For us, one of the joys of traveling is the places you get to stay. When it comes to hotels, we love creative, boutique hotels where design and attention to detail are at the forefront of the experience. We write guides to some of the best boutique hotels in the world, and the most hip hotels we can find. They’re cool hotels that attract creative people and are the opposite of bland, boring hotel rooms. We favour independents over chains, but there are some creative, unique hotel chains that we do enjoy from time to time. And we prioritise the experience over the price, featuring both budget and luxury styles. These are the kinds of places that make your vacation just that little bit more special. See some of our favouirtes in our guides to London’s most hip hotels and the best boutique hotels in Palm Springs. We also have guides to the best AirBnBs and the best glamping sites.
Domo Hotel Boutique is a standout newcomer to Nosara’s hotel scene, beautifully transforming an older, landmark property into a stunning, Moroccan-inspired boutique hotel. From the moment we stepped in, we were struck by its meticulous design and sophisticated charm. Though it could easily pass as an adults-only retreat, our kids were warmly welcomed, and the … Read more
Hotel Wagnerhof and its sister property Wagners Aparthotel on Lake Achensee describe themselves as a “wellness hotel where couples feel just as comfortable as families”. A description like that couldn’t be more on brand for what we look for at Bridges and Balloons. But did the reality live up to the promise? The short answer … Read more
What’s the best type of accommodation for staying with a baby? Some will swear by family hotels, others by self-catering apartments. We’ve tried them all, from baby-friendly hotels to Airbnbs and doing home exchanges around the world. They all have pros and cons, and the best will depend on what you’re looking for personally. Here … Read more
Savannah is one of our favourite American cities – full of charm and with a creative thread that weaves through its streets, filled with galleries, shops and restaurants. It’s home to one of the country’s top art schools, after all. Savannah is such a family-friendly destination that we’ve written a full post on things to … Read more
I’m clearly biased, but I reckon Bristol is one of the best weekend getaways in the UK. From the grandeur of its Georgian terraces and the suspension bridge, to its creative vibes and famous street art, there’s no end of things to discover in Bristol. Add to that some of the best restaurants in the … Read more
York is a place that embraces its history with gusto, so lodgings tend to be more on the traditional end of the scale – but that isn’t to say they aren’t stylish. This is our pick of the most design-led, boutique hotels in York, England. All have an emphasis on style, be that contemporary or … Read more
Cornwall is the perfect destination for a UK family staycation, feeling just as special as further flung destinations, but without the cost and added bother of a flight. In fact, driving along the rugged Cornwall coast reminds me of Big Sur and our gorgeous California road trip. For places to stay in Cornwall, there are … Read more
I always thought you had to sacrifice style when opting for a family hotel, but since having Otis, I’ve been repeatedly proven wrong – and never more so than when visiting Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall. Every detail of the hotel exudes style, comfort and ease, which are my top three ingredients for a luxury … Read more
San Francisco is one of my favourite cities in the world – a progressive hotspot, rich in counterculture, arts and beauty. It’s a city that gives birth to creativity of every kind, and makes for an intoxicating place to visit. Historically, it has lacked creative hotels, but is now hot on the heels of Portland, … Read more
Uncover the best places to stay in Japan, whether you’re looking for a stylish splurge or something a little more budget-friendly, in this round-up of the best hotels in Japan (according to real travellers). Japan is one of the most wildly creative places in the world, famed for its futuristic, kitsch design as well as … Read more