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So, I’m not the world’s most frequent traveler but I can honestly say that this is one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in. Ranked #1 of 56 hotels in Zihuatanejo, it is the ideal location for a relaxed read-by-the-pool kind of vacation. With 24 suites and two pools (one freshwater, one salt), this hotel features excellent service and privacy…which means it’s actually quiet. Maybe it’s geared more towards a romantic getaway type of place than go-crazy-and-socialize-with-other-guests, but man, I have to say it was so freaking nice just to have a beautiful view and really good Mexican food…plus anytime you want anything there’s someone there to get it for you.

La Casa Que Canta is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

$335.00 and up,
Book it here.
(Also: It’s always a good idea to check out reviews on tripadvisor before you plunk down money on a hotel somewhere. For this hotel’s review on tripadvisor go here.)

Right in the middle of San Francisco’s thriving Japantown, you’ll find Hotel Tomo which has been recently renovated and inspired by Japanese pop-culture. And yes, you read that right- it is apart of Best Western Hotel chain…somehow makes the future seem more promising, doesn’t it?

From the wall of televisions in our lobby to anime murals and glow-in-the-dark desk blotters in each guest room, this is a San Francisco experience like no other. The Best Western Hotel Tomo has 125 guestrooms in an eight-story building. Guestrooms at the Best Western Hotel Tomo are not only roomy, cheerful and comfortable; they are J-pop works of art. Each room has its own identity through anime-style wall paintings and views of the city.

anime murals by Heisuke Kitazawa

[via Been-Seen.com]

Holy. These pictures look more like an excellent luxury home than hotel suites, but I guess that’s the point.
The top suites (pictured above) are each inspired by four different “illustrious” guests, which hints at some serious airs of extravagance. So, if somehow you still have some money to burn, you can keep this on your short list of places to stay in Zurich.

The Dolder Grand: After a construction phase lasting four years, Zurich celebrates the return of one of its most prominent landmarks. The original “Curhaus” (health spa), built in 1899, has been transformed into a luxury-class city resort. In the process, the hotel’s glittering past and vibrant future have been fused together, as reflected in the architecture by Foster and Partners, the interior design by United Designers and the spa concept by Sylvia Sepielli.

Rooms start at around €333.33 (for Single Room Superior, not the Top Suites pictured above).

[via thecoolhunter]

Danielle over at the style files has a great design guide on Amsterdam. She has put together lists of where to stay, eat, shop, and other things to see while you’re there. I love it when people take the time to do nice stuff like that.

Check it out- you can book a room in this nicely appointed beach house for around $300. Not so bad.

Set into sage-coloured scrub that rolls back from the surf at Prevelly on WA’s south-west coast, Ron Roozen’s home is a dedication to surfing, the elements and the enviable Margaret River lifestyle.
This architecturally award winning beach house was designed by prominent Sydney-based architect, Dale Jones-Evans.
As you descend into the house you will be drawn into a cinemascopic journey that flaunts unsurpassed 180 degree ocean views of the Indian Ocean from every room.
The iconic holiday home of local artist and surfer, Ron Roozen is now available to discerning travellers offering a spacious hip alternative to the normal run of the mill establishments. Minimalistic in design and stylishly appointed, the residence exemplifies the region’s most sought after accommodation.
Every detail has been factored in – a pantry service, your own personal chef, daily servicing (if required) and wine touring can be arranged.

Room rate: from A$400 ($295)

[via Wallpaper]

If you ever find yourself in Louisville, Kentucky, and need a place to rest your head, there’s a luxury hotel that also happens to house a $10 million art collection. So, in addition to the regular fare of sleep + food, you also have the option of absorbing some worthwhile art to memory. Respectable idea, no?

ProTraveller recently did a nice roundup of 10 hotels with particularly minimalist aesthetic decor…worth taking a look if you get a chance.

[posted by katie]

Thoughts of the impending hot weather has me falling in love with monochromatic interiors, or maybe just knowing this place is in Iceland helps…who knows.

Yes, please.

“The Mayan Riviera, long visited for stunning archaeological ruins and scuba diving, now has the ultimate destination for relaxation. Deseo, in Playa del Carmen, maintains the charm of old fishing villages along the Caribbean coast, yet in the smoothest of transitions, offers the best of today’s lifestyle. Open-air lounges, seabreeze and succulent dishes can be enjoyed in a purely refined atmosphere. The cocktails let alone the sounds of the best DJ’s from around the world will intoxicate you into a soothing state of mind.”

New Wallpaper City Guides (listed below) with 10 additional cities due for Fall 2008.

AUCKLAND * BUDAPEST * CAIRO * CHICAGO * HANOI *LAS VEGAS * MELBOURNE * MUNICH * VALENCIA * WARSAW

“Pocket-sized insider guides compiled by the travel experts at Wallpaper* magazine. Tabbed listings offer landmarks, hotels, what to do in 24 hours, urban life, architectural highlights, shopping, sports and escapes.”

MadeInEarnest has their new Buenos Aires City guide out. As expected, there’s lots of links and recommendations for places to stay and eat, which are super helpful to have if you’re planning a visit.

Thanks MadeInEarnest!

Man, if there was somewhere just like this that charged, say, maybe one third of what this one does, I’d be a happy traveler.

“Pousada Maravilha is the first pousada to offer comfort and luxury still unknown in a forgotten island in the Atlantic. Pousada Maravilha operates in accordance with strict principals of environmental preservation, in perfect harmony with nature. The architecture of Pousada Maravilha is neither imposing nor aggressive towards its surroundings; it mingles with the geography of the island. The Pousada offers only eight bungalows.The eight bungalows are scattered along the privileged terrain and are the only accommodation on the island that face the ocean. Each bungalow belongs exclusively to the guest who occupies it and it is isolated enough to provide privacy and peace. Pousada Maravilha is totally integrated to the culture of environment preservation that guides dwellers to Noronha. It is a great choice for those who wish to dive in the rich ecosystem or those who simply want to retire from the world and rest in paradise.”

[images via kiwicollection.com]

This is my kind of luxury hotel- take a look at the eclectic mix of furnishings. And don’t lose hope if the price per night seems a bit out of reach…sometimes you can get a ‘last minute’ rate (just call to check).

“Soho House New York is a private members’ club and boutique hotel located in Manhattan’s fashionable Meatpacking District. Built over five floors of an old warehouse the house features many spacious areas and amenities for guests to enjoy whilst staying, including a Cowshed spa, sprawling lounge area, games room, restaurant and bar. The rooftop pool has views over the West Village and the Hudson River and guests can lie in loungers or sit at tables for drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, weather permitting.”

[via kiwicollection]

Lazing around here with nothing but books to read on the beach looks like it would be the perfect vacation.

“Divided into 26 suite/studio cabins, the complex avoids the monolithic hotel-complex look, scattering discreet buildings in lush vegetation. Each cabin consists of a suite space on the ground floor and a studio upstairs, complete with ocean view…”

[via designhotels.com]

Rooms starting at 10,800.00 THB (= $342.019)