| With
so many things going up these days—from stress
levels to the cost of living—it's nice to know
you can still get a good deal when you're on the road.
We're not talking about those interchangeable chain
lodgings, where synthetic fabrics will never go out
of style. Perhaps it's a backlash against the skyrocketing
rates at luxury hotels, but there are a lot of terrific,
low rent places to choose from this year. Unfortunately,
we couldn't pick everything that caught our attention.
A temple stay in Seoul, capsule hotel in Tokyo and Volkswagen's
groovy new venture in Copenhagen didn't make the cut.
Instead, we give you hotels that combine the best of
all ingredients: reasonable prices, loads of comfort
and personality, and locations you'd actually want to
include on your holiday destinations wish list.
___________________________
UNITED
STATES
 New
York
QT
www.hotelqt.com
There's
no way our value list would be complete this year without
including the QT.
This self-styled "budget" hotel—complete
with dorm-style rooms that sleep four in bunks with
their own flat-screen TVs—is the bargain entry
from the limelight-loving, Lindsay Lohan of the hotel
world, Andre Balazs, creator of Chateau
Marmont, the Standards in West
Hollywood, downtown
L.A. and Miami,
and so on. Ensuring this hotel's see and be seen status
are cocktails, a steam room, swimming pool and DJ all
within steps of one another.
Oregon
Jupiter Hotel
www.jupiterhotel.com
Onsite
haunts such as Wack Salon, Mana Massage and the Doug
Fir Restaurant & Lounge (showcasing indie bands)
make it clear that Jupiter
Hotel isn't just another converted motel trying
to ride the retro bandwagon. This property resides in
the once dubious Burnside neighborhood and features
a cool style that would be right at home in Palm Springs.
Those seeking Portland's unique blend of down-home (elk
stew at the Doug Fir) and high-tech (complimentary wireless
Internet access) will enjoy this kicked back hotel.
___________________________
ARGENTINA
Buenos Aires
Bo Bo
www.bobohotel.com
We
love the straightforward names of the seven rooms at
Bo Bo, in the Palermo Viejo neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
The Pop room was inspired by the art of Andy Warhol,
the Minimalist room is sleek and clutter free, and the
Rationalistic room is wheelchair friendly. The spicy
colors are just what you'd expect in a vibrant South
American capital. Equal in zesty flavor is the menu
at the hotel's eponymous restaurant, which offers a
fusion of Argentinean, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.
___________________________
CAMBODIA
Siem Reap
FCC Angkor
www.fcccambodia.com
With
its Art Deco façade and open-air restaurant and
lounge, this former French governor's mansion is just
the kind of place you would expect to find Graham Greene
wannabes, sipping gin and tonics and chilling out in
the tropics. The Asian-inspired rooms are chicly decorated,
suiting a property that houses an art gallery with a
stunning permanent photo collection. A saltwater pool,
reasonably priced spa treatments and a location within
cycling distance (for the ambitious) to the Angkor Wat
temples, make this one of the best deals in town.
___________________________
ESTONIA
Kuressaare
Georg Ots Spa Hotel
www.gospa.ee
Named
after an Estonian opera star, Georg Ots Spa Hotel is
our favorite in the off-the-beaten-path category. This
wellness center resides on Saaremaa, the largest island
in the country, and is surrounded by views of the bishop's
castle and sea. The Nordic architecture is simple and
soothing, and the interiors are remarkably stylish,
given the prices. Rates include Scandinavian breakfast,
use of the fitness center, Internet access and more.
___________________________
FRANCE
Paris
Hôtel Langlois
www.hotel-langlois.com
While
not in the trendy Saint-Germain-Des-Prés or Montmartre
districts, Hôtel Langlois makes up in style what
it lacks in hip location. (It's in a decent spot, though,
on a quiet street in walking distance to the Opera).
Built in 1870, the building maintains its original Belle
Époque influences. Art auctions supplied the
paintings and sculptures found in public spaces and
relatively spacious bedrooms, whose period look is classic
without being too ornate. Bathrooms are renovated, windows
are soundproofed and top floors offer Parisian rooftop
views.
___________________________
HOLLAND
Amsterdam
Lloyd Hotel
www.lloydhotel.com
Post-millennium,
funky hotels are popping up all over Holland. Super
chic and forward thinking, they are typified in Lloyd
Hotel, in the artsy Eastern Docklands neighborhood.
This historic building has been transformed by a collective
of Dutch architects, designers and artists, whose individual
impact can be found on objects as varied as lamps, the
guest book and a bed that sleeps eight—hmm? Onsite
is Snel, serving classic European cuisine, and a "Cultural
Embassy," to encourage conversation about the arts.
___________________________
JAMAICA
St. Elizabeth
Jake's
www.jakeshotel.com
Intimate,
whimsical and above all individual, Jake's is a treasure
among break-the-bank Caribbean lodgings. Cottages by
theater designer Sally Henzell are stocked with amenities
usually associated with more expensive hotels, such
as CD players and CD libraries. Those who refuse to
sacrifice design for a bargain will appreciate Moroccan
domes and arches that contrast playfully with the beach
setting. The location is quiet, in a small fishing village,
and the extras add value: private verandas, massage
services, cooking classes, and two notable restaurants.
___________________________
MOROCCO
Essaouira
Madada Mogador
www.madada.com
If
the W hotel decorators furnished an Arabian Nights set,
the result would be Madada Mogador. Style in the six
elegant bedrooms ranges across the Oriental map, from
the exotic, entrancing west to the soothing, Zen-influenced
east. A water-view setting adds to the allure. Located
behind the town ramparts above the fishing port in the
pretty seaside town of Essaouira, this boutique property
offers a quiet retreat from the teeming bazaars and
markets of Marrakech.
___________________________
SPAIN
Barcelona
Hotel Constanza
www.hotelconstanza.com
Although
Hotel Constanza is technically a B&B—morning
nosh is included in the room rate—it's not one
of those fussy Victorian-style getaways usually associated
with the genre. This family-run affair offers urban
chic in a building that dates to the early 1800s. Décor
pairs dark wood and crisp red accents to create the
striking affect you'd expect in a city filled with Gaudi
creations. Suede sofas and leather headboards are proof
that inexpensive doesn't need to mean cheap.
(Updated: 04/01/09 KR)
|
From royal histories and unforgettable settings to sumptuous spas and exceptional restaurants, the French hotels on our list have it all.
Whether you're into beaches, museums, late-night tapas bars or afternoon siestas, there's a hotel in Spain to welcome you in style.
