Some of our favourite hotels

Here are some of our favourite hotels from our trips over the last few years. What helps them make it onto this list? A combination of factors, including for example: location, service, atmosphere not forgetting value for money.

Suitehotel Pincoffs, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Rotterdam is the 2nd largest city in the Netherlands and is perhaps most famous for being the largest port in Europe and one of the largest in the world. We've visited twice, staying in Suitehotel Pincoffs and on both occasions really enjoying ourselves. In the words of booking.com, Suitehotel Pincoffs offers stylishly decorated rooms and suites whilst still upholding its historic charm. Dating back to 1879, this 4-star hotel is a shining example of classic design amidst a city of modern architecture. Whilst the hotel doesn't have a restaurant, you can order some very tasty snacks in the bar. Pincoffs stands out in terms of service, the very professional welcome and the extremly stylish rooms. On the minus side, it comes at the higher end of the price scale.

Hotel Rua, Salamanca, Spain

When we visited the historic Spanish city of Salamanca, we stayed overnight in the hotel Rua Salamanca, which is a matter of minutes from the impressive Plaza Mayor. Great value, good breakfast and the best welcome we've had in a Spanish hotel. The staff are very helpful and only too happy to explain all you need to know about the city. The rooms are spacious and give you the feeling of being in someone's home rather than a characterless hotel. Highly recommended for a short break in this lovely city.

Inside Hotel Rua

Blue Haven Hotel, Kinsale, Ireland

Whilst visiting Kinsale in 2010, we stayed at the Blue Haven Hotel which was great, easily accessible, parking near by, great room and wonderful breakfasts. The only downside is that the hotel doesn't have onsite parking, that said there is public parking just a short walk away. The Blue Haven has a large bar area, a great restaurant and is right in the middle of Kinsale, so the location is ideal.

Blue Haven Hotel

Halong Ginger, Halong Bay, Vietnam

Now for something very different, a floating hotel. Whilst visiting Vietnam on our honeymoon, we spent a night on the Halong Ginger, one of the many boats touring Halong Bay. This was a quite magical experience which we can't recommend enough. Great service, wonderful food, lovely cabin, amazing scenary....I could go on and on. You really have to spend some time on Halong Bay to really appreciate this amazing place, our experience was made even more memorable by the staff and crew of the Halong Ginger.

Halong Ginger

Hotel Calagrande, Las Negras, Spain

Situated in the stunningly beautiful national park of Cabo de Gata, Las Negras is a relatively small and sleepy town with a few bars and restaurants, it also has some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Spain, like Cala de San Pedro which you can hike to from the town. We spent a couple of nights here in 2011, in the lovely Hotel Calagrande which we loved. Whilst the restaurant area lacks atmosphere, the hotel has a great position, lovely clean rooms, great outdoor bar/pool area and only a short walk into the town and to the beach. If you like a great G&T, you'll enjoy those served at the pool bar.

Hotel Calagrande

If you'd like to read more about the town or city where these great hotels are located, enter the name into the Search This Blog box, on the right hand side of your screen or click on the links in blue font which you'll see throughout this post.