
Review of Hidden Canopy Treehouses Boutique Hotel, Santa Elena, Costa Rica
Within cloud forest, quaint treehouse, great teatime:
My husband, our teenage son and I spent two nights at this magnificent property. The Hidden Canopy Treehouses Boutique Hotel is nestled outside of town within the cloud forest canopy. Amongst…

Review of Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
UPDATE: Restaurant Altamira was replaced by La Terraza, Sushi Amor by Asia Luna; you have access to the facilities of the sister properties (Springs & Tented Camp)
Luxurious, spacious bungalows with good view of volcano in lush tropical…

Review of El Silencio Lodge & SPA, Bajos del Torro, Costa Rica
UPDATE: the standard room rate only includes breakfast, you can add a full board option
For nature lovers seeking peacefulness, but also appreciating fine accommodations and food:
The three of us (family with a teen) spent two days at El…

Review of Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Belen, San José, Costa Rica
UPDATE: rooms have been updated in 2019; in terms of dining the tapas restaurant does not exist anymore
Beautiful building and grounds, mediocre rooms, good food:
My family (two adults and a teen) chose Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen as first…

Review of Hotel Oceana, Santa Monica, L.A., USA
UPDATE: comprehensive renovation in 2019 and since January 2021 part of LXR Hotels & Resorts by Hilton
Good (relatively quiet) location, large rooms, great staff:
If you want to stay at a hotel at the beaches of Los Angeles, they…

Review of Hotel The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, USA
UPDATE: the property is scheduled for enhancements beginning in November 2026, as of fall 2027 it is set to debut as St. Regis Estate/Resort by Marriott (still owned by the Irvine Company)
Nice setting, beautiful views & good facilities:
There…

Review of Hotel Palm Springs Rendezvous, Palm Springs, USA
UPDATE: out of business in 2022
1950s feel, fine accommodation, great food:
Our family (two adults and a teen) normally is not into bed & breakfast establishments. But when they get better reviews than many luxury hotels in town,…

Review of L’Auberge de Sedona, Sedona, USA
UPDATE: the resort completed a massive expansion and renovation in 2025 (integrating the former Orchards Inn to create The Cliffs - 70 new rooms - , refreshing the existing cottages, expanding the spa/pools & upgrading restaurant terrace)
Splendid…

Review of El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park, USA
UPDATE: was last renovated in 2026 (rooms in the north and south wings were updated), last major overhaul took past in 2017
Historic hotel in fantastic location:
El Tovar Hotel is all about history and location. It looks back on more…
