Cozy bedroom with a double bed, white linens, two pillows, simple curtain, soft lighting, and white walls.

Korakia Pensione

Unique hotels + accommodations worth planning a trip around

Sometimes, the best trips start with an amazing hotel. Whether you’re looking for a hotel in a specific destination or just a little inspiration, start with my in-depth reviews and curated lists of unique hotels, lodges, glampsites, vacation rentals, and more.

The Best Hotels, Resorts, and More in …

Cozy bedroom with ocean view, featuring a neatly made bed with white bedding and striped pillow, a wall lamp, framed artworks, and a small round table by the window overlooking the sea.

CALIFORNIA

Cozy home office with a white chair, wooden desk, potted plant, wall art, and a bookshelf. A window with wooden shutters allows soft natural light, reflecting on patterned tile flooring and a striped rug.

MALTA

Left: Plates of marbled beef, vegetables, and a grilled fish on a table in a Japanese restaurant. Right: Two people posing outside a traditional Japanese building with signs and a large lantern.

Kumano Kodo Trail

Featured Review

The Sea Ranch Lodge

Located on California’s Sonoma Coast, this historic vacation community is an artful blend of architecture and nature. Recently, the 17-room lodge re-opened to the public. Here’s our in-depth review and tour of the property.

>> Read the review

Cozy room with wood walls, bed, person reading in chair, table, fireplace, and window view.
Illustration of concentric oval lines forming a track shape

In-Depth Reviews

Featured
New Design, Menus, and More Make The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Even Better Than Before
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New Design, Menus, and More Make The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Even Better Than Before
united-states, north-america

North Lake Tahoe’s most luxurious hotel, The Ritz, just got a welcome upgrade with fresh, more modern decor, a larger bar space, and tasty updates to their menu at Manzanitas.

united-states, north-america
Want to Save on a Local Getaway? These Hotels All Give Discounts to Californian Residents
north-america, united-states
Want to Save on a Local Getaway? These Hotels All Give Discounts to Californian Residents
north-america, united-states

Here’s a running list of hotels in California that give a discount to locals and residents of the state.

north-america, united-states
This New Wine Country Hotel Is Putting Lodi, California on the Map
united-states, north-america
This New Wine Country Hotel Is Putting Lodi, California on the Map
united-states, north-america

One of California’s newest wine country hotels is in an unexpected corner of the state—Lodi. But with beautiful gardens, a peaceful spa, and knock-out food, Appellation Lodi is reason enough to book a trip to the town.

united-states, north-america
6 Beautiful Boutique Hotels to Book in Healdsburg, California
united-states, north-america
6 Beautiful Boutique Hotels to Book in Healdsburg, California
united-states, north-america

I absolutely love the boutique hotel scene in Healdsburg, California. Here’s where I’d recommend staying on your next trip to this charming small town in Sonoma.

united-states, north-america
I Spent the Night at Napa’s Most Scenic Hotel—Here’s What It’s Actually Like
united-states, north-america
I Spent the Night at Napa’s Most Scenic Hotel—Here’s What It’s Actually Like
united-states, north-america

Poetry Inn in Napa is a luxurious and intimate bed and breakfast with stunning views of wine country.

united-states, north-america
There’s a Playful, New Hotel in Sunnyvale—And It’s Perfect for a Bay Area Staycation
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There’s a Playful, New Hotel in Sunnyvale—And It’s Perfect for a Bay Area Staycation
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This new hotel, Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, is perfect for a sunny staycation in the Bay.

united-states
This Underrated Farm Stay Is One of Northern California’s Best Kept Secrets
This Underrated Farm Stay Is One of Northern California’s Best Kept Secrets

Farm-fresh meals, beautiful nature, and small-town community—this isn't your average weekend escape. Here's what it's like to stay at Blue Ruby Farm in this off-the-beaten-path corner of California’s Sierra foothills.

12 Boutique Hotels to Book for Your Next Trip to San Francisco
12 Boutique Hotels to Book for Your Next Trip to San Francisco

Recently, I evaluated every. single. hotel in San Francisco. These are the 12 I’d most recommend to friends—whether they’re looking for a high-quality luxury splurge, or a cheap-and-cheerful boutique stay near great bars and restaurants.

Dawn Ranch Review: A Stylish, Riverside Retreat That’s Perfect for Group Getaways
Dawn Ranch Review: A Stylish, Riverside Retreat That’s Perfect for Group Getaways

Dawn Ranch opened in 2022, and is a welcome addition to Guerneville’s hotel scene. Centrally located and with private river access, it has everything you need for a perfect escape to the Russian River.

6 Design-Forward Boutique Hotels for Every Budget in Paris
europe, france
6 Design-Forward Boutique Hotels for Every Budget in Paris
europe, france

Looking for a beautiful, design-forward hotel in Paris, France? Here are 6 of my favorite options, with choices that range from budget to splurge.

europe, france
This Luxury Hotel in Austin is The Perfect City Retreat—Here’s What it’s Like to Stay There
united-states, north-america
This Luxury Hotel in Austin is The Perfect City Retreat—Here’s What it’s Like to Stay There
united-states, north-america

The Loren at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas is one of the city's newest luxury, boutique hotels. With rooms starting at $450, is it worth it? I stayed there to find out.

united-states, north-america
Everywhere We Stayed While Hiking on Japan’s Kumano Kodo Trail
japan
Everywhere We Stayed While Hiking on Japan’s Kumano Kodo Trail
japan

While hiking the Kumano Kodo Trail in Japan, deciding where to stay was just as important as knowing where we’d be stopping each day on our hike. Here is everywhere we stayed along the way.

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Mendocino Grove Review: Why We Love This Woodsy Glamping Retreat
Mendocino Grove Review: Why We Love This Woodsy Glamping Retreat

Mendocino Grove is one of the best glampsites in California, thanks to its elevated amenities like an on-site espresso bar and sauna, and beautiful, woodsy location.

7 Beautiful Hotels in California Worth Planning a Trip Around
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7 Beautiful Hotels in California Worth Planning a Trip Around
north-america

From Palm Springs to Sonoma wine country, these are 7 boutique hotels in California worth planning a trip around, thanks to their excellent design, hospitality, and location.

north-america
This Coastal California B&B is Also a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
This Coastal California B&B is Also a Michelin-Starred Restaurant

More of a restaurant with a hotel than a hotel with a restaurant, this northern California Inn—known for its 2 Michelin star restaurant—is a perfect relaxed weekend getaway for food-lovers.

A Design and Nature-Filled Retreat at Sea Ranch Lodge in California
A Design and Nature-Filled Retreat at Sea Ranch Lodge in California

Read an in-depth review of the Sea Ranch Lodge, a hotel that re-opened after extensive renovations in the northern California town and architectural vacation community of Sea Ranch.

A Beautiful New Luxury Hotel Just Opened in Paris—Here’s a First Look
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A Beautiful New Luxury Hotel Just Opened in Paris—Here’s a First Look
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Villa des Prés is one of the newest boutique hotels to open in Paris, but is it worth booking a room here? I got an exclusive first look and tour of the property to find out.

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