Category: Staying

This small and simple three-star boutique hotel is a rare find in Venice: well-located, near most of the city’s attractions (a 10-minute walk) and has lovely gardens and a patio, an almost impossible find at hotels in town. Do not expect an upscale stay, as everything about the Sant’Antoni is simple but pretty. The friendly reception staff will welcome you straight into the hotels hallmark,… Read more »

The Ai Realli is well located in a tiny square on a quiet street, something of a rarity in busy Venice. It is near the Rialto and just a 5-minute walk to San Marco. The property’s style is typical Venetian, with gilded chandeliers, metallic moldings and depictions of celestial elements. Contrary to a good amount of hotels in town, Ai Reali has used of good… Read more »

Right by one of Venice’s most photographed canals, The Splendid is on a busy corner of the town center and a short walk to most of the city’s popular attractions. Considering the property is located in the oldest and most demanded part of town, do expect busy days around the hotel. Evenings are a lot more peaceful and you will be strategically located to explore… Read more »

Should you be willing to enjoy a quieter side of Venice whilst making the most of the city, the Palazzo Veneziano could be a good option. It is located in Dorsoduro, an area away from the epicenter of the city’s attractions, but still close enough: a 20-minute walk to Piazza San Marco or the Rialto, and close to restaurants and shops in San Polo and… Read more »

The Orient inspired boutique Novecento, off a busy central street, is quite a change from what you usually get in terms of style in Venice. And this is not its only attraction: the extremely attentive and courteous staff, led by the family who own the hotel, make you feel like a cherished guest. A smart décor and cozy atmosphere add to the allure, as well… Read more »

If you are looking to experience the typical brocade-and-chandelier Venetian Palazzo and stay as central as possible to the city’s main attractions without paying a small fortune, the Cavalieri might be a good alternative. It is a 5-minute walk from Piazza San Marco and equal distance to Rialto. The hotel has its own small private dock, quite convenient for arrivals with bags. The elegant venue… Read more »

If you want to experience “another side” of Venice and still be within 15 minutes of  Piazza San Marco, the Ca Pisani might be a good choice. Located in a peaceful area in Dorsoduro on the other side of the canal, you will be close to the Accademia and art galleries, to Santa Maria Salute Basilica, and will enjoy a quieter Venetian lifestyle. This hotel… Read more »

One of the best places to stay in Venice, Palazzo Barocci provides a tranquil but upscale stay in close proximity to most attractions. The waterside property is located in a calmer part of town, with charming streets at its backdoors, and is a 10 to 15-minute walk to busy Rialto or Piazza San Marco. The converted palace is a respite from the tired classical old… Read more »

The Bauer, as it is known, is full of grandeur. The canal side property is a lovely classic Venetian building adorned with crystals and marble, well worth admiring, and the grand style is complemented by modern facilities in the adjacent annex. We loved the size of the rooms, particularly considering we stayed at a standard one, and the hotel’s service is flawless. The delicious breakfast… Read more »

The Londra Palace is a luxury property that seems to compete with other grand dames in Venice, such as the Gritti or the Bauer. The classical style is meticulously maintained not only in its common areas but also in the large rooms, with high quality carpets, upholstery and wall fabrics in blue, red and gold tones. Deluxe decorative pillows and crystal chandeliers add to the… Read more »

The Memmo is nowadays considered one of the trendiest hotels in Lisbon, and we could see why! Located in the Principe Real neighborhood, which has become the in vogue area, its pool and bar have great views to the city’s iconic rooftops and attract non-guests as well, specially late afternoon when you can find DJs playing some days of the week. A small reception and… Read more »

Walking distance to St George’s Castle this hotel is perfectly located in the oldest historic district of Lisbon, Alfama. Ideally suited to explore parts of the old city on foot, it is situated in the street where Christopher Columbus was married and where the Portuguese Way of the Caminho de Santiago de Compostela starts, but there are no pilgrims in sight. An old 15th Century… Read more »

A perfect choice if you want to stay in the Belém region, close to the Jeronimos Monastery and Belém Tower. The estate is an old palace, as the name infers, that used to be the residence of the governors of the Belém Tower. It has been beautifully renovated to offer a very comfortable stay in a smartly decorated setting. We loved the blue shades in… Read more »

Ideally located within walking distance to the medieval and historical city, the recently renovated Bellevue is atop cliffs with tremendous views over a small bay. One of our most cherished aspects of staying at the Bellevue was its small private beach. With pristine waters and a rocky cove (sea coves are beloved by Croatians), you can spend your days sunbathing and swimming during peak sun… Read more »

This Villa has become a traditional hotel in Dubrovnik, attracting a faithful clientele looking for a comfortable stay in a perfect location by the city’s Old Town. It is housed on an oceanfront property with stunning views, not only of the ocean but also of the historical and medieval town walls and harbor. From many of its rooms you will be able to enjoy the… Read more »

The upscale Hotel Excelsior, one of our preferred properties in Dubrovnik, is conveniently located within walking distance to the ancient Old Town, the iconic views of which can be seen from the hotel. Recently renovated, the hotel offers a modern and luxurious casual chic style. Rooms are very comfortable and cozy, in wooden themes with light shades, utterly relaxing, some with expansive views of the… Read more »

Get ready for a very good time under the sun in case you choose this large resort style hotel for your stay in Dubrovnik. Set on a small cliff, the exterior views show rooms cascading down into the sea, and as expected the scenery from the bedroom windows is absolutely spectacular. In fact, the ocean views from this recently renovated hotel are magnificent throughout. Rooms… Read more »

This brand new property is quite fresh in the Lisbon hotel scene and will likely live up to your expectations, in case you choose to stay close to Cais do Sodre. The convenient location is perfect to explore the city, as well as to make the most of its nightlife, trendy bars and restaurants. In our very recent stay we loved the complimentary walking tour… Read more »

Centrally located and right in the middle of luxurious Avenida Liberdade, the upscale Hotel Valverde is an excellent boutique option in the region. Classic yet contemporary, its 19th century façade opens to a beautifully designed interior, with a tasteful and harmoniously discreet décor that blends neutral and vibrant tones, dark walls and light fabrics, art objects and antique pieces. The comfortable rooms differ in size,… Read more »

A trip to Mykonos can get quite expensive, so if you are looking for a less extravagant stay, we recommend the Bay Resorts and Villas. Situated on a lovely rather unsung beach, it is perfect for some respite from other popular and crowded beaches on the island. The hotel is very close to the city center, an attractive attribute for the convenient enjoyment of the… Read more »