Secret French Villages You Probably Don’t Know About

With tourists and motor coaches crowding their medieval streets, some French villages are in danger of being loved to death. These 10 villages aren’t completely off the tourist map, but they remain unspoiled by mass tourism, and offer visitors a glimpse of everyday life in the French countryside.

L’Isle Sur la Sorgue, Provence

Pastel-painted shops and colorful flowerboxes line the canals that course their way through “the Venice of Provence.” The sun-splashed French village of L’Isle Sur la Sorgue is best known for its antiques, and hosts two annual antique fairs (at Easter and in August). If you’re not up for the crowds, visit other times of year and browse the hundreds of antique stores and art galleries scattered around town.

Where to Stay: The centuries-old Grand Hotel Henri welcomes guests with its trademark elegant rooms and warm staff.

Noyers-sur-Serein, Burgundy

Just a couple of hours southeast of Paris, one of the most charming French villages sits on the Serein River. Noyers is surrounded by well-preserved medieval ramparts that protect its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. Visit the small folk museum, or hike to the atmospheric ruins of Chateau de Noyers-sur-Serein for aerial views of the village.

Where to Stay: The historic Domaine de Venoise B&B is built into centuries old ramparts. Although the building is a relic, the hotel has all the modern amenities, including beautiful landscaping, a swimming pool, and fast Wi-Fi.

Calvi, Corsica

A 13th-century citadel looms over the seafront town of Calvi, located on the northwestern coast of the island of Corsica. Stroll along the seafront promenade or relax on the long white beach fringed with pine forest. Locals claim that Christopher Columbus was born here, and visitors can still see the ruins of the house where he supposedly lived. For Calvi’s best views, hike up to the hilltop church of Notre Dame de la Serra.

Where to Stay: The centrally located Casa Bianca offers easy access to Calvi’s historic core and the beach. Rooms are modern, clean, and air-conditioned.

Beuvron-en-Auge, Normandy

Wandering amid the half-timbered houses of this picture-perfect French village will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Beuvron-en-Auge is located along Normandy’s 25-mile Cider Route, which means you can sample delicious apple ciders and brandies in restaurants all over town—with a side of local Camembert or Livarot cheese, of course.

Where to Stay: Le Pave d’Hotes offers five individually decorated rooms, each with flat-screen TV and minibar. Breakfast is included and served outside in the garden on warm, sunny mornings.

Collioure, Occitanie

“In the whole of France there is no sky as blue as the one above Collioure,” said the artist Henri Matisse, who once lived in this Catalan-influenced fishing village just 15 miles from the Spanish border. It’s easy to see why Collioure appeals to artists, with its brightly painted shops and cafes overlooking the turquoise waters of the harbor. There’s even a well-maintained castle worth visiting.

Where to Stay: Hotel Madeloc offers moderately priced accommodations within walking distance of the village center. Spring for a balcony room to enjoy a view of the surrounding hills. The hotel is currently undergoing a renovation and will reopen better than ever on Valentine’s Day 2025.

Yvoire, Rhone-Alpes

Unspoiled Yvoire has a spectacular location right on Lake Geneva, and it’s one of the best French villages for strolling, thanks to its flower-bedecked cobblestone lanes and the manicured paths of Jardin des Cinq Sens. Because most visitors arrive on day trips from nearby Geneva, Switzerland, consider spending the night so you can appreciate the quiet evening and early-morning hours on the lake.

Where to Stay: Villa Cecile is the perfect place to relax and indulge, with its seasonal outdoor swimming pool and small on-site spa.

Dinan, Brittany

You may as well keep your phone or camera out at all times in Dinan, because there are Insta-worthy scenes around every corner. Geranium blooms spill out of flowerboxes, sailboats bob on the River Rance, and blue and red shutters offer bright pops of color against medieval stone walls. The main drag, called Rue du Jerzual, feels right out of the Middle Ages.

Where to Stay: Just outside the city walls is the Hotel de la Porte Saint-Malo, which offers simple yet comfortable rooms. Public spaces include a garden and a common room with a fireplace.

Espelette, Basque Country

Espelette is a different local flavor than other French villages—literally. It’s best known for the Espelette pepper, and you’ll see the long, narrow chiles hanging out to dry all over town, their skins a vibrant red against the whitewashed walls. Also worth seeing are the town’s traditional Basque church and a 16th-century castle that now houses the tourist office and educational exhibitions.

Where to Stay: Hotel Euzkadi overlooks the main square and offers comfortable rooms and a large swimming pool. Sample Basque specialties at the excellent on-site restaurant.

Oingt, Rhone

Oingt is one of the “golden stone villages” of the Beaujolais wine region, named for the warm honey color its medieval limestone buildings turn to in the setting sun. While there are a few interesting sights in Oingt, including the Church of Saint-Mathieu and a tower that affords visitors sweeping vistas over the surrounding wine country, the greatest pleasure of visiting this French village is simply wandering its quiet cobblestone streets.

Where to Stay:  Stay within biking distance of Oingt at Chateau de Bagnols, an 11th-century fortress that’s been converted into a luxury hotel. Choose a room decorated in either modern or medieval style, and enjoy garden, courtyard, or vineyard views. Travelers take note: the Chateau closes annually in the winter season. This year’s grand reopening is set for May 5, 2025.

Gerberoy, Picardy

About an hour and a half northwest of Paris is the sleepy French village of Gerberoy, nicknamed “the town of roses.” Visit during the warmer months to wander through the Henri Le Sidaner Gardens, named after a French painter who once took inspiration from the town’s quiet lanes and centuries-old houses. The annual rose festival in June celebrates Gerberoy’s most famous blooms.

Where to Stay: Located just six miles from Gerberoy is Le Moulin des Forges, a B&B set in a restored watermill.

The post 10 Secret French Villages to Discover Before the Crowds Do appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Recreational cannabis use first became legal in the U.S. in 2012, when voters in Colorado and Washington approved pro-cannabis ballot measures. (In Colorado, it’s actually a constitutional amendment!)

In the ten years since, sixteen states, Guam, and the District of Columbia have all followed suit (for those curious, the states are Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Virginia).

Cannabis Tourism 101

The legalization trend has opened the door for cannabis tourism. If you’ve never imbibed but always been curious, or have a hankering for a freshman-year throwback, there’s never been a better time to plan a totally legit, sky-high getaway. Here are some practical pointers for getting the most out of your trip.

