The Basileus Hotel in Istanbul gets my vote. It's a small hotel with large, comfortable rooms and a very friendly and helpful staff. Plus, it's a short walk to all the best tourist sites: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.
Hard to say which hotel I've felt more at home in. I've racked 5 million miles and have stayed literally thousands of nights away from home. If I had to choose one, I'd say the Millenium UN Plaza in New York. The desk staff was amazingly friendly (especially when you check in your 10th time in 3 months!), the rooms were old-fashioned but clean, well appointed, big... you can open the windows, which is great to take pictures. The times I've flown my family to New York (even from France) that was my choice. The second one is the Alvear in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Serious, over-the-top luxury and personal service but, wow, it fit like my Ferragamos.
Hands down, we were most comfortable at The Empress in Victoria, BC (prior to the takeover by The Fairmont) during Christmas week on the Concierge Floor. They had a lounge with a Christmas tree, gifts for us on Christmas morning, a stocked bar and non-alcoholic drinks 24/7 along with heavy appetizers in the afternoon, our own concierge who did everything for us from turndown service to finding me a high quality knee brace! Best week ever in a hotel!
I love any hotel in Japan. I stay in upper range hotels but suspect it would be the same even in bargain hotels. Their idea of service is unique and I feel wrapped in warmth and care. Other Asian hotels are also wonderful. Possibly my perceptions are skewed because I never stay in 5 star hotels in the U.S. (too expensive) but do so in Asia. In U.S. we love Best Western too, for its comforts and consistency.
Glennwood Hotel in Glennwood Springs, Colorado. It had high ceilings and large rooms in an old hotel style. It wasn’t expensive, but it was very clean and close to the hot springs. Teddy Roosevelt room was spectacular. It was like going back in time. It had wide hallways and lovely things on the walls. Did I mention it was clean? Breakfast was delicious. You can take the train from Denver to Glennwood and experience most beautiful scenery, but you must stay in Glennwood overnight because the train going back to Denver leaves before you arrive in Glennwood. Perfect excuse to stay iat the Glennwood Hotel! Did I mention it was clean?
The Marina Hotel in Isola, Slovenia. A family run hotel. Not luxurious, but clean and comfortable with a wonderful terraced restaurant, beautiful views across the Adriatic from the room balconies and a very friendly and helpful staff. Well located in the town with an adjacent beach and walking trails. We really felt at home away from home there.
Beautiful Luxury hotel situated on beach front property. The staff is wonderful and goes out of its way to personalized service. The Concierge staff was extremely helpful and assisted us in individualizing our visit on and outside the property
Jul 16, 2022·edited Jul 16, 2022Liked by Christopher Elliott
My chain “feel at home” when I am traveling are two hotels: Holiday Inn and Best Western. Part of it is that most have a breakfast. IHG now runs Army Lodging, so when I am moving from one post to another, or on temporary assignment, IHG is the hotel on post. When at stay at one off-post for leisure I always have felt comfortable. Best Western I had the same experience. I also great the staff as well, so that always helps! The other chain is KOA. When I am going on a micro-adventure I try to stay at a KOA. Cabins are nice and I can always find a spot for a tent. My final source are the Army Adventure Centers. Most US Army posts have a small, KOA type campground. So, favorite military: Dragon Hill Lodge, Seoul, S. Korea and IHG at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Lewis-McChord is also my favorite campground due to the location.
I saw the Citizen M in London! Looking forward to hearing the podcast. Currently, I am writing this at a KOA in Renton, NM!
The most wonderful hotel where I’ve ever stayed was Gora Kaden in Hakone, Japan. It is a Relais & Chateaux group property, and has its own hot spring. I was assigned my own attendant, who brought a welcome tea, my dinner, breakfast, and directed me to and from the spa. I had an in-room massage that was one of the best ever. Now, you can’t do that on a regular basis. I’m perfectly fine with Courtyards for my business trips. I basically need wifi, a comfortable bed, a fridge, and privacy.
My vote is for The Clement in Palo Alto, Calif. It's all-inclusive, but not in a tacky way. The service is very personalized, the amenities understated but luxurious. They really make you feel at home.
As a senior solo traveler I prefer small family owned hotels for safety reasons,they are more aware of my comings and goings and if I didn't return I am missed. In a large hotel they wouldn't know I was missing until I didn't check out.
I love the Ritz Carlton brand even after Marriott take over. No matter where a RC hotel is located regardless of the interior design I feel right at home. It seems like the person who designed the interior of the rooms had me in mind. Everything I like and need is always there. Feels like home away from home.
Riad Maison Bleue-Fes Morocco. It is a beautiful hotel. It is roomy and has a sitting area in addition to a bathroom you can move in. The breakfast is great with Moroccan delicacies and whatever eggs you want. It has wi-fi that only goes out when the supplying system goes out. All bead in Morocco are hard and these are tolerable. It has air conditioning that works. Most importantly the people are wonderful, helpful and kind to travelers.
I have two favorites; one domestic and one international. The Country Inn and Suites in Ames, Iowa just appeals to me for it’s down home charm. Lovely, clean rooms and great staff. Nothing fancy, just simple, relaxing comfort.
The Montague in London is my international choice. Located immediately behind the Brith Museum and half a block from Russell Square, it has old-style European charm, delightfully decorated rooms, a fabulous breakfast, and outstanding afternoon tea. The staff are extremely accommodating and unfailingly courteous. A short walk to the Russell square tube station sets you up for easy travel. Highly recommend.
The Basileus Hotel in Istanbul gets my vote. It's a small hotel with large, comfortable rooms and a very friendly and helpful staff. Plus, it's a short walk to all the best tourist sites: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.
