Best Hotels & Unique Stays
Around the World: Our Top Picks
After six years of traveling the world, we’ve stayed in some incredible hotels that we loved!
Six years on the road have taken us through countless hotels—some simple, some spectacular, all memorable. Whether you prefer luxury escapes, boutique hideaways, affordable stays, or something completely out of the ordinary, we’ve gathered our top recommendations here.
Browse the regions below to find stays we genuinely loved and think you will too.
Hotels by Region
Interactive Hotel Map: Find Your Stay Anywhere!
Compare hotels worldwide in seconds with our interactive map, sourced from major platforms including Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia, GetYourGuide, and Hotels.com.
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Asia Hotels
Our travels across Asia introduced us to some of the most unique and luxurious accommodations. From manga hotels in Japan to Chinatown in Singapore, here are our top picks for an unforgettable stay.
Europe Hotels
Our European road trips led us to some of the most incredible hotels, from charming boutique stays to quaint townhouses. These hotels were not just places to sleep but experiences that made our travels unforgettable!
North America Hotels
From luxury city stays to mountain retreats, our time exploring North America has taken us to some of the best hotels across Canada and Mexico. Whether you're road-tripping or looking for a luxury stay, these are our top picks.
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Your Resource Hub
Recommended Booking Platforms
Find the best deals on hotels, flights, and vacation packages with these trusted booking sites:
Hotels.com
Stay anywhere, earn rewards along the way
✓ Thousands of hotels and resorts worldwide.
✓ Collect nights & earn free stays with Rewards.
✓ Flash deals and last-minute discounts.
✓ Simple booking and cancellation policies.
A one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities and availability
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals)
Find unique stays for your next trip
✓ Wide range of vacation homes and rentals.
✓ Great for families, groups, or long stays.
✓ Verified hosts and secure booking process.
✓ Better value than hotels for extended trips.
Over 2 million bookable vacation rentals across an array of rental property types
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Why Book Through Us?
Six years on the road have taught us that where you stay defines the journey. We’ve done the legwork so you can travel with confidence.
✔ Vetted by Experience: Every hotel we recommend is one we’ve personally stayed in or vetted, ensuring it meets our standard for comfort, character, and quality.
✔ The Best Rates, Guaranteed: We partner with the world’s most trusted booking platforms to ensure you always get the best available price.
✔ Book with Flexibility: Enjoy peace of mind with secure booking processes and flexible cancellation policies on the vast majority of our featured stays.
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Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives
Closer Lives was created to bring people, places, and stories closer together. Through travel, culture, history, poetry, and personal experience, we share the moments that shape how we see the world, and ourselves.
If you enjoy thoughtful travel guides, real experiences, and creative storytelling, you’re in the right place. You can also explore our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium, featuring inspirational travel pieces designed by us and shipped worldwide.