You Don’t Have to Be a Local—But You Do Need ID

Your money’s good regardless of where you’re from, although in the past some states subtly discriminated against out-of-staters. In Colorado, for instance, locals could buy cannabis at a recreational dispensary an ounce at a time, but the state limited outsiders to a quarter of that. Now, however, out-of-staters and locals alike are subject to the same limits. Make sure you know the rules in the state you’re visiting before partaking. Also, remember you have to be 21 to buy or even enter a recreational dispensary, and you need to be prepared to show ID. It’s just like going to a bar.

Do It By the Book

In a sign of just how mainstream recreational cannabis is becoming, Moon Travel Guides and Fodor’s Travel, creators of trusted travel guides for decades, now feature substantial sections on cannabis tourism on their respective websites and in print. Stay tuned for similar updates elsewhere.

There’s an App to Show You the Way

Two, actually. Weedmaps and Leafly both offer downloadable apps to help you find local dispensaries. As an added bonus, they can also help you keep your weed strains straight, from Acapulco Gold to Zombie Kush.

Relax: You’re Going to Get Plenty High

Cannabis grown for dispensaries tends to be a lot stronger than what’s available on the black market, so be conservative and don’t overshoot. Colorado saw a dramatic increase in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and “cannabis exposure” calls to poison centers after medical cannabis was legalized there in 2010.

And if you’re going for edibles, take it one step at time: It can take up to two hours for the high to fully kick in, and there’s no worse way to spend your vacation than doing the flat-on-your back spins.

Cash Is King

Thanks to stern federal banking regulations, most dispensaries have no way to take credit cards. While some shops may accept debit cards, it’s basically a cash-only business—so be prepared. Many shops do, however, have ATMs on-site.

Get a Room

In states where recreational cannabis use is legal, consumption in public places is not—so you’ll have to be prepared to retreat to weed-friendly accommodations or a friend’s home to smoke.

In 2016, voters in Denver approved a measure that will allow consumption at permitted businesses and special events in the city. As of 2020, Colorado began to permit consumption at what the state terms “hospitality businesses”, places like licensed cafes and tasting rooms.

The website potguide.com can help steer you toward cannabis-friendly lodging.

Looking for Swankier Digs? Check Out the Airbnb of Bud

The website budandbreakfast.com offers a huge selection of cannabis-friendly private accommodations in the U.S. and worldwide, and some hosts will leave a joint waiting on your pillow. Best of all, sites like these save you from having to ask your host that super-uncomfortable question: Is it OK to smoke up in your vacation rental?

Get in Touch with Your Feelings

The rise in recreational dispensaries has brought with it a wave of cannabis-enhanced self-improvement pursuits. Marijuasana yoga promises to “reduce noise and dissonance in our bodymind’s vibration,” while Puff, Pass & Paint claims to be “the ultimate” cannabis painting experience. Be aware, though, that all these are strictly bring-your-own-buds events.

What Happens in Denver Stays in Denver

States like Colorado may be expanding lots of people’s minds about cannabis use, but despite the recent buzz about the House passing a bill that would end federal prohibition of cannabis, the Feds still take a very dim view of the practice—and you definitely don’t want to fall into their clutches.

Rule #1: Don’t carry your buds across state lines. Fiona Apple, Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson, and other hapless musical luminaries have all been jailed in Sierra Blanca, Texas, after being busted with cannabis at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 10.

And, contrary to the wisdom of the Internet, a medical cannabis card from another state will not keep you out of jail.

Beware of Smokey the Bear

You also don’t want to carry or use cannabis on federal lands, including national parks and forests and D.C.’s National Mall. Each year, thousands of people are arrested for cannabis possession on federal land, an offense that’s punishable by up to one year in jail and a minimum fine of $1,000. Don’t forget that most ski areas in the West operate on federal land–so don’t light your spliffs on the lift.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post Cannabis Tourism: 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Imbibe appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Unique Pension, Seoul, Korea

Love ramen a little too much? Now you can literally eat, sleep, and breathe it by staying at the Unique Pension, which has a room designed around the famous noodle dish—including a bed shaped like the hot soup container. Soup not your dream? There’s also Starbucks, Heineken, and Apple themed rooms.

Anniversary Inn, Salt Lake City, Utah

The Anniversary Inn really has something for everyone, whether you dream of vacationing in Tuscany or um, Sturgis South Dakota. In the Sturgis room, you don’t have to spend a night away from your precious motorcycle, which you can park in the room (next to the antique Harley that’s already there).

Don Q Inn, Dogeville, Wisconsin

Always dreamed of staying in an ice hotel, but hate the cold? Book the Northern Lights room at the Don Q Inn and sleep in a fake igloo (or warm up in the whirlpool) all under the glow of the faux Northern Lights (with the heat blasting, of course).

Hotel Pelirocco, Brighton, England

Star Wars fans, are you offended that “Brighton’s sauciest boutique hotel” put single-sized bunk beds in the Lord Vader’s Quarters room, rather than a queen or king-sized bed? What exactly are they implying? If sci-fi isn’t your thing, you can stay in rooms themed after Bettie Page, Motown, or 50’s-style rockabilly.

Harmony Motel, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sleep (and splash) in your own personal waterpark at the Harmony Motel in Sao Paulo, where you can book a room with your a private waterslide (lifeguard not included).

V8 Hotel, Stuttgart, Germany

Never got that race car-themed bed as a child? Achieve your dream (at least for a night) at the V8 Hotel, where you can rent a garage, racetrack, car wash, Route 66, gas station, or drive-in movie theater themed room.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 21 Sites Offering Virtual Tours and Live Streams for Travelers Stuck at Home
• The World’s 11 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides
• 12 Popular Podcasts to Discover Right Now

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Tipping in Greece is customary, but is by no means obligatory. This Greece tipping guide will help you navigate when/where you can leave a little extra for great service.

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Tipping in Greece

Tipping in Greece may be expected in most places, but it is by no means an obligation. There is no set standard for how much to leave when service exceeds expectations, but there are certain times when it’s expected you’ll tip. For instance, some restaurants may round up the bill to include gratuity, so it is wise to look for this inclusion before tipping. Note that it’s also common for servers not to receive tips included on a credit card, so try to leave cash whenever possible so ensure the person you’re trying to tip actually receives the gratuity.

Want to know when to tip for other services? Read on to make sense of where, when, and how much to tip when you’re traveling in Greece.

How To Tip In Greece

Cafe Server:

Greece doesn’t have a strong culture of tipping at cafes. But if there is a tip jar by the cash register, it’s a nice gesture to leave a couple of coins. For exceptional table service, round up to the nearest €1.

