Are you planning a trip to popular European destinations like Barcelona or Amsterdam? Or maybe Cancun or Costa Rica are on your bucket list for this year. Skip the big hotels in popular tourist destinations and opt for some unique boutique hotels around the world instead. Here’s a look at five interesting options in some of the world’s more popular cities.
Luxury at the Hotel Riu Palace in Costa Rica
While you may first think of remote rainforest jungle accommodations when you talk about Costa Rica, this destination has a number of interesting boutique hotels as well. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica is located in El Ocotal and is an all-inclusive option that offers benefits like 24-hour room service, a fitness center, beach volleyball, and more. There is beach access, a pool, and of course, lots of nighttime entertainment.
Rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and liquor dispensers. Look for upscale decor and fixtures in the bathrooms, including hyrdomassage tubs. Unlike some all-inclusives, you’ll find the Hotel Riu Palace is conveniently located near attractions like golf, snorkeling, horseback riding, and more. Rooms start at $200-$250 per adult, per night in the junior suite, but be aware that there is a three-night minimum stay here.
Explore the City from the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel
The budget-friendly Amsterdam Marriott Hotel is located in central Amsterdam, across from the Ledseplien. The hotel is great for both business and leisure travelers, and is within walking distance to some of the city’s best attractions and sights, including the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark. There is ample shopping and dining in the immediate area as well. Choose from executive and deluxe rooms, many with views of the famed Amsterdam canals or Dutch gable facade homes. On-site amenities include a fitness center, sauna, restaurant, and bar. All rooms have air conditioning, the Marriott Revive bedding, and more. It’s great for business travelers, with an executive lounge and a short nine-mile transit to Schiphol Airport. Rooms start at around $200 a night.
Sample Catalan Cuisine at the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona
Situated in the heart of Barcelona, the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona offers not only great rooms, but also a number of interesting culinary experiences. You’ll find both Catalonian cuisine and international options located under one roof. Be sure to sample Spanish tapas and Cava in the El Bar del Majestic Lounge. Rooms feature stunning views of the city, with amenities like rain showers and executive fixtures, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and more. You’re located within walking distance to many of the famed Barcelona historical buildings, museums, and restaurants as well. Rooms can be pricy during the summer months, with suites reaching $700 a night or more.
Relax on the Beach at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
Cancun is full of all-inclusive resorts, but the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach is one of the better deals in town. You’ll have spacious rooms with ocean views, flat screen TVs with premium channels and pay movies, minibar, desk, and even video game consoles. You can head to the spa or order in-room massage services as well. Indoor and outdoor pools, steam room, hair salon, business center, and separate children’s pool are some of the other property amenities you’ll find. If you want to do some shopping, there are three large shopping centers located less than two miles away. Rooms start around $269, with the best deals to be had during slow season (May to November).
Enjoy High-End Luxury in the Historic District of Istanbul at the Four Seasons
There is no denying that the Four Seasons pulls out all the stops when it comes to luxury at their properties, and the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is no exception. Located in the city’s historic district, it’s hard to imagine this building served as a Turkish prison over 100 years ago. With only 65 guest rooms and 11 suites, you’ll be thoroughly pampered here versus some luxury hotels in Istanbul. Rooms have tall classic windows, ottomans, fancy decor, Turkish marble features in the bathrooms, and more. There are modern conveniences as well, including espresso machines and Wi-Fi. Since the hotel is part of the Istanbul historic district, you’ll find a variety of attractions and award-winning restaurants just steps away.