Matador Network's Blog, page 534
January 6, 2022
The best Airbnbs in Vancouver, from a skyhigh loft to a beachside cabin
Vancouver is one of the most popular, busiest and ethnically diverse cities in Canada. When it comes to tourism the city has a unique advantage geographically: shielded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the North Shore Mountains on the other it is a top destination for hikers, snowboarders, and road trippers alike. Vancouver is also home to many wonderful restaurants, museums, and concert venues.
The downtown core can be easily explored on foot, by Skytrain, or even using water taxis. As a visitor, you can spend a few days delving into the local craft beer scene, go on graffiti tours, eat your heart through a diverse variety of cuisines, or simply make it a temporary home for a change of scenery. No matter your reason for visiting, these Vancouver Airbnb properties put you close to the action.
We hope you love the Vancouver Airbnb listings we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
Stunning Gastown loft in Vancouver Downtown
Photo: Vintage
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This spacious one-bedroom loft is located in one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods, Gastown. The building is surrounded by boutique shops, trendy restaurants, close to concert venues, and is only a few steps away from the historic Chinatown. The loft itself has exposed brick walls, large windows, and a private rooftop deck with a fireplace making it a perfect location for a fun, romantic weekend in your Vancouver Airbnb.
One bedroom, two guests
Price: $150 per night
Photo: Vintage
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Another stunning Gastown loft, well suited for a couple or for solo remote work travel. This space is fully stocked to be your home away from home, beautifully decorated, with large sunny windows, and a hotel-style cozy, clean bedroom. This is an Airbnb Plus and the host offers a 15 percent weekly price discount.
One bedroom, two guests
Price: $184 per night
Photo: Vintage
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Airbnb Vancouver properties are known for style. Lovely modern house located just off of Main Street and about two and a half miles from downtown Vancouver. Main Street is one of the best destinations for shopping, strolling, and eating desserts. Surrounded by cool coffee shops, boutique retail, and small restaurants you can easily spend an entire weekend here, taxi over to downtown or drive to Kitsilano Beach for some relaxation. The house is ideal for a small group of up to four people; there are two separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a nice backyard.
Two bedrooms, four guests
Price: $112 per night
Photo: Vintage
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This house is situated in North Vancouver’s Lynn Valley, a quieter residential neighborhood close to a range of provincial parks, walking distance from the famous Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, as well as boutique shops and restaurants. It’s among the only single-family Airbnb Vancouver listings in the neighborhood. The space has three separate bedrooms, two baths, a bbq, and is fully equipped for a fun group hangout. From this location, you can easily reach downtown, bike or hike through a nearby park, or hop on the Sea-to-Sky Highway for a scenic adventure.
Three bedrooms, six guests
Price: $169 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Vintage
This space has the potential to suit many needs: a romantic weekend, girl’s trip, or remote work location for anyone who likes the higher pace of downtown living. Yaletown is one of the city’s most bustling neighborhoods, featuring rows of outdoor terraces, cocktail lounges, and boutique decor shops. From here, you can catch a train to explore the outskirts, hop on a water taxi to spend the day at Granville Island, or go on a long explorative walk across the city. The apartment has a lovely bedroom with a queen bed, day and sofa beds in the living room, and a full working desk setup.
One bedroom, six guests
Price: $319 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Vintage
A bright and spacious condo, centrally located to downtown Vancouver and the main transit line. The 20th-floor suite offers an unobstructed view of False Creek, Science World, and Mount Baker. Regardless of what the goal of your stay might be from here, you can quickly get to the Rogers Arena, a wide range of restaurants, walk over to Gastown and Chinatown, or take the Skytrain to a further destination. The space is fully equipped for short and long terms stays and the host offers a 10 percent weekly discount.
One bedroom, four guests
Price: $70 per night
Photo: Vintage
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
A true log cabin home with double-height beamed ceilings, wood finishes, and a central stone hearth fireplace. Located a brisk walk from Locarno Beach, the cabin is a luxury cottage stay a short drive away from the city core. You and six friends can spend the entire weekend at the beach, cooking meals together, going out on hikes, or dress up and taxi over downtown. The house has three separate bedrooms, two full baths, a spacious dining room, and two outdoor decks.
Three bedrooms, seven guests
Price: $622 per night
Photo: Vintage
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Centrally located between Yaletown and the Downtown Business District, this loft is a perfect spot for exploring the city, alone or with a friend. From here you can walk to Canada Place, Sunset Beach Park, bike to English Bay beach, or even hit Coal Harbour. Being in the heart of the city, the loft is perfectly situated for those looking to explore Vancouver nightlife. Aside from tall ceilings and stunning views directly from the bedroom the unit also has a 360-degree rooftop deck from which on a clear day you might see the mountains.
Price: One bedroom, two guests
Price: $169 per night
Photo: Vintage
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This clean and bright modern apartment is located in Coal Harbour, one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. The building is within walking distance of Stanley Park — the city’s largest urban park with multiple beaches, hiking trails, and direct access to the Seawall. When looking at the map of Downtown Vancouver this home is located opposite of the entertainment areas (Gastown and Yaletown) but even those areas can be easily reached by local transit or taxi. The apartment is well suited for a couple or a solo traveler looking for a piece of serenity and easy access to nature. 
One bedroom, three guests
Price: $127 per night
The 9 most romantic hotels in New York City worth splurging on
Cozying up in front of a crackling fireplace back at your suite or reconnecting in a dimly lit luxurious bar adds a spark to a hotel’s romance factor. Some even offer treatment rooms for couples at their spa or packages that fold in little luxuries like sparkling wine and chocolates upon arrival. When you’re checking into a hotel with your sweetie, shouting over the music, checking into tight quarters, or jostling through crowded hallways just doesn’t whisper “date night,” does it? These elements become all the more important in popular city getaway spots such as New York City — where choosing the right accommodation can elevate your entire experience. If you’re planning a special trip to the city, here are nine of the most romantic hotels in NYC.