Restaurant Server:

A tip is typically expected, especially for stellar service, but some restaurants round up the bill to include gratuity. Check the bill first for these inclusions before deciding whether or not to tip. If there is no added tip, leave 5 to 10 percent, and a few coins on the table for the busser. Some restaurants may refuse gratuity for service, so if you’re unsure, you can certainly ask before tipping. There may be a “cover charge” on the bill, which covers the cost of bread and non-bottled water, but doesn’t include gratuity.

Bartender:

At bars, it’s not necessary to tip a bartender, as most do not expect it; but it is considerate to round to the nearest €1 for great service.

Tour Guides:

In Greece, it’s customary to tip tour guides. Tip €2 to €5 per person, per day for a group tour; and €20 per person, per day for a private tour.

Taxis:

A good rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest euro. This approach simplifies paying with cash, and it’s not an unusual way to tip without actually tipping. For exceptional service, or if you use a taxi driver for multiple stops, for a longer distance, or as a guide, you might add 5 to 10 percent of the final fare to your total payment.

Airport Shuttle Driver:

It is not necessary to tip your driver, but feel free to give €1 per bag if they help with your luggage.

Doorman:

If a doorman assists with luggage or hailing transportation, a simple thank you is appreciated. But for exceptional service, it certainly wouldn’t be remiss to offer €1.

Bellhop:

At hotels, feel free to tip the bellhop €1 to €2 per bag delivered to your room, but no more than €5 total. 

Housecleaning:

At hotels, or in vacation rentals that have daily cleaning services, it’s customary to leave €1 per night, especially if the cleaner is doing a great job.

Concierge:

If the concierge goes above and beyond with helping you book reservations, giving you directions, and/or providing insider recommendations, it’s considerate to tip €5 to €10. For answers to quick questions, though, you shouldn’t feel obligated.

Stylist:

For haircuts, shampoos, trims, and shaves, it’s considerate, but not expected, to tip 10 percent of the final bill if you’re satisfied with your new look.

Spa Service Provider:

A tip isn’t expected, but you can leave up to 10 percent for anything that goes above and beyond your expectations. Simply ask for an envelope for the tip at the front desk, and then either deliver the envelope to your provider or leave the tip at the front desk.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Tipping: The Ultimate Guide to Tipping for Travelers
• Does the Hotel Maid Look Through Your Stuff?
• Hotel Tipping—Do You or Don’t You?

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The post Tipping in Greece: The Greece Tipping Guide appeared first on SmarterTravel.

You’re scraping ice off your car’s windshield on yet another frigid winter morning or gritting your teeth through a stressful day at work, and you think: “I wish I were somewhere else.” How does Hawaii sound? Transport yourself to paradise with this list of dreamy Hawaii hotels where you can stroll along the beach, relax in a spa, and wake up to tropical birdsong.

Prince Waikiki, Oahu

Every room and suite at the popular Prince Waikiki has an ocean view, plus windows that open to let in the tropical breezes. You can walk to the beach, the shops of Ala Moana Center, and a variety of restaurants—or take the complimentary hotel shuttle to Waikiki Beach. Catch a sunset from the infinity pool or treat yourself to a massage at the Naio Bliss spa.

Hotel Wailea, Maui

Perfect for honeymooners or anyone else seeking an adults-only getaway, Hotel Wailea offers 72 exclusive one-bedroom suites. Here you can focus on wellness with spa treatments or complimentary yoga classes, or head outdoors for kiteboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, or stand-up paddleboarding. The hotel can arrange several unique experiences, including a scenic drive in a 1957 Porsche and a tropical mixology class. The beach is a complimentary shuttle ride away.

Kalaekilohana, Big Island

The owners of boutique inn Kalaekilohana have thought of every detail, from fresh flowers in the rooms to locally sourced fruit and coffee at breakfast. Past guests rave about the chance to learn about Hawaiian culture, with classes available on traditional weaving and feather arts. All rooms have private balconies and walk-in rain showers overlooking the surrounding treetops. Although the inn doesn’t have an oceanfront location, there are multiple beaches within hiking or driving distance, including Papakolea with its unique green sand.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort, Kauai

Ko’a Kea is a boutique resort on Kauai’s sunny southern shore. Its 121 rooms feature private balconies or patios and are located just a short walk from the beach. Relax at the pool overlooking the ocean, take a dip in the lava rock hot tub, savor a treatment at the spa, try your luck at surfing or paddling an outrigger canoe, or have dinner at the on-site Red Salt restaurant.

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head, Oahu

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head is close enough to downtown Waikiki that you can walk but far enough away that you won’t be swamped by noise and crowds. Guests can borrow bicycles to cruise around the area, then come back and enjoy complimentary wine each evening. Private balconies in each room look out over the ocean, Kapiolani Park, and/or Honolulu’s most famous landmark, Diamond Head.

Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui

Spread out in the condo-style accommodations at Montage Kapalua Bay, where you can choose among residences with one to four bedrooms—each with a full kitchen, separate living area, and private outdoor space. The spa includes a steam room, sauna, and infinity pool, as well as a fitness center offering a variety of classes. You can also play a round at one of two championship golf courses nearby.

Volcano Rainforest Retreat, Big Island

The four guest cottages at Volcano Rainforest Retreat are shaded by giant tree ferns in a lush, misty rainforest, just three miles from Volcanoes National Park. Start your day with a private breakfast in your cottage before heading out for a day of hiking, cycling, scenic driving, or bird watching. When you return, relax in your private hot tub or enjoy a good book in front of the fireplace in your cottage.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

On the quiet, sparsely developed island of Lanai, you’ll find the exclusive Four Seasons Resort, one of the best luxury hotels in Hawaii. Spacious rooms include private balconies overlooking either the ocean or the resort’s lush botanical gardens. On-site amenities include multiple pools, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a spa, a yoga studio, tennis courts, and a children’s program. Dining options include the sushi bar at Nobu Lanai and a poolside restaurant serving up organic items from the resort’s farm.

The Laylow, Oahu

The Laylow offers a classic Hawaiian experience in the heart of Waikiki, with funky 1960s decor accompanied by modern amenities such as free high-speed Wi-Fi and mini-fridges in every room. Fun perks include free shaved ice in the afternoons and ukulele lessons in the lobby. The beach is a short walk away, as are countless restaurants and shops.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Big Island

Located on one of the Big Island’s most stunning stretches of sand, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a resort where you can do as much—or as little—as you’d like. Play a round at the championship golf course, swim in the outdoor pool, enjoy a game of tennis or volleyball, learn to make a lei, go stand-up paddleboarding, have a spa treatment … or simply lie on the beach and watch the waves roll in.

Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono, Maui

If big resorts aren’t your thing, consider a stay at the Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono. Housed in a restored 1920s building, the B&B has 10 individually decorated rooms that capture the spirit of old Hawaii. Its location in the center of Maui makes it easy to drive to various island attractions, including Haleakala National Park and Kula Botanical Gardens.

Waipouli Beach Resort, Kauai

The one- and two-bedroom condo units at Waipouli Beach Resort feature plenty of space to spread out, and the ocean-facing ones also offer the chance to wake up to gorgeous sunrises every morning. The resort’s location in Kapaa puts you within easy driving distance of most Kauai attractions, including plenty of hiking trails and beaches. The poolside Oasis on the Beach restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a side of ocean views.

What to Pack

More from SmarterTravel:

• What’s the Best Island in Hawaii for You?
• 10 Best Things to Do in Hawaii
• The Essential Hawaii Packing List

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Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

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After you’ve been traveling a while, every hotel begins to look the same—unless, that is, you’ve booked a much more unusual place to stay. For those who’ve gotten bored of the standard overnight setup, here are 14 of the most unique hotels in the world.

Treehouse: Treehotel, Sweden

Kids don’t think twice about sleeping in a treehouse, but as adults, we forget how much fun it is. Revive that childhood magic at Sweden’s remarkable Treehotel, which consists of seven living pods suspended in tall pines up to 20 feet above the forest floor. (You get into them via ladder, suspended bridge, or electric stairs.)

Choices include an abode that looks like a humongous bird’s nest, one shaped like a UFO, and the reflective “Mirrorcube.” Guests get enchanted views of the woods, the Lule River, and (at the right time of year) the aurora borealis. From September to March, the hotel’s employees give guided northern lights tours; all year long, you can eat at the on-site restaurant, which specializes in northern Swedish cuisine, and explore the 600-person village of Harads.

Other worthwhile treehouse hotels around the world include British Columbia’s globular Free Spirit Spheres, Quebec’s Canopée Lit in the Boreal forest, Peru’s Amazonian Treehouse Lodge, Texas’s new Treehouse Utopia, and Washington state’s Treehouse Point and 50-foot-high Cedar Creek Treehouse, with its rainbow-painted suspension bridge. For more ideas, see The 10 Most Incredible Treehouse Hotels in the World.

Undersea Accommodations: The Muraka, Maldives

In late 2018, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, already known as an extraordinary place to stay, debuted a two-story, three-bedroom undersea residence with a modern, domed design and 24-hour butler service. But the Muraka’s most impressive feature is its full, glassy immersion in the Maldives’ mesmerizing ocean life. World-class architects and engineers teamed up to construct the unique hotel room in Singapore; they then transported it to the Maldives, anchoring it in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The only catch: The Muraka costs $40,000 per night.

Those of us not stocked with that level of disposable income can have a meal at the Conrad’s undersea restaurant, Ithaa. Or travel instead to Key Largo, Florida, to stay at Jules’ Undersea Lodge—named after Mr. Verne, natch. You’ll have to scuba dive down to this strange guest room, at the bottom of a fish-filled lagoon.

Other undersea suites around the world include those at Tanzania’s Manta Resort, Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm, and Singapore’s Resort World Sentosa. Bali’s Bambu Indah resort has a glass-bottomed room that lets its guests observe the sea life below. And coming soon, supposedly: Fiji’s 40-foot-deep Poseidon Undersea Resort.

Igloo: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland

By now, everyone knows about Sweden’s remarkable Icehotel and its frozen brethren: Quebec’s Hotel de Glace, Norway’s Snowhotel Kirkenes, and Ice Hotel Romania—all artist-sculpted hotels that arise gorgeously every winter, only to melt away in summer.

But if you’re more interested in finding out what it’s like spend the night in a real-life igloo, head to Finland for a stay at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Most images of it show its rows of glass-domed “igloos,” which are eminently worthwhile in and of themselves, particularly for their unobstructed view of aurora borealis. For the true igloo experience sans quotation marks, however, opt for one of the property’s dozens of actual snow igloos, where you’ll find calm, quiet, and a sleeping bag to keep you toasty in the room’s below-freezing temperature.

Traveling farther south? Iglu-Dorf lets you experience igloo living in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

Crane Hotel: The Yays Crane Apartment, Netherlands

What to do with an old crane? Why, turn it into a hotel, of course. This is exactly what a company called Yays did with a retired Figee—it commissioned Dutch designer Edward van Vliet to create a stylish interior for a three-story apartment with vertiginous views over the IJ River. The crane operator’s box was left intact, so guests can still hear his recorded stories play.

Apparently, transforming cranes into hotels isn’t a one-off thing to do in the Netherlands: There’s also the 164-foot-high Crane Hotel Faralda, as well as the Harlingen Harbour Crane, whose movement you can control yourself.

Should you find yourself getting hooked on overnighting in industrial contraptions, you can continue on to sleep on a decommissioned oil rig at Malaysia’s Seaventures Dive Rig, in a granary at New Zealand’s SiloStay, in a wine barrel at the Netherlands’ De Vrouwe van Stavoren Hotel, or in a drainpipe at Austria’s Das Parkhotel.

Lodge with Live Animals: Giraffe Manor, Kenya

At the 12-room Giraffe Manor, one of the unique hotels in Africa’s Safari Collection, the welcoming employees teach each guest how to feed giraffes. This is because the elegant property, built in 1932 at an elevation of almost 6,000 feet, is home to a herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes who are fond of stretching their long necks into the hotel’s large windows for a snack. Every guest room is stocked with giraffe food so that when you receive the inevitable long-necked visitor, you can nourish it appropriately. (For a similar experience, but with elephants instead of giraffes, book at Zambia’s Mfuwe Lodge.)

If you can’t get out of the U.S. but still want to sleep where animals dominate, you have at least one option in Texas—The Lodge at Fossil Rim—and three in California: Safari West in wine country, Vision Quest Safari B&B at the Monterey Zoo, and Farm Sanctuary, which also offers accommodations in upstate New York.

Hyper-Themed Hotel: Fantasyland Hotel, Canada

Everyone loves a good theme. And while amusement parks are famous for making good use of them, it’s harder to find hotels that are themed through and through. In Canada, Edmonton’s Fantasyland Hotel is in a shopping center, but that’s hardly the most unique thing about it. True to its name, Fantasyland offers 120 fantasy-themed rooms, and you choose your surroundings. Options at this novelty hotel include rooms that look like a spaceship, a gas station, Polynesia, Rome, the Arabian desert, and a prison cell. Plus, the attached mall has a waterpark, thrill rides, miniature golf, and a bowling alley.

