Comfortable and Cool Hotels Around the World

Every now and then you may fancy a retreat from busy hostels but feel that a hotel is not within your budget on your big round the world trip. Not so, you can find some cool yet affordable hotels to experience a little luxury on a small price here are a sample selection:

Istanbul

Looking for a chic stylish Istanbul hotel to fit your thrifty travel budget? Never fear, the economical Apex Hotel in Sultanahmet has comfortable air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, mini-bars, electric kettles and a self-catering kitchen. Enjoy free a traditional Turkish breakfast on the rooftop terrace overlooking Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is steps away and the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are nearby.

Florence

Hoping to soak up that warm Tuscan ambience while in Florence? Then consider off-the-beaten-path accommodations like the Hotel Benvenuti that ooze Italian charm. Cheery air-conditioned rooms have big windows, flat-screen satellite TVs and Wi-Fi. The bar/lounge area serves drinks and meals and a 15-minute walk to the city center takes you past Liberty Park, Medici Chapel and Basilica of San Lorenzo.

Brazil

Exploring Rio de Janeiro’s gardens, museums, markets and natural attractions like Sugarloaf Mountain sends visitors in many different directions, so the centrally located Aeroporto Othon Travel – Downtown is a wise choice. Near the airport, the standard and deluxe rooms have air-conditioning, Internet, satellite TV and telephone with voice mail. Enjoy a free breakfast buffet every morning and room service in the evening.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam attracts people who love to party, and cool hotels like The Greenhouse Effect embrace this dynamic. Situated above a coffee shop/disco/dance club on the edge of the Red Light District, they offer eclectic, clean rooms with ensuite bathrooms, strong Wi-Fi and no restrictive curfew. Free breakfast is served in the Café and self-catering facilities are available. Nearby is Oude Kerk, the oldest church in Amsterdam, and the train station is a five-minute walk.

Barcelona

Heard that accommodations on Barcelona’s coastline are outrageously expensive?  That was true until the Barcelona D-Guesthouse opened. This renovated 1850’s neoclassical building offers affordable accommodations with private bathrooms, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. Downstairs there’s a food market and the rooms have fridges, microwaves, dishes and cutlery. Barcelona Harbor is across the boulevard and the grand Liceu Opera House, Palau Güell Mansion and the Ciutadella Park Zoo are in walking distance.

London

Guests at the Staunton Hotel are treated to authentic British elegance without the hefty price tag! The renovated Georgian townhouse has beautifully decorated rooms with mini-bars, satellite TVs, Internet and electronic security systems. Enjoy free English breakfast and use the ensuite coffee/tea station for refreshments. Oxford Street and the Soho District are nearby and a short ride takes you to the British National Museum and London’s financial district.

New York

All those NYC landmarks on visitors’ “Must See” list like Times Square, Broadway and the Rockefeller Center are all in walking distance from the Sohotel, a budget-friendly Manhattan boutique hotel with a stylish lobby and clean, air-conditioned rooms with comfy beds and private bathrooms.

Miami

Of the 800 historic buildings in art deco section of Miami Beach, the landmark Ocean Surf hotel stands as a fine example. Built in 1940, the shoreline rooms have porthole windows and balconies. Ask for a walking map at the tour desk or ride the trolley to South Miami Beach for dazzling nightlife. One this is for sure, you won’t run out of adventurous things to do in Miami. Continental breakfast is free and reception is open 24/7.

Venice

Ever dreamed of staying in an 18^th century Venetian Palace? Well, the Hotel Tre Archi is located entirely within a picturesque palace facing the Ponte dei Tre Archi Bridge on the Canale de Cannaregio. Affordable air-conditioned rooms have private bathrooms, mini-bars, satellite TVs and complimentary breakfast is served in the interior garden. The vaparetto (water taxi) stop is right outside and the Cannaregio railway station is nearby.

Paris

Although on a quiet street, the Hotel Opera Vivaldi is just around the corner from Paris’ grand boulevards. Rooms with private bathrooms have Wi-Fi and breakfast is available in the coffee shop. Walk to the Opera Garnier, Galleries Lafayette and Haussman Boulevard or take the metro to the Champs-Élysées to peruse luxury shops, grab some Lido Cabaret tickets, venture to the cafes and cinemas. Paris is heaven for a weekend.