Hlemmur Square
When traveling throughout Europe on a budget, you normally have to make a choice between a hostel and a hotel. At Hlemmur Square, you don't have to choose. This stylish spot offers modern hostel accommodations in a variety of configurations, as well as 17 upscale hotel rooms, giving you the best of both worlds. Most of the rooms offer private balconies with killer views of the city, while inside, you'll find a restaurant and bar, a playroom for both children and adults, and live music in the lobby. And should you want some fresh air, the Icelandic horses out front are ready to take you on an old-fashioned carriage ride.
The Beer Moth
Despite the name, this isn't some cleverly-monikered hipster bar. Instead, The Beer Moth is a unique accommodation in the Scottish countryside. A former fire service truck, this two-person "room" is built in the bed of the truck, and features an oak parquet floor from a Tudor mansion, a hearth made from a salvaged snooker table slate, a Victorian double bed, a fire escape staircase, an old cottage door, a fabric roof, and a side wall that folds down to offer grand views of the surrounding natural beauty. Just don't get too rowdy, lest your bed — indeed, your whole room — roll away.
Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa
Some resorts offer a few suites alongside their standard rooms. Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa offers nothing but suites. 59 of them, to be exact, along with one penthouse — but no matter which one you pick, you're assured ocean views, a large balcony, and luxurious furnishings. Of course, no high-end island resort is complete without an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, and the Seminyak's is joined on the grounds by the Anantara Spa, the Thai restaurant Wild Orchid, and the rooftop SOS Supper Club, which offers remarkable sunset views.
QT Sydney
Restoring a historic department store, or even a theater, doesn't sound too outlandish. Restoring both and then turning them into a hotel? That's significantly more original. And that's exactly what happened with Design Hotels' QT Sydney. Housed in the heritage-listed Gowings department store and State Theatre, the central business district hotel offers 200 guest rooms, each designed to accentuate the unique design features of the buildings' pasts, while adding in a number of sleek contemporary elements. Most rooms include an oversized tub and shower, flat panel TVs, and sexy lighting, while outside your door, you'll find the Gowings Bar & Grill, the spaQ, a lively lobby that's connected to a café and wine bar, and the Gilt Lounge for late-night entertainment — so there's basically no reason to leave if you don't want to.
Gearhart Ocean Inn
You don't need to go to a huge, fancy resort to have a good time near the beach. The Gearhart Ocean Inn puts you steps from the Pacific, while offering all the comforts of home. This New England-style property offers 12 attached cottages — built in 1941 but substantially updated — that feature kitchens, sofas, Italian Carrara marble showers with rain head showers, and gas fireplaces or Franklin stoves. Nearby are plenty of golf courses, public tennis courts, shopping and dining options, and, of course, 20 miles of pristine beach.
Palacio de Sal
Using local building materials is a common practice no matter where you are in the world, but few hotels take it as seriously as the Palacio de Sal. Situated on the Salar de Uyuni — the world's largest salt flat — this 16-room inn is built entirely of salt, including the walls, floors, ceilings, chairs, tables, beds, and sculptures. As you might imagine, the dining room is known for its salt-based meals, including meat, lamb, and specialty chicken salt; the hotel is also home to a bar and a games/recreation room.
Biras Creek Resort
Plenty of places claim to offer privacy — but Biras Creek Resort practically guarantees it. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, this secluded getaway offers 31 suites set on a 140-acre peninsula that's also home to a bird sanctuary, an outdoor pool, a spa, a restaurant and bar with terrific views from the highest point on the property, hiking trails, horseback riding, and a large dock. You also have your choice of options when it comes to water access, as the North Sound lagoon, Atlantic Ocean, and Caribbean Sea all border this unique vacation setting.
Hutton Hotel
Whether you're in town on business or for pleasure, it's hard to go wrong with the Hutton Hotel. This West End hotel offers 247 rooms and 52 suites that range from deluxe offerings to king accommodations with in-room elliptical machines and even two penthouse apartments with private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and two full bathrooms. Also on site are a small spa, lounge, and the 1808 grille, which offers globally-influenced takes on traditional Southern dishes. And don't worry if you need to bring a pet along — the hotel offers a dedicated Critter Concierge for just that kind of thing.
Kruisherenhotel
If you asked us to list places where we'd expect to find artsy, modern hotels, "inside a 15th century gothic church" probably wouldn't make the list. And that's the beauty of Kruisherenhotel. This one-of-a-kind 60-room hotel is housed inside a former Kruisheren cloister and monumental gothic church in downtown Maastricht, and boasts an interior created by Henk Vos. The lights are handled by German light installation artist Ingo Maurer, and the grounds are filled with the works of designers like Le Corbusier, Marc Newson, and Philippe Starck. Yet the stained glass windows, original "bones" of the church, and original wall and ceiling paintings are still visible in the nave, which houses a restaurant in the mezzanine, the lobby, three lounge corners in the side chapels, a library, and a bar.
The High Line Hotel
As the name suggests, The High Line Hotel sits in Chelsea just steps from its namesake. This 60-room hideaway is set inside a late-19th Century red brick Gothic building that was formerly used as a residence for a monastery — but thankfully, most of the stained-glass windows, wood floors, stairwells, and mantels were preserved, giving the place a unique sense of history. Offerings range from standards with Queen beds to the 500 sq. ft. High Line Suite with an oversized king bed, luxury bedding, a large bathroom, and one-of-a-kind vintage furniture, while the available views include High Line Park, the garden, or neighboring historic townhouses.
Casa Caleta
There's no shortage of hotel options in Puerto Vallarta — but if you're seeking something a little more private, Casa Caleta might be just what you're looking for. This grand ocean-side villa features six bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, sound system, and climate control. The top-floor Presidential suite also features dual outdoor showers and a two-person jacuzzi, while the second-floor Master offers a jacuzzi and a large private terrace. The main level also offers a living room with fireplace, a gourmet kitchen, a dining room, and a media room, while outside, you'll find an outdoor dining and kitchen area, a bar fridge, a Viking gas grill, a gas/wood-burning fireplace, a heated Infinity pool, and a waterfall hot tub, as well as an interior staircase to secured beach access. And don't worry about upkeep — there's a full staff on board for housekeeping duties, as well as a chef that will prepare breakfast and your choice of lunch or dinner. In other words, it's got all the luxuries of a resort, without all the people.
Keswick Hall at Monticello
Okay, so it's not technically at Monticello — but it's not far away, either. Located just a few miles from Thomas Jefferson's celebrated residence, Keswick Hall at Monticello is one of the premier places to stay in Central Virginia. Built in 1912 as a villa for a couple looking to recreate their recent Italian vacation, this mansion is home to 48 rooms and suites, as well as multiple restaurants and bars, a spa, a tennis and aquatics center — including a 25-meter infinity Pool — a championship golf course, and a club. With the University of Virginia, charming Charlottesville, and over 25 wineries and breweries nearby, there's plenty to keep you occupied.