Other unique hotels with hyper-themed suites include Denver’s Curtis Hotel (Star Wars rooms and Star Trek and Ghostbusters suites), New Hampshire’s Adventure Suites (room names include “Motorcycle Madness,” “Dragon’s Lair,” and “Cupid’s Corner”), and Fort Worth’s Western-themed Stockyards Hotel, where Bonnie and Clyde once slept in a suite that bears their names.

For Dog Lovers: Dog Bark Park Inn, Idaho

Idaho’s Dog Bark Park Inn is on virtually every list of the world’s most unique hotels for good reason: It’s shaped like a dog. Also, everything inside the homey B&B is over-the-top dog-themed, including the pillows, the bedrest, the books, the cookies, the board games and puzzles, the curtains, and the canine chainsaw art (also sold in the on-site gift shop) handmade by the property’s welcoming mom-and-pop owners. More than a quirky roadside attraction—though it’s that, too—”Sweet Willy,” built in 2003, is made from wood, metal, and stucco. And yes, you can bring your own pup.

If you’d rather sleep inside a Trojan horse, book at Belgium’s uber-whimsical La Balade des Gnomes.

Cave Hotel: Ottoman Cave Suites, Turkey

If you’ve ever had the craving to sleep in a cave, put Turkey’s magical Cappadocia region on your bucket list. There, many of the unusual hotels are carved right into the land’s ancient stone. There are plenty of cave hotels to choose from in Cappadocia, including the lovely Seraphim Cave Hotel, but Ottoman Cave Suites, in a town called Goreme, is perhaps the most unique hotel of the bunch. Its dramatic, Ottoman-themed rooms feature velour furnishings, Turkish art, and—the distinguishing feature—scalloped stone walls and ceilings of cool, hollowed-out volcanic stone.

Elsewhere in the world, you can also stay in Grand Canyon Caverns’ cave suite, at Kokopelli’s Cave in New Mexico, and at Switzerland’s Felsenhotel La Claustra.

Train Hotel: Red Caboose Motel, Pennsylvania

Train buffs will be pleased to learn that the world has a set of unique inns situated in retired locomotives. Pennsylvania’s Red Caboose Motel, for example, has turned the world’s largest privately owned collection of cabooses into a quirky hotel that’s surrounded by Amish farms, with an on-site dining car called Casey Jones’ Restaurant, and the impressive Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania just down the road. The sleeping quarters resemble basic motel rooms—except that they’re set in real caboose cars.

Fans of the iron horse can also sleep in retired trains at California’s Featherbed Railroad and Railroad Park Resort, Minnesota’s Whistle Stop B&B, Montana’s Izaak Walton Inn, Indiana’s Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station, Alaska’s Aurora Express, and South Africa’s Santos Express.

Eccentric Lodging: Helga’s Folly, Sri Lanka

Here’s a line from Helga’s Folly‘s website: “If expecting a regular hotel experience, best look elsewhere, thank you.” This is an understatement. One of the world’s truly weird hotels, this property in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is covered from top to bottom in psychedelic hand-painted art, skeletons, wax-dripped candelabras, and a clutter of other creepy-cool decor. Staying here is guaranteed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Tim Burton movie. If you’re not quite up for a full-on overnight, you can visit just for dinner.

For other properties approaching this level of wackiness, check out Vietnam’s Crazy House and Chile’s hobbit-like Montaña Mágica Lodge.

For Art Lovers: Angad Arts Hotel, Missouri

The recent opening of the Angad Arts Hotel in St. Louis is good news for anyone who’s ever wished they could sleep in their favorite art museum. At the Angad, there’s striking artwork throughout, pop-up performances, a musical playroom, and a refined David Burke eatery. You choose which color you want your guest room to be saturated with: a bold red, green, yellow, or blue. Calling itself an “incubator for the arts,” this unique hotel is in the city’s Grand Center Arts District, surrounded by more than 40 thriving arts venues.

Art lovers can also stay at Japan’s Benesse House, which displays original works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Yayoi Kusama, and David Hockney, as well as Florida’s Art Ovation Hotel, or any of the 21c Museum Hotels.

Celebrity Connection: Villa Casa Casuarina, Florida

Miami’s Villa Casa Casuarina, better known as the Versace Mansion, has been many things: Gianni Versace’s over-the-top villa, a rundown apartment building, and the home of the Standard Oil heir Alden Freeman, who built the property in 1930 as a replica of Christopher Columbus’s son’s house. It became a murder landmark in 1997 when the famous fashion designer was gunned down on the mansion’s front stairs. After that, it was the backdrop for FX’s American Crime Story television series—then, finally, a hotel. Spanning its three palatial stories are 10 bedrooms, including the aptly named “Extravagant Villa Suite,” where Versace himself slumbered. Overnight guests can luxuriate amid hand-painted frescoes, a fountain courtyard, hand-carved wood doors, elaborate mosaics, Italian marble, opulent furnishings, and a swimming pool lined with 24-karat gold.

If your particular interest is staying at hotels that are owned by celebrities, there’s also Australia’s Palazzo Versace (owned by Gianni’s sister, Donatella), Florida’s Costa d’Este (Gloria and Emilio Estefan), Morocco’s Kasbah Tamadot (Richard Branson), Belize’s Blancaneaux Lodge (Francis Ford Coppola), Italy’s Palazzo Margherita (also Coppola), Utah’s Sundance Resort (Robert Redford), Dublin’s The Clarence (Bono), and two in Carmel, California: Cypress Inn (Doris Day) and Mission Ranch (Clint Eastwood).

Salt Hotel: Hotel Palacio de Sal, Bolivia

True to its name, Bolivia’s Hotel Palacio de Sal is built entirely of salt. Its walls, ceilings, and sculptures, as well as the majority of its furniture—including the beds—are made from large salt bricks. The floors, for their part, are covered with a thick, crunchy layer of the stuff. The sodium-themed property, which sits at an elevation of 12,000 feet, also offers a full-service spa, a fine-dining restaurant, and an in-house tour operator that takes guests out onto Salar de Uyuni, the planet’s largest salt flat—an otherworldly white-desert destination that should be on any serious traveler’s bucket list.

Another unique hotel to consider on Bolivia’s vast Salar de Uyuni is Kachi Lodge, a new luxury dome camp that looks as though it would be right at home on the surface of the moon.