We hope you love the romantic hotels in NYC we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
1. The Pierre, a Taj Hotel
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
One of only two US hotels under the luxe Mumbai-based Taj Hotels brand, expect to be treated like royalty at this 189-room Upper East Side property, with amenities like afternoon tea, Turkish marble baths and Jaguar car service. Whether it’s the City View room, focused on the skyline, or the Park View room, overlooking Central Park, the views are spectacular. Since 1930, The Pierre has checked in guests, including such stylish folks as Karl Lagerfield and Yves Saint Laurent, which sets the bar right where it needs to be. Take your palate on a jaunt to France without even leaving the hotel, by dining at Perrine where the menu includes tuna tartare, oysters on the half shell, and Rémy Martin Louis XIII Cognac. One of the most romantic hotels in NYC, The Pierre is luxurious and ideal for a special anniversary or celebration.
Price per night: $921
2. The Plaza Hotel
Photo: The Plaza Hotel
Photo: The Plaza Hotel
Photo: The Plaza Hotel
If you’ve seen “Sleepless in Seattle” and the recent “The Great Gatsby” reboot, then you already know about this 282-room Midtown hotel’s opulence across from Central Park South. Dip into The Champagne Bar just off the lobby for bubbles and caviar or sit down under a glass conservatory at The Palm Court for its afternoon tea. An offshoot of the Guerlain on Paris’ Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the fourth-floor Guerlain Spa is a splurge spa for couples. Treatments include the Couples Experience, side-by-side massages followed by flutes of Champagne and a 20-minute soaking ritual. Old World elegance is back at the room, such as fringed fainted sofas, the hotel’s signature ornate headboards, and 24-gold-plated bath fixtures.
Price per night: $889
3. The EquinoxPhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Tucked into Hudson Yards, Manhattan’s latest eye-candy development, anchored by the helix-like metallic “Vessel” sculpture, each of the 221 rooms flaunts an EQX Regenerative Toolkit that includes “yoga accessories and massage essentials.” To reach check-in, you are whisked up 25 flights in an elevator. For the couple who likes to stay fit together, access to the Equinox Club is a strong perk. Give each other massages using the hotel’s Grown Alchemist line of skincare, folding in botanicals found in nearby High Line Park. Electric Lemon’s 8,000-square-foot, glass-walled rooftop terrace on the 24th floor, which includes indoor and outdoor seating, features fire pits and an unparalleled skyline view.
Price per night: $916
4. Mandarin Oriental, New York
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
The view from the 35th-floor, glass-walled MO Lounge makes this 248-room hotel in Columbus Circle’s Deutsche Bank Center a romantic choice. All-day dining extends to cocktails and dinner in the evenings, when Manhattan truly glitters. Equally stunning is the spa’s perch framing the city’s skyline and offering treatments in its VIP Spa Suite with a fireplace. Guestrooms further frame the hotel’s Central Park views via floor-to-ceiling windows and the décor’s awash in soft golds, purples and reds. Staff can easily book private experiences just outside the hotel, such as a private horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park or a private yacht charter in the Hudson River.
Price per night: $1,036
5. Baccarat Hotel and Residences, New York
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Chandeliers dripping with crystals should be no surprise at this 114-room Midtown hotel owned by the French-crystal manufacturer of glassware and other products. The Bar alone is a veritable step into Paris. All-white guest rooms amp up the romantic factor with pops of red hues and, naturally, Baccarat crystal stemware plus cashmere throws on the bed. If that’s not pampering enough, Spa de la Mer is the country’s first branded spa with La Mer skincare brand. Want to wander a bit? The hotel’s town car drives guests within a 15-block radius.
Price per night: $903
6. The Greenwich Hotel
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Co-owned by actor Robert DeNiro, this 88-room Tribeca boutique hotel blends wellness and style at its Shibui Spa, inspired by Japanese design and boasting treatments like 105-minute Onsen baths, a luxury once reserved for only emperors. The spa also flaunts an indoor pool, rare for a big-city hotel. Or book a private yoga class for two in the comfort of your room. While no two rooms are alike, what they have in common is a goal to destress by adopting neutral color schemes. Drinks can be had in the courtyard or the cozy Drawing Room bar while Locanda Verde’s menu is a culinary love letter to Italy.
Price per night: $801
7. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
There are few things more iconic to New York City’s romantic flair than the Brooklyn Bridge. One of the most romantic hotels in NYC, 1 Hotel is right next to it, along the waterfront in Brooklyn Bridge Park. As an eco-oriented LEED-Gold certified hotel, food is sourced from local farmers and much of the materials used during construction, such as barn wood, were reclaimed or recycled. Sunsets seen from Harriet’s Rooftop and Harriet’s Lounge are nothing short of romantic and Bamford Spa caters to couples with the “Couples de Stress Massage.” Rooms are calming and nurturing, with tons of greenery.
Price per night: $714
8. Lotte New York Palace
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Spanning a 55-story skyscraper and six 19th-century houses, Lotte New York Palace packs a lot of amenities within, from a French bakery and Gilded Age-themed cocktail lounge to ilaOnly Spa where treatments include a facial using rose quartz crystals. In the television drama “Gossip Girl,” this hotel was shown to be the lavish residence of “Serena van der Woodsen.” An ornate staircase in the lobby leads to guest rooms where no luxuries are spared, especially in the 5,000-square-foot suites. Staying on a Friday or Saturday night means you get to see Steve Cohen’s magic show in the Madison Room. If you want more personalized concierge service, book a room in The Towers, which are the skyscraper’s top 14 floors, for a hotel-within-a-hotel experience.
