This small but personable pension has clean, well-equipped rooms in a very central location that’s within easy striking distance of many major Berlin sights (Potsdamer Platz, the Reichstag, Gendarmenmarkt). There’s little in the way of facilities but the personal service from owner Angelika is superlative. See the full post >

Originally constructed in 1840 by a wealthy Omani merchant, this Swahili mansion offers 11 handsomely proportioned rooms and a roof terrace offering sea views in a great location just off Shangani Street. See the full post >

Once the home of Mwenyi Mkuu, the last Swahili ruler of Zanzibar, this historic 19th-century townhouse is situated in the heart of Stone Town. Now it offers boutique accommodation in 11 romantic rooms with frilly balconies overlooking the action below. See the full post >

A rustic-chic complex of carefully renovated stone houses at the pinnacle of a typical Cretan village in the beautiful, remote Lasithi region, famed for its superb hiking country and uncrowded beaches. This charming property has a classy little spa, plunge pool and small restaurant. See the full post >

An affordable option in a fantastic location. It slightly pongs of ‘fauxtique’ and service is borderline amateurish, but the rooms are restful and comfy and there is even a small spa with pool. See the full post >

The porters wear pith helmets, even in the summer heat, at this South African institution. But with its friendly ambience, and zeal for Durban cuisine and KwaZulu art, in all their colour and spice, it is more quirky than imposing grande dame. See the full post >

In the narrow streets of lower Lisbon which run down to the wide Tagus River, this 18th-century building, with its pistachio green façade, offers 84 rooms and a buzzy bar and brasserie. Frequent art exhibitions, live performances, talks and pop ups make this as popular with locals as with visitors. See the full post >

A first for London: a budget hotel, part social enterprise, especially for actors, musicians and artists needing a base in the capital; others are also welcome but pay a little more. Cool, utilitarian and laid-back, it feels more Berlin than Wood Green. See the full post >

Be Manos is a boutique design hotel. With its stylish, mildly provocative black-and-white photography and its silver and black colour schemes, it has the cool buzz of a fashionable gallery or nightclub. There’s more than a hint of glamour here – if you’re not a star, you begin to feel like one. See the full […]

Ras Nungwi, a small eco-retreat, is the epitome of laid-back luxury. Its 32 beachfront chalets and rooms are set in a mature tropical garden on a deserted Robinson-Crusoe style white sand beach, framed by luminous turquoise waters. See the full post >