More interested in staying amid other minerals? Consider Zandotel Oss, in the Netherlands, to sleep in a bona fide sandcastle, or Sweden’s Sala Silvergruva, a historic silver mine whose “Mine Suite” is the world’s deepest hotel room at 508 feet underground (claustrophobes, steer clear).

Airplane Hotel: Hotel Costa Verde, Costa Rica

Never been able to sleep on a plane? You won’t be able to say that any longer after staying at Costa Rica’s Hotel Costa Verde, the site of an upcycled Boeing 727 that used to belong to Avianca Airlines. The innkeepers hollowed out the fuselage, paneled the interior in Costa Rican teak, added furniture, and perched it high in the jungle for elevated views of trees and sea, making for a completely unique getaway.

A similar experience can be had at Stockholm’s Jumbostay Hotel, a grounded 1976 Boeing 747 spiffed up with comfy beds—book the cockpit, if you like. Aviation aficionados will also be interested to know that New York City’s TWA Hotel is set to open this May at John F. Kennedy International Airport, as an upscale tribute to the defunct but beloved airline. Request a runway-view room if you’d enjoy watching as jets take off.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 of the World’s Most Famous Hotels
• 11 Incredible Hotels Worth Planning Your Whole Trip Around
• The 11 Most Beautiful Hotels in the World

Follow Avital Andrews on Twitter @avitalb or on Facebook.

The post The 14 Most Unique Hotels in the World appeared first on SmarterTravel.

With so many tempting possibilities, deciding where to stay in Germany can turn into a dilemma. Should you choose ultra-modern hotels or charm-filled historic properties? Should you dream away your nights at country inns, fairytale castles, or pampering spa resorts? Even if you’re on a budget, Germany’s lodging options include hotels, B&Bs, and hostels that are among Europe’s very best. Or, for a change of pace, you can spend a few days on a farm or a countryside vineyard. Can’t choose? The best plan may be to mix and match as you travel through the country, sampling some of Germany’s best accommodations.

Traditional Hotels in Germany

Germany uses the international rating system of stars for hotels, from modest one-stars to five-star luxury. In one- and two-star hotels, you’ll find smaller rooms and perhaps shared bathrooms. From three stars up, hotels will have an on-site restaurant, luggage service, private bathrooms, and a reception desk that stays open at least 12 hours of each day. At four- and five-star hotels, you’ll enjoy room service and plenty of amenities, including robes and washcloths.

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German lodging standards are very high, and you can generally expect clean and comfortable rooms with breakfast included. Better hotels may serve a lavish morning buffet that includes eggs, meats, yogurt, fruits, and cheese. Many hotels in all price ranges have Wi-Fi, though sometimes for a fee.

Europeans still tend to smoke more cigarettes than Americans do, so if you’re sensitive to smoke, it’s worth requesting a nonsmoking room or floor when you make your reservation. Be aware that in a climate where air-conditioning is seldom necessary, many older hotels may not have it. If you are planning a summer trip, be sure to check.

Keep a copy of your reservation confirmation with you to make sure the promised rate is honored. Always check hotel sites directly for specials and deals, such as low weekend rates in cities when business travelers go home. During major events like Munich’s Oktoberfest or the Frankfurt Book Fair, rooms are scarce and rates can double or even triple. You can also find great deals on Germany hotels via TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) and Hotels.com.

Germany’s Romantik Hotels

While star ratings tell you about amenities, they do not measure charm, and many older European hotels have great appeal. Among the most enjoyable places to stay in Germany are the aptly named Romantik Hotels, found in Germany’s major cities as well as in its smaller towns. The hotels in this group are all in historic buildings and owner-managed.

Another romantic experience is to choose a schlosshotel, or castle converted into a hotel. Germany has more of these special accommodations than anywhere else in Europe. You can find many of them listed at TripAdvisor, and at a site called Castle and Palace Hotels.

Note that some of Germany’s older hotels do not have elevators, so if stairs are a problem for you, make sure to request a room on the ground floor.

Germany’s Country Hotels

The German countryside has so much beauty and so many attractions that it is well worth your time to plan part of your itinerary in Germany away from the cities. This will give you the chance to experience delightful places to stay such as gasthofs and gasthauses, atmospheric country inns that also serve good local food.

For a different experience, spend time at a countryside bauernhof, a farm that offers rooms for travelers. These are great fun for families, especially for city dwellers. You can also stay amid scenic vineyards at a winzerhof, a winery guesthouse. A site called LandReise is an excellent source for these types of lodgings (though it’s only in German; use the Chrome browser for translation). Bavaria alone boasts more than 1,000 farmstay listings, along with its own association and website to help find them: Farm-Holidays.com.

Germany’s Spa Hotels

Ever since Roman times, visitors have been coming to Germany to “take the waters” in health spas surrounded by hot mineral springs said to have healing properties. “Bad” means bath, and hotels in cities such as Bad Reichenhall, Wiesbaden, and chic Baden-Baden share access to the coveted spa waters. Many of these cities also have diversions like casinos and fine eateries. Hotels vary from modest to super-luxurious. Check listings in each town to make your choice, as well as Booking.com.

Germany’s Budget Hotels, B&Bs, and Homestays

For those who are looking for a well-priced hotel in Germany, booking services like Expedia and Hotels.com offer good values in all price categories. Another good source is Best Western. The chain’s listings in Europe are not motels as they are in some parts of the U.S., but rather small hotels that have been inspected and are reliable. If you’re willing to stay outside the city center and take public transportation to get around, you can often find lower rates in better hotels. Just be sure that quick connections are near the hotel.

Germany has its full share of economical bed and breakfast choices, as well. B&Bs, also known as pensions, may be small hotels, but most often, they’re private homes with live-in hosts. They are a far more personal experience than staying in a hotel. The best way to find listings is by contacting the local tourist offices in the areas you plan to visit. You can also find listings at international online services such as BBOnline, BnBFinder, BedandBreakfast.com or, of course, Airbnb.

At the lower end of the lodgings scale in Germany are zimmer, meaning simply “rooms,” in private houses, offered by families that have a spare bedroom or two. These can be especially handy if you’re looking for an overnight while touring the country by car. Watch for signs that say “Zimmerfrei” (room available), check with the local tourist office for locations, or try Homestay.com.

Germany Vacation Rentals

Apartment and home rentals provide more spacious quarters and can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms when traveling with family or a group of friends. The agencies and websites that specialize in offering these types of properties have listings ranging from studios in the city to villas in the country. Among the sources to try are Airbnb, HomeAway, and TripAdvisor’s vacation rentals page.