Price per night: $686
9. Akwaaba Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Photo: Akwaaba Mansion
Photo: Akwaaba Mansion
Photo: Akwaaba Mansion
For a more intimate stay, this 1860s Black-owned Italianate mansion in Brooklyn’s Stuyvesant Heights has only four rooms and is shouldered by beautiful brownstones. Guests can hang out in the b&b’s common areas, among antiques and 14-foot-high ceilings, and wake up to a hot Southern-style breakfast served in the dining room each morning. A garden tucked away from the street is a nice respite from the city’s bustle and massages can be booked in the privacy of your guest room, where a Jacuzzi and fireplace also await.
Price per night: $205
More like thisWhere to StayThe 9 most exciting boutique hotels in ParisThe nine most romantic hotels in New York City worth splurging on
Cozying up in front of a crackling fireplace back at your suite or reconnecting in a dimly lit luxurious bar adds a spark to a hotel’s romance factor. Some even offer treatment rooms for couples at their spa or packages that fold in little luxuries like sparkling wine and chocolates upon arrival. When you’re checking into a hotel with your sweetie, shouting over the music, checking into tight quarters, or jostling through crowded hallways just doesn’t whisper “date night,” does it? These elements become all the more important in popular city getaway spots such as New York City — where choosing the right accommodation can elevate your entire experience. If you’re planning a special trip to the city, here are nine of the most romantic hotels in NYC.
We hope you love the romantic hotels in NYC we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
1. The Pierre, a Taj HotelPhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
One of only two US hotels under the luxe Mumbai-based Taj Hotels brand, expect to be treated like royalty at this 189-room Upper East Side property, with amenities like afternoon tea, Turkish marble baths and Jaguar car service. Whether it’s the City View room, focused on the skyline, or the Park View room, overlooking Central Park, the views are spectacular. Since 1930, The Pierre has checked in guests, including such stylish folks as Karl Lagerfield and Yves Saint Laurent, which sets the bar right where it needs to be. Take your palate on a jaunt to France without even leaving the hotel, by dining at Perrine where the menu includes tuna tartare, oysters on the half shell, and Rémy Martin Louis XIII Cognac. One of the most romantic hotels in NYC, The Pierre is luxurious and ideal for a special anniversary or celebration.
Price per night: $921
2. The Plaza HotelPhoto: The Plaza Hotel
Photo: The Plaza Hotel
Photo: The Plaza Hotel
If you’ve seen “Sleepless in Seattle” and the recent “The Great Gatsby” reboot, then you already know about this 282-room Midtown hotel’s opulence across from Central Park South. Dip into The Champagne Bar just off the lobby for bubbles and caviar or sit down under a glass conservatory at The Palm Court for its afternoon tea. An offshoot of the Guerlain on Paris’ Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the fourth-floor Guerlain Spa is a splurge spa for couples. Treatments include the Couples Experience, side-by-side massages followed by flutes of Champagne and a 20-minute soaking ritual. Old World elegance is back at the room, such as fringed fainted sofas, the hotel’s signature ornate headboards, and 24-gold-plated bath fixtures.
Price per night: $889
3. The EquinoxPhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Tucked into Hudson Yards, Manhattan’s latest eye-candy development, anchored by the helix-like metallic “Vessel” sculpture, each of the 221 rooms flaunts an EQX Regenerative Toolkit that includes “yoga accessories and massage essentials.” To reach check-in, you are whisked up 25 flights in an elevator. For the couple who likes to stay fit together, access to the Equinox Club is a strong perk. Give each other massages using the hotel’s Grown Alchemist line of skincare, folding in botanicals found in nearby High Line Park. Electric Lemon’s 8,000-square-foot, glass-walled rooftop terrace on the 24th floor, which includes indoor and outdoor seating, features fire pits and an unparalleled skyline view.
Price per night: $916
4. Mandarin Oriental, New YorkPhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
The view from the 35th-floor, glass-walled MO Lounge makes this 248-room hotel in Columbus Circle’s Deutsche Bank Center a romantic choice. All-day dining extends to cocktails and dinner in the evenings, when Manhattan truly glitters. Equally stunning is the spa’s perch framing the city’s skyline and offering treatments in its VIP Spa Suite with a fireplace. Guestrooms further frame the hotel’s Central Park views via floor-to-ceiling windows and the décor’s awash in soft golds, purples and reds. Staff can easily book private experiences just outside the hotel, such as a private horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park or a private yacht charter in the Hudson River.
Price per night: $1,036
5. Baccarat Hotel and Residences, New YorkPhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Chandeliers dripping with crystals should be no surprise at this 114-room Midtown hotel owned by the French-crystal manufacturer of glassware and other products. The Bar alone is a veritable step into Paris. All-white guest rooms amp up the romantic factor with pops of red hues and, naturally, Baccarat crystal stemware plus cashmere throws on the bed. If that’s not pampering enough, Spa de la Mer is the country’s first branded spa with La Mer skincare brand. Want to wander a bit? The hotel’s town car drives guests within a 15-block radius.
Price per night: $903
6. The Greenwich HotelPhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Co-owned by actor Robert DeNiro, this 88-room Tribeca boutique hotel blends wellness and style at its Shibui Spa, inspired by Japanese design and boasting treatments like 105-minute Onsen baths, a luxury once reserved for only emperors. The spa also flaunts an indoor pool, rare for a big-city hotel. Or book a private yoga class for two in the comfort of your room. While no two rooms are alike, what they have in common is a goal to destress by adopting neutral color schemes. Drinks can be had in the courtyard or the cozy Drawing Room bar while Locanda Verde’s menu is a culinary love letter to Italy.
