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Below are inns, hotels, and bed and breakfasts that we are pleased to recommend. They are all well maintained and have a friendly and accommodating proprietors and staff. More importantly, through their architecture and design, they reflect the area and culture of their region.
Outside the United States
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Quay Grand Hotel. Located on the Circular Quay (the main harbor area) of the Sydney Harbor, this hotel is warmly ultramodern with glorious views of the Harbor Bridge and the Harbor itself. The suites are individual apartments, with a kitchen, washer & dryer, a separate living room, as well as a large balcony. The standard rates are steep, but you can get deals through the Sydney Tourist office. For the tourist office: www.tourism.nsw.gov.au Quay Grand Hotel
BURGUNDY, FRANCE
Chateau de Challenges. In the town of Challanges, minutes from the wine center of Beaune, lies this charming small 3-star hotel. The building was the town chateau, and though not especially grand, has a wonderful formal country air about it, with breakfast served in the original dining room and salon. The standard rooms are a bit snug, but nicely furnished with modern bathrooms; the suites are much grander. Chateau de Challenges
LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
Auberge de Templiers. Just outside the Loire Valley immediately east of Orleans, lies this charming old post house, converted to a luxury inn. You enter a wonderful brick courtyard to the main building. The guest rooms, predominately located in thatch-roofed buildings scattered about the property, are decorated in a traditional country French style, tasteful, and not over-the-top. Auberge de Templiers
ANTIGUA CITY
Hotel Casa Santo Domingo is a delightful hotel located in the partially restored ruins of the 17th century monastery of Santo Domingo. Absolutely charming gardens run throughout the convent grounds with new (but well-done and sympathetically designed) hotel buildings containing luxurious rooms, all with fireplaces. Ask for a room on the 2nd floor as they have romantic wood vaulted ceilings. Casa Santo Domingo
BANDUNG, INDONESIA
The Chedi Hotel. Located in the city of Bandung on the island of Java, The Chedi Hotel may be the most sybaritic hotel we've stayed in. Part local architecture, part Frank Lloyd Wright, the hotel looks like a large residence tucked in the hills. With beautiful woods, simple and elegant furnishings, gracious and helpful staff the calm and warm sereneness the Chedi won us over-we had planned to stay elsewhere but upon seeing the Chedi we were compelled to switch and did not regret it. Chedi Hotel
ITALIAN RIVIERA, ITALY
Grand Hotel Villa Balbi. Just south of the famous town of Portofino lies the charming and unspoiled Mediterranean town of Sestri Levante, perhaps what Portofino was like 40 years ago. We stayed in a wonderful old and genteel 4-star hotel, call the Grand Hotel Villa Balbi located in the center of town, with delightful sunset views. The hotel is charming in a bygone era sort of way, well maintained, but not glitzed-up. I would pass on the dining room however, as it is less than charming in a bygone era sort of way. Make sure you ask for a room on the old building, as there is a new wing, which looks to be somewhat lacking in character. Hotel Villa Balbi
TUSCANY, ITALY
Villa di Piazzano We attended a wedding at this delightful small family-run hotel located near Cortona on the Tuscany/Umbria line. The inn feels very much like a wealthy family's country residence. The rooms are all beautifully decorated with choice country Italian pieces and all the creature comforts you find at a luxury hotel. The grounds are beautiful and the owners and staff all very helpful. Villa di Piazzano
VENICE, ITALY
Boscolo Grand Hotel Dei Dogi. A reasonably priced 5 star hotel located just off the beaten track, away from the tourist craziness of the center of Venice. The staff is warm, friendly, and professional, and the rooms are truly beautiful, some with great views of the lagoon or the hotel's private garden. Unlike the other hotels we have seen in Venice, this hotel sits on a large piece of property running between a canal and a lagoon, having a delightful garden and outdoor terrace. And though a 5 star hotel, it feels intimate. Hotel Dei Dogi
NAIROBI, KENYA
The Fairview Hotel is a lovely old-fashioned colonial style hotel surrounded by gardens located in the city. Unlike most of the other western-style up-market hotels we saw in Kenya, the Fairview did not look or feel like one-of-many in a hotel chain. We found the sprawling series of buildings charming as well as the rooms to be comfortable. Fairview Hotel
PARATY, BRAZIL
Pousada Pardieiro We spent a week in Rio de Janeiro, then drove 3 hours south to the charming seaside Portuguese colonial town of Parati. There we stayed at the charming Pousada Pardieiro, really a small compound is housed within the walls of several colonial properties. We stayed in an air conditioned suite, which had a sitting room, a bedroom, and beautiful, large, bright stone floored bathroom. The pousada has a delightful pool, and many comfortable sitting rooms opening to garden courtyard. Pousada Pardieiro
Within the United States
PROVINCETOWN, MA
The Oxford House. If you are traveling to Provincetown MA at the tip of Cape Cod, you will enjoy staying at the Oxford House. Trevor and Stephen have worked diligently over the years to create one of the finest inns for your pleasure. The property is charming as are the hosts. You can enjoy well appointed guestrooms in a quiet location along with beautiful gardens. To reach the Oxford House call 888-456-9103 or web address: Oxford House
FRANCONIA, NH
Bungay Jar Bed and Breakfast. While in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire consider visiting the Bungay Jar Bed and Breakfast in Franconia. They are nestled in the hills of the White Mountain National Forest and offer charming warm country accommodations. All of their rooms are splendid and we just loved the hearty breakfast before a long mid-day hike. Bungay Jar B&B
MANCHESTER, NH
The Heart of the Village Inn, a beautifully decorated Queen Ann Victorian home, is located just outside Manchester in the town of Shelburne and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The inn is well situated for exploring northern Vermont and its beautiful sites.Heart of the Village
SHARON SPRINGS, NY
The American Hotel. You will find a perfect example of an 1850's upstate NY hotel in the natural spring town of Sharon Springs. The glory days may have passed for this spa town but the wonderful 4 year renovation and over the top charm by it's current owners will have you think otherwise. Located along the rail from NYC to Montreal it is near the famous Howes Cavern and the Glimmerglass summer opera festival. American Hotel
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