Colmar is one of those places where the accommodation can be almost as memorable as the destination itself. Located in France’s Alsace region, the town is known for colourful half-timbered houses, flower-filled canals, cobbled lanes and neighbourhoods that look remarkably well preserved. For first-time visitors, however, choosing a hotel can be surprisingly complicated. Should you […]

Giethoorn is often described as the “Dutch Venice,” but that comparison only tells part of the story. The village is known for its canals, small bridges, thatched-roof houses, gardens and unusually peaceful atmosphere. Instead of busy city streets, much of the historic village is experienced on foot, by bicycle or from the water. That makes […]

Ronda is one of those Spanish destinations where the landscape does much of the work. Perched dramatically above the El Tajo gorge in Andalusia, the town combines whitewashed buildings, historic streets, mountain scenery and one of Spain’s most recognisable stone bridges. But Ronda isn’t simply somewhere to visit, photograph the famous gorge and continue driving […]

Berat is one of Albania’s most distinctive destinations, with white Ottoman-era houses climbing the hillsides above the Osum River. Known for its historic quarters, stone streets, castle and layered architectural heritage, the city offers something increasingly difficult to find in Europe: a destination where you can still experience remarkable history and character without needing a […]

Mostar is a destination where choosing the right hotel can completely change your experience. The city is famous for its historic Old Bridge, Ottoman-era architecture and the emerald-green Neretva River, but its appeal extends well beyond the handful of streets surrounding the bridge. For some travellers, the ideal stay means waking up within the historic […]

Sintra is one of Portugal’s most atmospheric destinations. Set among wooded hills close to Lisbon, the town is known for colourful palaces, historic estates, misty gardens and narrow streets that climb through the landscape. It is easy to understand why so many travellers put Sintra on their Portugal itinerary. What is less obvious is where […]

Alberobello is one of those rare Italian destinations where the accommodation can become part of the reason for travelling there. The town is famous for its trulli, traditional dry-stone buildings with conical roofs that create an almost storybook landscape. That creates an interesting hotel problem. In most destinations, travellers simply compare hotels by location, room […]