Price per night: $801
7. 1 Hotel Brooklyn BridgePhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
There are few things more iconic to New York City’s romantic flair than the Brooklyn Bridge. One of the most romantic hotels in NYC, 1 Hotel is right next to it, along the waterfront in Brooklyn Bridge Park. As an eco-oriented LEED-Gold certified hotel, food is sourced from local farmers and much of the materials used during construction, such as barn wood, were reclaimed or recycled. Sunsets seen from Harriet’s Rooftop and Harriet’s Lounge are nothing short of romantic and Bamford Spa caters to couples with the “Couples de Stress Massage.” Rooms are calming and nurturing, with tons of greenery.
Price per night: $714
8. Lotte New York PalacePhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Spanning a 55-story skyscraper and six 19th-century houses, Lotte New York Palace packs a lot of amenities within, from a French bakery and Gilded Age-themed cocktail lounge to ilaOnly Spa where treatments include a facial using rose quartz crystals. In the television drama “Gossip Girl,” this hotel was shown to be the lavish residence of “Serena van der Woodsen.” An ornate staircase in the lobby leads to guest rooms where no luxuries are spared, especially in the 5,000-square-foot suites. Staying on a Friday or Saturday night means you get to see Steve Cohen’s magic show in the Madison Room. If you want more personalized concierge service, book a room in The Towers, which are the skyscraper’s top 14 floors, for a hotel-within-a-hotel experience.
Price per night: $686
9. Akwaaba Mansion Bed and BreakfastPhoto: Akwaaba Mansion
Photo: Akwaaba Mansion
Photo: Akwaaba Mansion
For a more intimate stay, this 1860s Black-owned Italianate mansion in Brooklyn’s Stuyvesant Heights has only four rooms and is shouldered by beautiful brownstones. Guests can hang out in the b&b’s common areas, among antiques and 14-foot-high ceilings, and wake up to a hot Southern-style breakfast served in the dining room each morning. A garden tucked away from the street is a nice respite from the city’s bustle and massages can be booked in the privacy of your guest room, where a Jacuzzi and fireplace also await.
Price per night: $205
More like thisWhere to StayThe 9 most exciting boutique hotels in ParisThese Denver airport hotels put you close to the terminal with luxe amenities
Staying at an airport hotel is all about convenience, comfort, and cleanliness. Denver airport hotels range from high-end resorts to casual chains to budget-friendly options. In a nod to the modern penchant for points, nearly every hotel rewards program is represented in the hotels near the Denver Airport. Here are the top hotels in Denver from luxury to budget, all offering basic airport hotel amenities like a shuttle, breakfast on the go, and a place to pop open the laptop to burn through emails.
We hope you love the Denver airport hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
Headliner hotels near Denver International Airport1. Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
If you’ve stayed in a Gaylord property before you know this is the stuff of hospitality dreams. Gaylord Rockies isn’t so much a hotel as it is a full-on village adjacent to Denver International Airport. There’s the hotel, which is outfitted with five-star amenities including high-thread-count sheets and tailored room service. Views from the rooms tend to include both mountains and departing aircrafts, a cool way to catch the “Wings over the Rockies” fever that swept through the Mile High City back when the old Stapleton Airport was located in the heart of town.
The real pull to this Denver airport hotel is the resort. Its spa is top-notch. In fact, the property is akin to something you’d find in Vegas — there’s a lazy river with waterside cabanas, a heated year-round indoor pool, and four onsite restaurants and bars. Then there’s the convention center, which hosts exhibits and entertainment even if you aren’t in town for a conference. Overall, Gaylord Rockies is by far the best of the hotels near Denver Airport.
Price: From $188 per night
2. The Westin Hotel Denver International AirportPhoto: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Of course, in Denver, there’s no need to even leave the airport to have a top-notch hotel stay. The Westin Hotel Denver International Airport is located in the main terminal, steps from security and near all of the terminal amenities including airline check-in, baggage claim, restaurants, tap rooms, and shopping. Check-in for this Denver airport hotel is adjacent to the terminus of the A-Line commuter rail, which connects downtown Denver to the airport — making it convenient if you’re coming from the city for an early-morning flight.
Inside the hotel, The Sky Lounge offers cocktails with a view. The onsite restaurant, Grill and Vine, captures the city’s ethos of well-sourced food and drink options, including craft beer. Before heading to your flight in the morning, grab a cup of coffee at Ingredients. The hotel is also perfect for that nefarious Rocky Mountain weather — if you find yourself stranded after a late-night flight or stuck due to a cancellation, room service is available even at odd hours to calm the nerves.
Price: From $284 per night
Top Marriott Bonvoy Denver Airport hotels3. Courtyard by Marriott Denver Airport
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
With 24-hour airport shuttle service and the standard Courtyard by Marriott amenities, this Denver airport hotel is an anchor of the hotel village just up Pena Boulevard from the airport. Courtyard Denver Airport is ideal for families as well as business travelers, with in-room work stations and cable TV. Grab a continental breakfast or vending machine snack on the way to the airport in the morning.
Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: YesPrice: From $134 per night
4. Springhill Suites by Marriott
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
The Springhill Suites Denver Airport adds a dose of relaxation to your stay with an in-house bar at which to wind down after – or before – your flight. Rooms are clean and cozy, with suite options available, of course. Take in the sunset over the Rockies from the patio area or get in a workout at the full fitness center. This property is ideal for traveling workers, with fast WiFi and lounge space.
Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: YesPrice: From $134 per night
Top Hilton Honors Denver Airport hotels5. DoubleTree by Hilton
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Travelers often only stay one night next to an airport and are often in a hurry when they do so. DoubleTree Denver Airport is ideally set up for this type of stay because it offers an onsite restaurant, bar, and lounge area, meaning you don’t have to worry about finding a restaurant (though there are plenty nearby) or getting about town when all you want to do is rest up and then head out. Just don’t forget to take advantage of the hot breakfast before you go.
Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: YesPrice: From $114 per night
6. Embassy Suites Denver Airport
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Embassy Suites enjoys full-on lore status in the lexicon of American chain hotels. Its iconic open-air lobby design and wraparound interior balconies separate its aesthetic, and of course, you can wake up to a fresh copy of USAToday outside your door. This location is no different. Staying at this Denver airport hotel is a slice of luxury at a price point far below what you’d expect for such niceties — particularly given the free airport shuttle, full gym and pool area, business center, and spacious rooms. Claim Bar and Restaurant is open breakfast through dinner. The overall experience here? Top-notch.
Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: YesPrice: From $143 per night
Top World of Hyatt Denver Airport hotels7. Hyatt House Denver Airport
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Hyatt House Denver Airport is efficient, modern, and clean. Many of the bright rooms at this Denver airport hotel are done up apartment-style, making this property more like an Airbnb but with hotel amenities and service. Enjoy a kitchen, large bedroom, and plenty of lounge space — of all the hotels near Denver International Airport, Hyatt House is the best for the business traveler who needs to feel at home for a stay of a few days or longer.
Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: YesPrice: From $135 per night
Top Wyndham Rewards Denver Airport hotels8. Days Inn and Suites
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
If it’s been a while since you last stayed at a Days and Suites, we encourage you to give this well-known chain a refresher course. The brand’s hotel near Denver Airport is clean and quiet, and equipped with modern amenities including in-room workstations and a comfortable lounge. Opt for a suite and enjoy a living room space with cable TV and a luxe couch — but no matter which room you book, WiFi and continental breakfast are on the house. At its budget rate, you can’t beat this Denver airport hotel’s value.
Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: YesPrice: From $84 per night
9. Wingate Denver Airport
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
The Wingate Denver Airport offers one thing other Denver airport hotels do not — a vibe that’s at once classy and contemporary yet still home-y. Rooms are minimalist and clean. Continental breakfast is available for dine-in or to-go. And the hotel’s suites go so far as to fully separate the bedroom area from the living room. There’s plenty of room to work and even more to relax, whether you’re the type that likes to plug in at the desk in your room or head down to the lobby and relax among the general bustle.
Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: YesPrice: From $110 per night
Top IHG Rewards hotels near Denver Airport10. Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport offers something none of the Denver airport hotels do — easy access to the city center. It’s Interstate 70 location puts you downtown in minutes, ideal for travelers who need access to the 16th St. Mall, the Colorado Convention Center, or the host of venues, stadiums, and amenities that the city has in its core. You’ll also enjoy the onsite and nearby dining — a major step-up from the diners and chains that populate most airport hotel villages.
Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: YesPrice: From $151 per night
11. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Denver Airport
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Denver Airport is one of the closest hotels to DIA. It’s also incredibly streamlined — convenience is the name of the game with this brand, and its regulars have integrated their stay here into their travels as smoothly as a finely-tuned pre-boarding airport routine. Grab a late-night snack, take breakfast to-go, and even get a workout in. The rooms are clean and simple. And there’s no need to leave hours before your flight just to commute.
Airport shuttle: Yes24-hour front desk: YesFitness center: YesPrice: From $123 per night
More like thisWhere to StayThe 12 best Airbnbs in Denver for beer tours, 420, and mountain vibesVacation ideas and sex retreats
Had your fill of city sightseeing? Then maybe it’s time to try an altogether wilder experience. Naked vacations (nakedations) are skyrocketing in popularity, and with the increase of options and destinations out there, there’s never been a better time to fuel your curiosity and try something a little different. So if you’ve tried a sex club or two and don’t fancy taking in the local monuments on your next trip away, pack your best latex and set off on a trip to one of the world’s best swinger resorts for sexually daring couples.
1. Hedonism II — Negril, Jamaica
Photo: Hedonism
The Caribbean is home to many sex-forward resorts, but Hedonism II is by far the most famous. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular: beautiful beach, a balmy climate, and the legendary “Romping Shop Playroom,” which is essentially an orgy room kitted out with an L-shaped bed, sex swings, and steamy open showers.
A typical day here sees guests indulging in a spot of naked water aerobics followed by cocktails and dancing at one of the resort’s numerous sex-themed events. Visitors all get their own rooms (complete with ceiling mirrors) and can choose to hang out on the nude or prude side of the resort. The former requires you to strip down after five minutes and go fully nude, clothing is optional for the latter.
For: Everyone, although the crowd is around 90 percent heterosexual, cisgender couples.
2. Bliss Cruise — Caribbean
Photo: Maridav/Shutterstock
Bliss Cruises is designed specifically for members of “the lifestyle” (code word for swingers) to indulge in partner-swapping, exhibitionism, voyeurism, and everything else you’d expect to see at a sex club — all while sailing through Caribbean waters. The five-star ship is kitted out with 12 restaurants, a casino, bars, lounges, an art studio, and adult party playrooms where adventurous guests can put on or watch a show.
As with all things involving public nudity on land, the same rules apply at sea. Respect people’s privacy, don’t record or photograph anything, don’t be pushy, and enjoy yourself. Remember, you’re not obliged to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, and the cruise ship is set up to accommodate individuals and couples who prefer their alone time.
For: Heterosexual couples
3. Dan Savage’s HUMP Film Festival — various locations in the US
Photo: Hump Film Festival
Ever watch porn and think you could do it better? Now’s your chance. HUMP Film Festival showcases short (five minutes or less) sexy movies made by amateurs keen to play pornstars for a weekend. Those who aren’t a fan of silicone and giant bleached coifs can relax: Dan Savage — founder, newspaper editor, sex advice columnist, author, and pundit — puts together a carefully curated program that features a diverse range of body types, genders, sexualities, and turn-ons all in the name of inclusion. The festival, which has been running since 2005, tours all over North America, where it runs events that usually last two to three days.
