & Hostal Tojika. (2023) This is not a fancy place. In fact, it might be classified closer to a hostel than a hotel. But I loved it for the well apportioned porch that overlooked the ocean. It is very reasonably priced (you could spend four times the price for half the view) and the owner was a lovely woman who does her best to make you as comfortable as possible. Cabañas & Hostal Tojika – Hanga Roa
Medellin, Colombia. Refugio del Jaguar. (2023) This hotel is not for everyone and my family was skeptical. It probably leans more towards a hostel with private rooms than a hotel. But the vibe was so incredibly relaxing and the staff was so kind, I can’t not list it as one of my favorites.
Salta, Argentina – Hotel Boutique Balcon De La Plaza. (2016) There is wood, tile, and rod iron everywhere. It is simple yet comfortable. The staff was exceptionally helpful and friendly. Balcón de la Plaza
United States:
Anchorage, Alaska. Captain Cook Hotel. (2005) This is a beautiful and classic hotel in the middle of downtown Anchorage with magnificent views of the water and the mountains. The décor of the hotel captures the Alaskan wilderness and the spirit of adventure. This will also forever be a favorite of mine and holds a special place in my heart. I thought I was going to get to go back this year, but it didn’t happen. Hopefully soon. Welcome – Hotel Captain Cook
Little Orleans, Maryland. Town Hill B&B. (2024) This is an old school B&B. Lovely rooms in a large home with a local host and a huge homemade breakfast. They have comfortable rooms, a beautiful view, and a magnificent breakfast. Town Hill B&B | 31101 National Pike Northeast, Little Orleans, MD, USA
Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. AMC Highland Center. (2024) The Highland Center is run by the Appalachian Mountain Club which was founded in 1876 and is a non-profit dedicated to protecting the mountains, forests, waters and trails of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. While it is an expensive for a bunk bed and shared bath, the scenery is breathtaking, and the lodge is comfortable with warm and filling meals included. And I am always willing to spend more if I know the funds are going to a good cause, in this case to protect our environment. I thought it was worth the money and the drive, and it would have been heaven on earth if coming off the Appalachian Trail. The Center books up fast and I made our June reservations when they opened in the early fall. Highland Center | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)
Mount Washington, New Hampshire. Mount Washington Resort. (2024) This is a spectacular hotel and maybe one of the most beautiful I’ve ever stayed in. This turn of the century hotel exudes old world charm. I especially loved a drink on the veranda overlooking the White Mountains. I had dinner in the 1902 dining room. The food was good, they had a wide menu, and the room was gorgeous. Shout out to the parker house rolls and the blueberry brulee which was outstanding. Unfortunately, rooms start at $550 a night, but they actually have some very reasonable special rates. This was a great reminder that while 3rd party sites are great for research, ALWAYS check the hotel website to see if you can get a better deal. In this case I saved 77%! Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa | New Hampshire Resorts
Abiquiu, New Mexico. The Abiquiu Inn. (2021) Abiquiu is a great location for rafting, Ghost Ranch, hiking, and Monastery of the Christ. The detached rooms feel like cabins, have a rustic look and have fireplaces. The attached restaurant was also outstanding. Abiquiú Inn | Rustic Hotel & Café
Taos, New Mexico. Luna Mystica. (2021) Each room is a retro Air Stream trailer! Each trailer has a porch with a view of the mountain’s sunset and sunrise. Loved staying here!! Home – Hotel Luna Mystica
Rincon, Puerto Rico. Casa Islena. (2025) This hits my short list for favorite hotels of all time. It is a well-priced, small beautiful hotel with large rooms, right on the beach, a pool, with a delicious restaurant and bar. One of my favorite activities was to get up and watch the surfers the morning. Casa Islena Hotel & Restaurant – Rincon Puerto Rico
Note, where possible, the photos are mine, but when I was unable to find one, I used the hotel’s website.
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