Ask for references or read reviews from people who have previously rented the property that you’re considering. Be sure that someone will be on call to help in case of emergency, like a lost key or a plumbing problem. If you’re hungry for more information before making your reservation, read up about what you need to know about booking a vacation rental.

If you’re planning to stay in Germany for a week or longer, you could consider a house swap. A German family might be delighted to trade their home or apartment for yours, saving each of you a lot of money. Specialized agencies such as HomeExchange or Intervac have listings all over the world, including many in Germany. As with rentals, references from others who have stayed in the property are invaluable. Not quite sure how to arrange this type of accommodation? Read more about how to set up a home exchange.

Hostels in Germany

Germany helped pioneer the idea of youth hostels, and today has more than 500 hostel properties that are among Europe’s most modern. While they still offer the bunk rooms that are popular with thrifty students, many hostels also offer private double rooms and family-style rooms that appeal to budget-conscious older travelers. Rates are modest and often include breakfast.

The best hostels book up fast, so reserve well in advance. Find listings at the German Youth Hostel Association or via Hostelling International, an organization that covers countries around the world. You may also want to consider investing in a Hostelling International membership, as this will allow you to stay worldwide at deeply discounted rates.

More from SmarterTravel: 

• Planning a Trip to Europe: Your 10-Step Guide
• The Best Way to Carry Money Overseas
• Getting Around Germany: Transportation Tips

[viator_tour destination=”52″ type=”3-mod” tours=”89617P27,46151P3,8683P11″]

–original research and reporting by Eleanor Berman

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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Considering a trip to South Korea? Set aside that spicy bowl of kimchi for a moment and settle in for a crash course about where to stay in South Korea. As a major East Asian tourist destination and convention hub, South Korea is home to an array of accommodation options that includes everything from the luxurious and modern to the cozy and conventional to the downright bizarre. Indeed, South Korea lodging options will suit every budget, and virtually every fancy.

Hotels in South Korea

The most obvious place to begin your time in South Korea is at a hotel. Hotels in South Korea are largely the same as you’ll find at home, and just like those, vary in standards and service. An average room can be quite inexpensive outside of major tourist destinations like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island, but prices may skyrocket depending on the time of year or local events.

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You can browse hotel listings throughout South Korea on review sites like TripAdvisor, SmarterTravel’s parent site. Avoid hotels branded as “tourist” or “business”; quality is often subpar at best. Agoda is also an excellent website for hotel booking in South Korea.

South Korea Luxury Hotels

You’ll find plenty of luxury hotel options in South Korea, operated by many of the same global hospitality chains that you’re familiar with back home. If you’re willing to splurge, you’ll have an opportunity to experience legendary Korean hospitality, a king-sized bed, swimming pools, and all the other modern amenities you could ever want. Standouts include the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul, where the impeccable rooms include marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows; the Conrad Seoul, known for world-class service and hospitality; and the Lotte Hotel Busan, the most luxurious place to stay in the southern part of the country.

The resort experience in South Korea can be incredibly unique. For example, you can cruise (but not really) aboard the Sun Cruise Resort, a giant ship firmly affixed to solid ground in Donghae, offering a faux deep-sea adventure for the consummate land lover. South Korea is home to myriad quirky resort properties such as these.

South Korea Jjimjilbangs

On the other end of the spectrum from the luxury brands are Korea’s ubiquitous saunas, also known as jjimjilbangs. For about the cost of a fast food meal at home, you can sleep on the (heated) floor in a community bathhouse.

Hang on—this is not nearly as bad as it sounds. In fact, jjimjilbangs, almost always open 24 hours, are an excellent option for weary travelers who are simply looking for a place to rest awhile. These social gathering places include access to steam baths and saunas, so despite sleeping on the floor, you may actually come away feeling rejuvenated.

Listings are difficult to find online and typically only in Korean. The Visit Korea site, however, does supply a good listing of Seoul’s jjimjilbangs, as does TripAdvisor.

South Korea Motels

Travelers beware: Not all motels are created equal. More often than not, South Korean motels double as houses of ill repute. “Love motels,” as many of them are known, are usually rented by the hour—your first clue that you’re not in Kansas anymore.

That said, if you’re in a pinch or you arrive late to a destination that is otherwise sold out, motels actually aren’t a bad option in South Korea. Beds are usually large (surprise, surprise), and most rooms are clean and well appointed. If you don’t mind sleeping next to a condom dispenser or walking across a floor of velvet, a love motel could suit you.

Love motels aren’t usually listed on sites like TripAdvisor, and rarely advertise; the easiest way to find one is to learn to recognize the Korean symbol for love motel, and then inquire within. Don’t worry, they’re easy to spot; most marquees and logos include a heart shape somewhere.

South Korea Guesthouses and B&Bs

Koreans are famously hospitable. Staying at a family-run guesthouse is a great way to peek inside Koreans’ everyday lives; a night at a guesthouse often includes a community breakfast, tea time, and more socializing than you’re probably used to when traveling. Guesthouses are similar to Western bed and breakfasts, though the term “B&B” is relatively new to South Korea. A property advertised as a B&B is probably recently opened and more expensive than a guesthouse.  To find these types of accommodations in South Korea, try Agoda or TripAdvisor.

South Korea Hanok Lodging

A hanok is a traditional Korean building; think clay-tiled roofs, massive wooden support beams, overhanging eaves, and plenty of peace and quiet. Sparsely styled, a hanok will usually feature ondol (traditional home) standards, beautiful paper doors, and manicured gardens. More expensive than a guesthouse, a hanok stay is a uniquely Korean experience, and worth the inflated price.

Some of the best hanok experiences include Rakkojae Andong, at the Hahoe Folk Village; Rakkojae in Seoul; and the stunning Hyangdan Hanok Guesthouse in charming Gyeongju. For many guests, the best part about staying in a traditional hanok is the blissful disconnect from the everyday. No TV, no Wi-Fi, no distractions—not something you can say often about visiting South Korea.

South Korea Temple Stays

The only type of accommodation more unique than the hanok is the temple. A Korean temple stay is a charming experience; imagine waking up at dawn each day and watching monks in saffron-tinted robes wander about a perfectly manicured garden while lost in thought. Join them in prayer, enjoy simple meals, meditate, and reconnect with your spiritual self at any one of South Korea’s many overnight temples.

Tapsa Temple is an outstanding option for first-time visitors looking for an experience that won’t overwhelm. Originally built by a Buddhist hermit in a valley near Maisan Mountain, Tapsa features dozens of stone pagodas (some more than 30 feet tall), each constructed by hand over a period of years. The temple has an almost ethereal air about it, especially at night. For more information and to book temple overnights in South Korea, check a website called Templestay.