For: Everyone
4. Desire Riviera Maya — Cancun, Mexico
Photo: Desire Resorts/Facebook
This upscale resort offers curious couples a plethora of libido-enhancing activities to choose from, including foam parties, a spa that offers erotic massages, a playroom for public sex, and a jacuzzi area where alfresco friskiness is a nighttime staple.
As with all of these locations, you’re not obliged to join in with any of the kinky revelries if you’re not feeling it, so if you’d rather just relax with your partner in a non-sexual environment, then there’s an Italian restaurant, a hibachi grill, and a cocktail bar to unwind in.
For: Heterosexual couples
5. Swingfields — secret location in the UK
Photo: Swingfields/Facebook
Once a year, around 700 folk from the swinging community descend on a quiet slice of the British countryside for four days of unadulterated hedonism, music, dancing, and comedy. Swingfields, which was established in 2013, was canceled in 2017 due to “trolls,” and now hosts each event in a secret location to guarantee the privacy and comfort of guests who are told the location just two days before the event.
Just like any other British festival, the weather could be scorching or a total mud bath — but, unlike Glastonbury, there are posh loos and luxury showers to wash all that mud and…other things off.
For: Everyone
6. Desire Cruise
Photo: Desire Cruises
Desire is a clothing-optional cruise with a more upmarket flavor (and a price tag to match) that takes you along the French Riviera and through to Italy and the Balearics, before docking in Barcelona. Libido-boosting facilities include a clothing-optional pool area, a playroom (aka “sex room”), and a Jacuzzi lounge, while guests can learn about tantric massages, bondage, swinging from a small army of onboard sexperts. Desire also has a vibrant program of themed nights, including safari, masquerade, and neon glam fancy dress — so pack your bags accordingly.
For: The crowd is primarily made up of heterosexual couples, though polyamorous and same-sex travelers are welcome.
7. Castle Milkersdorf — Brandenburg, Germany
Photo: Schloss Milkersdorf/Facebook
There’s something a little Eyes Wide Shut about this mysterious sex party. “Rendezvous der Lüste” as it’s called in German, is held five times a year at Schloss Milkersdorf, an opulent castle not far from Berlin. Guests stay at a local inn, where they unpack and settle in before being bussed out to the castle at 8:30 PM, and then back again at 3:00 AM.
The event is geared toward heterosexual couples, with a focus on wife-sharing and cuckolding — that’s where a woman enjoys the company of one or more men while her partner watches. There’s also a dark room for anonymous encounters, a glory hole room, a “nude suite” open to all guests, and smaller, lockable spaces for private encounters.
For: Heterosexual couples
8. Naughty in N’Awlins — New Orleans, Louisiana
Photo: Naughty Events
Naughty in N’Awlins is a five-day couples’ lifestyle convention that offers sex-themed workshops, parties, and a Swinger Pride Parade. The event takes over an entire hotel (sometimes two) and turns it into an adult play area complete with group rooms, private nooks, dungeons, women-only zones, and more. Attendees can also sign up for free membership and chat and match up with other couples prior to the event.
For: Everyone, although heterosexual, cisgender couples are more common. If you’re looking for something geared more toward LGBTQ-travelers in the area, then check out Kinky Salon NOLA, an inclusive one-day party for people of all orientations.
9. The Naughty Island — Belize
Photo: Anton Romaniuk/Shutterstock
Got cash to spare? Then this one’s for you. Run by the same people as Naughty in N’Awlins, this week-long event is a clothing-optional island takeover held at a five-star all-inclusive resort on an island off the coast of Belize in Central America. For one week, couples can strip off and indulge in sun, sea, and each other. The luxurious experience does not come cheap: Cabanas are priced from just over $2,700 per person.
For: Everyone, although LGBTQ+ travelers will be in the minority since the island is so small.
10. Temptation Resort — Cancun, Mexico
Photo: Temptation Resort
The self-proclaimed “Playground for Grown-Ups” is famed for its “sexy pool” — a topless-optional outdoor pool where guests can splash around to DJs and live bands. There are also a multitude of themed nights, an outdoor dance floor, and seven restaurants, including one that serves up a seven-course meal made entirely out of aphrodisiacs.
Described by one TripAdvisor reviewer as “spring break for adults,” it appeals more to the younger crowd. If you need to be tucked into bed with a hot chocolate before 10:00 PM, then you should probably reconsider.
For: Everyone, except those looking for a more low-key getaway.
January 5, 2022
Watch: On Christmas Island, coconut crabs pinch hard enough to snap a golf club in half
With a name like Christmas Island, you’d assume that the Australian territory in the Indian Ocean is a magical place full of reindeer and joyful elves. But no, it’s actually full of aggressive coconut crabs.
Coconut crabs, also known as robber crabs, are a huge species of hermit crab. Their leg span can reach three feet, and they can “lift objects the weight of a 10-year-old child,” according to the Natural History Museum of London. The crabs live on land, where they climb trees, feed on coconuts, hunt and eat birds, and generally terrify anything that moves or grows — golfers included.
While on a round of golf on Christmas Island, home to the world’s largest population of coconut crabs, local Paul Buhner captured footage of one of the animals sitting cozily on top of his friends’ stand bag. While they were putting, away from their belongings, the crustacean had made its way around the golf clubs and was holding on tightly with its large pincers.
Coconut crabs’ pincers have a serrated edge and are extremely powerful. They use those pincers to crack open coconuts, so handling a coconut crab with your bare hands should be done with extreme caution.
Luckily, the owner of the bag knew that he’d have to be careful if he wanted to keep all his fingers. He grabbed the coconut crab from behind and took it away from the bag. The only problem? There was no way to get the animal to let go of the three precious clubs he got a hold of.