I'm curious about the term global nomad vs digital nomad vs expat. Love to hear your thoughts.
Hard to say which hotel I've felt more at home in. I've racked 5 million miles and have stayed literally thousands of nights away from home. If I had to choose one, I'd say the Millenium UN Plaza in New York. The desk staff was amazingly friendly (especially when you check in your 10th time in 3 months!), the rooms were old-fashioned but clean, well appointed, big... you can open the windows, which is great to take pictures. The times I've flown my family to New York (even from France) that was my choice. The second one is the Alvear in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Serious, over-the-top luxury and personal service but, wow, it fit like my Ferragamos.
Hands down, we were most comfortable at The Empress in Victoria, BC (prior to the takeover by The Fairmont) during Christmas week on the Concierge Floor. They had a lounge with a Christmas tree, gifts for us on Christmas morning, a stocked bar and non-alcoholic drinks 24/7 along with heavy appetizers in the afternoon, our own concierge who did everything for us from turndown service to finding me a high quality knee brace! Best week ever in a hotel!
I love any hotel in Japan. I stay in upper range hotels but suspect it would be the same even in bargain hotels. Their idea of service is unique and I feel wrapped in warmth and care. Other Asian hotels are also wonderful. Possibly my perceptions are skewed because I never stay in 5 star hotels in the U.S. (too expensive) but do so in Asia. In U.S. we love Best Western too, for its comforts and consistency.
Alpina Dolomites Italy. Wonderful service, great food, staff look after all your needs, amazing vistas and hikes with wonderful spa. Not pretentious.
Glennwood Hotel in Glennwood Springs, Colorado. It had high ceilings and large rooms in an old hotel style. It wasn’t expensive, but it was very clean and close to the hot springs. Teddy Roosevelt room was spectacular. It was like going back in time. It had wide hallways and lovely things on the walls. Did I mention it was clean? Breakfast was delicious. You can take the train from Denver to Glennwood and experience most beautiful scenery, but you must stay in Glennwood overnight because the train going back to Denver leaves before you arrive in Glennwood. Perfect excuse to stay iat the Glennwood Hotel! Did I mention it was clean?
The Marina Hotel in Isola, Slovenia. A family run hotel. Not luxurious, but clean and comfortable with a wonderful terraced restaurant, beautiful views across the Adriatic from the room balconies and a very friendly and helpful staff. Well located in the town with an adjacent beach and walking trails. We really felt at home away from home there.
The Hotel Monte Mulini in Roving, Croatia.
Beautiful Luxury hotel situated on beach front property. The staff is wonderful and goes out of its way to personalized service. The Concierge staff was extremely helpful and assisted us in individualizing our visit on and outside the property
My chain “feel at home” when I am traveling are two hotels: Holiday Inn and Best Western. Part of it is that most have a breakfast. IHG now runs Army Lodging, so when I am moving from one post to another, or on temporary assignment, IHG is the hotel on post. When at stay at one off-post for leisure I always have felt comfortable. Best Western I had the same experience. I also great the staff as well, so that always helps! The other chain is KOA. When I am going on a micro-adventure I try to stay at a KOA. Cabins are nice and I can always find a spot for a tent. My final source are the Army Adventure Centers. Most US Army posts have a small, KOA type campground. So, favorite military: Dragon Hill Lodge, Seoul, S. Korea and IHG at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Lewis-McChord is also my favorite campground due to the location.
I saw the Citizen M in London! Looking forward to hearing the podcast. Currently, I am writing this at a KOA in Renton, NM!
The most wonderful hotel where I’ve ever stayed was Gora Kaden in Hakone, Japan. It is a Relais & Chateaux group property, and has its own hot spring. I was assigned my own attendant, who brought a welcome tea, my dinner, breakfast, and directed me to and from the spa. I had an in-room massage that was one of the best ever. Now, you can’t do that on a regular basis. I’m perfectly fine with Courtyards for my business trips. I basically need wifi, a comfortable bed, a fridge, and privacy.
My vote is for The Clement in Palo Alto, Calif. It's all-inclusive, but not in a tacky way. The service is very personalized, the amenities understated but luxurious. They really make you feel at home.
As a senior solo traveler I prefer small family owned hotels for safety reasons,they are more aware of my comings and goings and if I didn't return I am missed. In a large hotel they wouldn't know I was missing until I didn't check out.
I love the Ritz Carlton brand even after Marriott take over. No matter where a RC hotel is located regardless of the interior design I feel right at home. It seems like the person who designed the interior of the rooms had me in mind. Everything I like and need is always there. Feels like home away from home.
Riad Maison Bleue-Fes Morocco. It is a beautiful hotel. It is roomy and has a sitting area in addition to a bathroom you can move in. The breakfast is great with Moroccan delicacies and whatever eggs you want. It has wi-fi that only goes out when the supplying system goes out. All bead in Morocco are hard and these are tolerable. It has air conditioning that works. Most importantly the people are wonderful, helpful and kind to travelers.
I have two favorites; one domestic and one international. The Country Inn and Suites in Ames, Iowa just appeals to me for it’s down home charm. Lovely, clean rooms and great staff. Nothing fancy, just simple, relaxing comfort.
The Montague in London is my international choice. Located immediately behind the Brith Museum and half a block from Russell Square, it has old-style European charm, delightfully decorated rooms, a fabulous breakfast, and outstanding afternoon tea. The staff are extremely accommodating and unfailingly courteous. A short walk to the Russell square tube station sets you up for easy travel. Highly recommend.