Recommondations and reviews of hotels that are worth sleeping in;

Rathbone Hotel, London, UK: Calling themselves boutique is a bit of an overstatement. However given the location (my old stomping ground - just up from SOHO) it's a score at the price, plus it is clean, neat hotel which is a lot more than most in this part of town. Advice is to eat breakfast and the charlotte street hotel around the corner. Approx. €120. Go to website....

AC Bellavista, Girona, Spain: Loved this place – lounged about outside while my brother slaved away behind his computer ;-) The city is cute and about 15 minute steep walk – the view was gorgeous, the rooms comfortable and well designed – and loved the details. If they only had a gym or a pool on their deck it would be perfect, but as is they come pretty close. Approx. €100. Go to website....

Ripa Hotel. Rome, Italy: I love this hotel, have stayed there twice now. I can see why it might get a bad rap with some tourists, but I am willing to put up with the scuffs on the wall and a bad paint job here and there for the contemporary, modern, friendly vibe. Yes I know the view is terrible, and the location not that great, but it is in Trastevere one of the best areas of Rome with lots of great places to eat and drink. Only a hop skip and a jump away from all other great landmarks. (Plus, they also have drinkable coffee. Approx. €90 Go to website....

Las Brisas. Acapulco, Mexico: Gorgeous hotel, this is also the spot where I took the most photos of the trip as the views were amazing. They were so nice as to upgrade me so I had my own little villa with my own little pool (I say little but of course the villa was as big as my apartment back home). Fab beach club, with numerous pools, ocean or private sunning spots. The downside is that you are slightly dependent on their transport. Approx. $150 Go to website....

El Hotelito. Acapulco, Mexico: A very sweet little hotel, I loved the décor and the staff were really helpful and friendly – was just a few steps from the beach and round the corner from starbucks (for that wake up frappacino) and walmart – like a mini-america. And the price in comparison to the ghastly high-rises everywhere else was also great. Approx. $120 Go to website....

Casa Los Arquitos. Oaxaca, Mexico: Juan & Patricia were the perfect hosts and made me feel right at home. It is a bit of a quieter part of town which was perfect. I loved the décor as it really made you feel like you were staying in an authentic Mexican casa, and with the bedroom with adjoining lounge I felt I really had the space and the opportunity to relax when needed. Approx. $80. Go to website....

Caol Ishka. Syracuse, Sicily: This boutique hotel is just outside of Syracuse, located just off the beaten track its nice and quite. However, you do need a car. It's one of the few hotels thats really up to European standards and will make you feel right at home. Approx. €120 Go to website....

Hotel Juliana, Malta, gorgeous affordable boutique hotel, fabulous location. Has all the things I like in a hotel; good service, yummy breakfast, good restaurants, and relaxing bath. Bummer did not get to try the roof top pool thats open in the summer, but does mean I need to go back one day! Approx. €130. Website....

L'Approdo della Serene. Syracuse, Sicily: A styllish little B&B near the porta Marina, the rooms light and airy and comfortable. Breakfast is served out on the roof top terrace where you have great views of the post building and the marina. Aprrox: €110. Go to website.....

La Dolce Vite. Milan, Italy: A few rooms for rent in a lovely home in Milan, the rooms light and comfortable. Breakfast is served daily in the dining room or in better weather outside in the gorgeous garden, cats, dog and family are all super friendly and make you feel right at home. From: €80. Go to website.....

Hotel Sant' Andrea. Almalfi, Italy: Over looking the duomo, it really isn't super special. But it is nice, clean and with an amazing view and an even better price. Appox: €60. tel: 089 871145

 

 

Amirandes. Crete, Greece: 4* quality for the price of a 5*, fairly disappointing. The photos and the architecture make look amazing, however when stuck in a cramped room with things falling apart, kept awake as nothing is very sound proof - you get a somewhat different image. The staff were great but the management were a bit blasé and had little respect for your privacy or sleep – hence the filming and parties that went on all night. If you want to be a spa resort – get a decent gym, 4 machines just don't cut it. Would recommend it to those that rarely travel. €€€€€ Go to website....