Eventually, after managing to save two of his clubs, the owner realized that there was no hope for the third one — the coconut crab has snapped it with its extraordinary pincers “like a chainsaw.” He also would not let go of a head cover, pinching it for dear life no matter how much shaking he endured.
While coconut crabs are usually nocturnal animals, on Christmas Island, the crustaceans are “active during the day (when humidity levels are high) and congregate to feed, generally under fruit trees,” the Western Australian Museum explains. This particular crab looked very awake and alert, indeed.
The best scenic seaplane tours in America for an epic afternoon adventure
sometimes, the best way to view a city or park is from high, high above it. And seaplane tours offer the most unique way to get the best views of numerous cities and waterways throughout America. Seaplanes usually fit about five people, though many companies offer private seaplane tours for couples or groups that want something extra-special.
Being in a plane allows you to see a familiar city from a fresh perspective. And seaplane tours are also a great way to get airborne and have a mini-adventure near home if you don’t have the time or funds to travel overseas. Oh, and you don’t have to worry about lost bags or jet lag.
Flightseeing and single-day charter flights also offer options for fishing, picnicking, bear spotting, whale watching, even alligator viewing, and can take you to places inaccessible by roads. Some tours are just about sightseeing, while others drop you in the middle of remote wilderness areas for a bit of exploration on foot.
With tropical beaches to iconic landmarks, snow-capped mountains, and winding rivers, America is simply awesome from the air.
Seattle, Washington
Finger Lakes, New York
Juneau, Alaska
San Francisco, California
The Great Lakes, Michigan
Lake Gaston, Virginia
Florida
Lake Gaston, Virginia
Lake Vermillion, Minnesota
Photo: Doptis/Shutterstock
There’s no shortage of stunning aerial views in Seattle, from the Space Needle to the city skyline and the distant majesty of Mount Rainier. To see all of those from a new perspective, consider taking a quick, budget-friendly flight around Seattle with Seattle Seaplanes, covering 31 miles. Tours are $120 per person and last around 20 minutes.
Or if you’re more of a foodie, grab some friends and pick a floatplane picnic tour with Northwest Floatplane Picnics, leaving from Seattle. You’ll fly for around 15 or 20 minutes to one of two coastal sites where a private chef will prepare a multi-course gourmet picnic featuring local foods from the Pacific Northwest like fresh-cracked Dungeness crab with citrus-garlic sauce and smoked salmon dip with toasted baguettes. Menus are totally customizable, and the seaplanes can seat up to nine guests.
How about a seaplane day trip combining whale watching and the best of Seattle’s surroundings? Whale-watching seaplane tours with San Juan Safaris take off from Lake Washington (around 20 minutes from downtown Seattle) and head towards the seaside village of Friday Harbor on San Juan island, taking in the city, the Olympus mountains, and Puget Sound on the way. From San Juan island, you’ll switch to a whale-watching tour boat to spot orcas and humpback whales. At close to $500 per person, it’s not a cheap day out, but it’ll definitely be a memorable one.
With multiple flights, stunning sights, and fine local food, it’s hard to find a city with better seaplane tour offerings than Seattle.
The Finger Lakes, New York
Photo: antsdrone/Shutterstock
While New York City operates at warp speed, there are plenty of spots in the state far more low-key than the city that never sleeps. An easy place to head from the city is the Finger Lakes region, 250 miles northwest of the Big Apple. It’s a region known for waterfalls, fine wines, and the 11 lakes that give the region its moniker.
Lake Keuka is home to Finger Lakes Seaplanes, which offers 30- and 60-minute flights above the area, taking in lakes, long shorelines, expansive forests, dairy farms, and the historical town of Penn Yan. Fittingly, Lake Keuka is the birthplace of the floatplane, first flown in 1911 by local aviation legend Glenn Curtis. Glenn was also the first person to get a pilot license in America. Planes can hold a maximum of three guests, so it’s almost always a private tour.
Juneau, Alaska
Photo: Alaska Seaplanes
From misty fjords and glaciers to ice fields and bears, Alaska has enough wilderness to wow anyone. After all, the whole of Alaska is pretty much wild. And with such limited access via roads or even on foot, plane travel is sometimes the only way to get between small towns and hotels. Because of the state’s massive size — it’s 663,000 square acres — viewing it from the air is the best way to see it. In a place where weather and isolation make it nearly impossible to service and maintain runways, the abundance of lakes and waterways make seaplanes the obvious choice, not only for sightseeing, but for regular transport, too.
It’s hard to visit Alaska and not see any wildlife, but to see the state’s grizzly bears, you need to head to certain specific areas — and having a plane within running distance probably isn’t a bad idea either. The Pack Creek Bear Tour from Alaska Seaplanes heads to the delightfully named Fortress Of The Bears. Trips run from Alaska’s capital (Juneau) between May and September and include about 30 minutes of flight time each way plus around five hours on the ground with a guide looking for bears. But it’s one of the pricier single-day seaplane tours in the area at around $850 per person, depending on the season.
If you’re after a quicker and cheaper flight with potentially less risk of coming up close to a grizzly, a scenic flight over the rugged peaks of the Juneau Glacier and Icefield is a great option. After taking off from the float pond at Juneau Airport, you’ll have 55 minutes of raw Alaskan wilderness beneath you. It’s far more affordable at around $300 per person with a minimum of two people.
San Francisco, California
Photo: Seaplane Adventures
Since its establishment by Europeans in the 1700s, the central hub of San Francisco has been the harbor and waterfront area. So it makes sense to use the city’s centerpiece as the start and finish for a swift scenic adventure.
Pound for pound, it’s hard to find anywhere else in America that can pack in so many iconic landmarks in such a short flight. A 30-minute Golden Gate Tour from Seaplane Adventures cruises passengers over the San Francisco Bay and past the Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach, Alcatraz, Angel Island, downtown San Francisco, and even Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. However, you can make the trip even longer if you’d like by opting for the 60-minute flight.