South Korea Yeogwans

Yeogwans were once the most common type of accommodation in Korea. These simple rooms are notable for their ondol stylings; instead of a bed, you sleep on a mattress on the floor, which is sometimes heated, sometimes not. The supposed explanation? Koreans like to travel in groups. By removing the bed, you can get more people into a room.

Whether this is truth or myth doesn’t matter much: Yeogwans were the standard in Korean travel for generations, though they’re far less popular these days. A night in a yeogwan is pretty cheap, but be prepared to share restroom and dining facilities. The cozy minbak (see below) is a step up from the yeogwan. Want to try staying in one? Yeogwans are frequently listed alongside hostels on major lodging websites, including TripAdvisor.

South Korea Minbaks

Cheaper than hotels, a minbak is a family-run outfit that offers modest accommodations. Expect a simple room that may or may not feature a bed. If your room does not come with a bed, make sure that the floor is heated. Restroom facilities may be shared, and kitchens are often provided. Minbaks vary wildly in comfort and size, so it pays to have a look at your room prior to booking. Looking to book one? Minbaks are often listed alongside hostels on sites like TripAdvisor.

South Korea Hostels

South Korea’s range of hostels is no different from what you might expect to find in other parts of the world. The best offer tidy dorm rooms, shared kitchen facilities, clean bathrooms, and community living spaces. Most of South Korea’s hostels are in Seoul; jjimjilbangs (see above) are far more popular in other parts of the country. Looking to book a hostel in South Korea? Try HostelWorld or Hostels.com.

More from SmarterTravel: 

• Getting Around South Korea: Transportation Tips
• 9 Places You Haven’t Visited—But Should
• 10 Ways to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

[viator_tour destination=”972″ type=”3-mod”]

–original research and reporting by Flash Parker

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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Built in the 1800s as a home for a wealthy businessman, the Pickering House was transformed in 2018 into a luxury boutique hotel. The painstaking efforts that went into the landmark’s renovation are evident as soon as you pull up to the hotel.

I visited the Pickering House Inn in January for a cozy winter getaway, and to experience one of the inn’s demonstration dinners.

The Location

The Pickering House Inn is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, a quaint town nestled on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. The town is much quieter in the off-season, but there are plenty of fun events taking place on the frozen-over lake throughout the winter, like ice fishing and beer festivals. The inn is also located near the Abenaki Cross Country Trail Network, nearly 20 miles of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. The Pickering House Inn has trail passes that guests can borrow for free.

The Rooms

The boutique hotel has eight guestrooms and two suites, all of which are outfitted with luxurious amenities, such as Frette robes and towels and Beekman toiletries. The rooms are designed in rustic New England style, but have modern touches for guest comfort—like remote-controlled blinds, an electronic shower that allows you to set the temperature with the push of a button, and heated bathroom floors.

Dining

The inn’s rates include daily breakfast, freshly baked afternoon treats, coffee and tea, and morning pastries. On the night that I stayed, I returned from an afternoon of snowshoeing to find homemade cookies waiting, and the next morning, pre-breakfast scones and almond croissants were stocked for early risers.

Pickering House Inn hosts demonstration dinners on select evenings. The hotel’s chef, Patty Roche (who previously taught at Stonewall Kitchen’s world-famous cooking school), showcases how to make a three-course dinner. The night I dined, we enjoyed a little gem salad with a homemade chive and lemon vinaigrette, chicken saltimbocca, mashed potatoes with mascarpone and fresh herbs, and a seasonal vegetable pasta while we picked up cooking tips and learned how to make the recipes. The night ended on a sweet note with a decadent tiramisu made by the in-house pastry chef, Barbara Mosley.

Price and How to Book: Weekend rates in January start at around $345 per night. Book on the Pickering House Inn’s website or compare rates on TripAdvisor, SmarterTravel’s parent company.

More from SmarterTravel:

• How to Do a Winter Weekend in New Hampshire
• How to Do a Weekend in the White Mountains, New Hampshire
• How to Do a Weekend in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire

Caroline Morse Teel was hosted by the Pickering House Inn. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from New Hampshire and all around the world.

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Before you pour yourself a free cup of joe from that hotel room coffeemaker, ask yourself—does it come with a side of germs? 

How Clean Is Your Hotel Room Coffeemaker?

Good news: Your hotel room coffeemaker probably isn’t any dirtier than the one at your office. The bad news is, that one is pretty germy, too.

Excited to see a coffeemaker stocked with free K-cups or Nespresso pods in your hotel room? Sorry to burst your bubble, but you’re probably better off sampling the local coffee shop instead to get your caffeine fix.

Dr. Aaron Glatt, the Chairman of South Nassau Communities Hospital‘s Department of Medicine, told me: “Any food-related item could potentially be a source of contamination, but as the coffee is brewed or boiled, this is less likely to be a common source of infection transmission. In any event, these items should be regularly cleaned as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.”

It’s the “regular cleaning part” that’s the issue here. In order to prevent mold and bacteria from growing inside of coffee makers, they need to be cleaned every few months with vinegar. Hot water alone won’t kill the mold, so don’t think a quick rinse in the sink will cleanse your communal coffeemaker.

How often do you think hotels are doing this to in-room coffee makers?

A study by the University of Valencia tested nine different Nespresso machines that had been in use for at least one year. The report states: “All the machines revealed a significant bacterial diversity, with the total number of identified genera ranging from 35 to 67,” meaning a “moderately to highly abundant” quantity.

But it’s not just the inside of the hotel room coffeemaker that you have to worry about. “An interesting thing about germs in hotel rooms is that they aren’t solely due to the people staying in those rooms,” Dr. Charles Gerba, professor of microbiology and environmental sciences at the University of Arizona, warns. “In fact, we’ve done virus tracer studies where we found that maids move the viruses from room to room during cleaning.”

Think the coffee pot in the hotel lobby might be a better choice? Dr. Gerba has studied communal coffee machines in office breakrooms, too. “In studying the spread of a tracer virus, we found that the coffee pot handle in the break room was one of the first contaminated articles with the virus,” he says. “So, my suggestion is to always get your coffee first in the morning.”

More from SmarterTravel:

• Why Do I Always Get Sick After Traveling?
• One Surefire Way to Spot Bedbugs in Your Hotel Room
• 8 Packable Things That Could Save Your Life

Caroline Morse is a Senior Editor with SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram @TravelwithCaroline and Twitter @CarolineMorse1 to see her adventures around the world.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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