Where to stay

Florence is the favourite city of many, loved for its art, architecture, cuisine, and history. Unusually for such a popular destination, the big hotel chains haven’t made huge inroads here; the Florentine accommodation scene includes numerous converted palazzo and historic villas, townhouse hotels, and other independently run conversions. There’s plenty of accommodation close to the historic centre of Florence, but it’s worth considering some of our alternative recommendations too.

One of Tokyo’s appeals are the city’s contradictions, how can a city be both so historic and traditional, and yet so contemporary? And the type of accommodation you can find in Tokyo really reflects this, from historic, family-owned ryokans, to luxurious contemporary skyscrapers, quirkily elegant boutique hotels and chic business hotels. And then there’s Tokyo’s neighbourhoods to navigate. Our guide will certainly help with this...

The Hotel Guru’s guide to Crete’s towns and villages will help you match your travel plans with where to stay. Whether you want to explore Crete’s history in Heraklion, stay in charming old Chania, or head for a beach resort. Check availability and book online.

Old Charleston still has it!  This historic city is one of the south’s most graceful, with its gorgeous architecture, waterside setting, and rich and lively culture.  Charleston isn’t like other cities, it feels as if it’s from another time, where graciousness and care went into things, so food often comes beautifully presented, museums and galleries and imbued with southern hospitality...

Montréal is well known for being the meeting place of old and new. Regularly referred to as Canada’s cultural capital, Montréal is rich in both historic treasures and in contemporary prizes...

Bright, effervescent and often quite thrilling, it’s easy to argue that Las Vegas is the world’s capital of hedonism. It can be all that and more, but it can also be a great place to spend time with your family and friends, seeing the desert, the Grand Canyon, and enjoying some of the crazy sights of Las Vegas...

Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in South America, a destination of historic sights on elegant boulevards; cosmopolitan eateries; invitingly lively wine bars; colourful street markets; and opportunities to dance until dawn. Old but vibrant, Buenos Aires has plenty of neighbourhoods with personality...

The Hotel Guru’s guide to the neighbourhoods of São Paulo, from luxurious Jardins, to foodie-favourite Pinheiros, arty Vila Madalena, and Republica in the Centro Historic...

Discover the best neighbourhoods in London. In our detailed guide we’ll help you find the right area, whether you're here to enjoy the museums? the landmarks, the shopping, the nightlife, live theatre, to explore this great city with your family, or if you're here for a wonderful combination of everything!

The Hotel Guru’s guide to the towns and villages of the Cotswolds, from Burford with its pretty high street; to Chipping Campden, birthplace of the Arts and Crafts movement; and historic Cirencester. Check availability and book online.

The Hotel Guru’s guide to Santa Barbara, from classic beach stays like West Beach, East Beach, Carpinteria or upmarket Montecito; to hip, arty Downtown or Lower State...

Zermatt is compact and car-free, so wherever you choose to stay you’ll be relatively close to everything else, but it’s still worth comparing each nieghbourhood's atmosphere.

Memphis is synonymous with music and music history, but it’s a fantastic destination for nightlife generally, for eating and drinking, and rich cultural experiences. There's a great array of accommodation that stretches wider than just the central, more touristy pockets. Use our neighbourhood guide to plan your visit...

If you’re into bluegrass or folk music, or invigorated by spectacular mountain scenery, Asheville, North Carolina, might be worth considering for a city break. The mountains are the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, beloved by photographers, hikers, trail bikers and riders, and white water fans...

The Hawaiian group have long been the stuff of paradise island dreaming. These islands are honeymoon heaven, while also being known for world class surfing, spectacular scenery, and the promise of both tranquility and adventure. And of course there is a vast array of accommodation!

Sydney is blessed with not only great sights, but also a plethora of fantastic bars and restaurants as well as some fabulous beaches. But the real dilemma is where to stay! Our neighbourhood guide to Sydney outlines all the top areas and will help you choose the right one for your trip...

Seoul is known for being a hip and glittering metropolis of good times, but as well as being incredibly cool, Seoul is a destination with a rich cultural history that it welcomes you to explore.  Seoul’s neighbourhoods are as varied as your reasons for visiting: whether you’re on the hunt for Gangnam style; ancient treasures in Insadong or Bukchon Hanok Village; a musical good time in Hongdae, or shopping paradise in Myeongdong. 

Bangkok has many facets: the ancient temples and palaces; the world renowned shopping - both market and mall; the food… and then it’s all topped off with the wonderful activity of the streets and the genuine friendliness of the people. This is a city to lose yourself in, and find yourself in, and as long as you know where you’re staying you’re just a tuk-tuk ride from a nap and a change of clothes. So you can get on out there again and keep exploring.

At around 80kms long, Maui island might be larger than you’re imagining. It’s divided into five regions, which are much larger than a neighbourhood; they all have several cities, resort towns and villages within them...

A true convergence of European, Creole and African influences, New Orleans can be quickly summed up with the combined image of French elegance, Southern charm, jazz parties and terrific cuisine, and some neighbourhoods are more about one facet than the others.

Seattle is known for being a collection of very different neighbourhoods, as much as a city, so our guide to the best neighbourhoods to stay in in Seattle is packed with useful tips about what you’ll find where, aimed at helping you choose where to stay in Seattle. Whether you’re here to gorge at Pike Place Market, see the sights of Capitol Hill or drink coffee in Fremont or Ballard, we can match you up.