Hotels - Page 72.

The historic Pera Palace Hotel held its opening ball in 1895. Its clientele often arrived on the Orient Express train and, over the years, the hotel hosted such luminaries as Atatürk, Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway and Greta Garbo. Recently, it has undergone a full restoration and has re-opened its doors …

This traditional Indonesian Phinisi ship is the first of its kind to offer cruises for up to 10 passengers. These ships were first built by the Konjo tribe in the 17th Century and have been in continuous use ever since. For the most part, they have been used for trading …

This Norwegian hotel was opened in 1891 to cater to the crème-de-la-crème of European society. Over the years it hosted Queen Wilhelmina of Holland, Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, King Oscar II, Queen Maud, and King Haakon VII. In 1989 the hotel was restored to its former glory after years …

On the Niyama resort website, they talk about their hotel having “Epicurean Delights” – what does this mean? Well Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who advocated community living and friendship. He was particularly interested in maximizing pleasure and kicking pain in the ass. But that is not to say that …

This hotel loves nature. They like to make olive oil from their own trees - in fact; you can get involved and learn the ancient art of extracting the rejuvenating and delicious oil yourself. Then you can bake your own bread using the special herbs that grow nearby and learn …

Ålesund is a seaport in Norway and is home to a large concentration of Art Nouveau Architecture – an ostentatious style that utilizes sweeping organic forms and a harmony of shape popular in Europe in the early 20th Century. The town makes for a unique visit. But hang on; what …

These futuristic eco pods nestle in the Alps creating a little igloo village. Your pod is made out of insulating fiber and has a wood-burner for comfort. There is an en-suite bathroom and super luxurious bedding. Whitepod is part of the eco-tourism movement and aims to be carbon neutral. Each …

Situated in a historic trading building – part of the Bryggen world heritage site – the Hanseatiske Hotel is a place where you can step back in time. In its long history the house has been a workplace, residence, warehouse, and restaurant. This 17th Century house has original features preserved …

This was originally the home of a Turkish ‘pasha’ or high ranking military officer. In the 19th Century, it became home to a Swedish and American ‘colony’ who were all members of the ‘Christian Utopia Society’. The colony lived a communal lifestyle and engaged in philanthropic work for all the …

Shanghai is the center of commerce for Asia. It is rapidly expanding like China’s economy and is home to a staggering 21 million people. It is home to many architectural oddities and unique buildings but this is the only 24-story swimming pool with a glass-bottom I have ever seen. The …

A very stylish art hotel in Rome. Located halfway between the Ostiense and Testaccio neighborhoods near to traditional restaurants, shops, and bars abuzz with clientele. Every lamp, application, and decoration is a unique design piece created by a contemporary Roman artist. Unique and expressive artworks transform the walls to create …

The bright chalk cliffs of Beachy Head rise 162 meters above sea level and create a dramatic setting for this hotel with a difference. Petitions were first made to build a lighthouse in the location in 1691 due to a large number of shipwrecks on this dramatic coastline. The Belle …

This fortified village on the Spanish/Portugal border has seen its fair share of action over the last millennium. Conquered and occupied by everyone from the Romans to the Moors the castle lies in ruins. The old village remains in good condition and is an amazing place to visit. When you …

This Glen Ellen inn was built in the 1800s by businessman, Albert Ebenezer Gaige. There was a butcher’s shop below and living quarters above. At some point in the intervening century, the house began to be used as an inn and remains so to this day. A Spa was added …

Created in the 1960s as a vision of future living, these quirky concrete cottages are certainly unusual. The buildings are examples of the “concrete veil” style of architecture that sought to create cheap, functional, and aesthetic houses. The idea was to build a future utopian society. Today the area is …

Brighton is one of Britain’s coolest towns where a combination of wealth, music, and fringe culture merges to create a colorful melee. The Art Hotel is at the center of all that. Whether you want to hang out with the vegans, dance with the gays, or nod with the Hip …

This hotel is built into the historic San Pedro bullring which was constructed in the 19th Century and saw its last bullfight in 1975. The lobby, the restaurant are all built into the original colonial design. Your room overlooks the main plaza where the smell of warm stone and moss …

Self-catering holidays in England. Not the most attractive proposition is it? You’re probably thinking of rainy campsites and the horrors to be endured in the communal shower block. But there are some amazing experiences to be had if you know where to look. Take, for example, “Quirky Holidays” in Cornwall, …

This hotel uses innovative design to create a luxurious and peaceful space despite the din of downtown Bangkok. The “extra radiance rooms” let in oceans of natural light while keeping your privacy. The full spectrum suits have showers in the middle of the rooms while other quirks of the design …

At first glance, it looks like this hotel is a victim of flooding – half submerged in Lake Mälaren. The foundations, driven into the lake bed, have been made to look as if they are the ground floor of a house, creating a cunning illusion. You are delivered to this …