But if you’re after a special flight just for two, opt for one of the most romantic seaplane tours in California: a sunset champagne flight over the city. Because of COVID-19 regulations as of December 2021, no champagne is allowed in the plane, so you’ll enjoy a drink beforehand (and ideally a few afterward at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants).
As beautiful as San Francisco is, it can be blessed with abundant fog, particularly from June to August. While it adds an air of mystery to the place, it’s not ideal for flying. But no problem – flights with Seaplane Adventures dodge it by heading into Marin County and Napa Valley. It’s a much better option than seeing a ‘flight canceled’ sign.
The Great Lakes, Michigan
Photo: RodClementPhotographyShutterstock
As the only state to touch four of the five Great Lakes, grandiose bodies of water are de rigueur in Michigan. You can see the sunrise from the waters of Lake Huron then turn to Lake Michigan to catch the sun setting below the watery horizon. And while all the lakes offer paddling, scuba diving on wrecks, fishing, and boating, it’s from the air that the sheer scale of the lakes really wows.
One of the best aerial views is from The Straits of Mackinac, where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet. So even opting for just a quick 20-minute flight with Mackinac Seaplane Tours will give you great views of 45 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, several islands, and Tahquamenon Falls. They also have other tours more focused on fall colors and area lighthouses.
Lake Gaston, Virginia
Photo: Sand Dollar Sea Planes
Boasting great fishing, 350 miles of shoreline, and the nearby Rosemont Winery, Lake Gaston is one of Virginia’s best spots to be close to nature. Sand Dollar Seaplanes runs 30-minute seaplane tours over Lake Gaston, Kerr Lake, and many more of Virginia’s scenic waterways throughout spring, summer, and fall. The planes hold just two adults, making it a romantic activity for couples spending a weekend near the Virginia/North Carolina border.
Florida
Photo: Seaplane Adventures
Want to spot alligators and watch people hurtling (and hopefully not hurling) on roller coasters from above? Where else but Florida?
Home to the cheapest seaplane trip in America at just $80 per person, the 15-minute Lake Dora ‘Splash & Dash’ tour with Jones Brothers and Co. takes guests around several lakes and island and the towns of Mount Dora and Tavares. But if you can swing it price-wise, consider the longer $189 seaplane tour. It lasts around 45 minutes and guests will spot massive gators while flying “low and slow” over Lake Apopka. The flight then heads to Orlando attractions like Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Walt Disney World.
Or if covering as many beaches as possible appeals to you more, take the aptly named “The Beaches’ Tour with Air Adventures in Clearwater, which will see you buzzing sunbathers and swimmers from St. Pete Beach to Clearwater Beach. You’ll make a few water landings during the 45-minute flight, and whoever sits next to the pilot may even learn a thing or two about flying a seaplane.
For a longer trip with some more adventure, take the half-day excursion from Key West Seaplane Charters to Dry Tortugas National Park. For around $360 per person, you’ll fly 40-minutes each way to the underwater national park with the chance to spot turtles, dolphins, sharks, stingrays, and shipwrecks along the way. Once on the island, you’ll have 2.5 hours to tour Fort Jefferson or relax on the beach. Window seats are assured, and you can do a morning or afternoon trip.
Lake Vermilion, Minnesota
Photo: Adventure Seaplanes
As far back as the 1940s, Lake Vermilion, in northern Minnesota, has been regarded as one of the most scenic lakes in America. Vermilion gets its name from the French translation of the local Ojibwe tribes’ word “onamuni,” which means “lake of the sunset glow.” With 40,000 acres of water and 365 islands, it’s worth witnessing from any angle, even if you’re just driving by. But from the air, it’s ethereal.
Adventure Seaplanes runs 30-minute seaplane tours around the lakes, the rivers, the area of Northwoods, Crane Lake, and the southern area of Voyageurs National Park — one of the least-crowded national parks in the country. That makes it a good place to spot moose, deer, and possibly black bears. It’s also a fantastic place for stargazing, though unfortunately, you can’t do that from a seaplane.
No matter where you fly, and whether you’re up for just a quick flight or stopping for an all-day wildlife-watching session, a seaplane tour will be a thrilling experience. Words like “majestic,” “scenic,” and “stunning” are often thrown around when it comes to views — and all are true — but words have a hard time conveying the sounds, smells, and adventure offered by the often-vintage and loving-looked-after planes. The feeling of building up speed and finally bouncing up into the air from the water is unlike any other flying experience you’ll find.
These Airbnbs give you a cozy escape near Rio’s Carnival action
Brazil’s most famous festival, Carnival, is back this year after being canceled last year due to COVID-19. This year’s Carnival will take place on February 25, 2022, until March 5, 2022. In Rio de Janeiro, Carnival will be celebrated on every street corner and in nearly every restaurant and bar, no matter where you are. If you’re ready to samba your way over to Rio, here are the perfect Carnival Brazil Airbnbs in the South Zone area and the Center Zone area near all of the festivities.
Carnival Airbnbs in the South ZoneCarnival Airbnbs in the Center ZoneWe hope you love the Rio de Janiero Carnival Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
Airbnbs in the South Zone
Relaxing renovated studio apartment in Ipanema Beach
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This newly renovated studio is located in the south zone of Rio at Ipanema Beach. The open floor plan studio has a small kitchen area along with a full bathroom, bed, and dining area littered with colorful decor. The studio apartment is two blocks away from the beach, and there are many different local restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby.
Five guests, one bedroom
Price: $59 per night
Bahia inspired bungalow perfect for couples
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This bungalow is perfect for couples or singles looking for a feeling of peace and tranquility away from the busy Carnival atmosphere. The beach and Bahia-inspired bungalow has a kitchen and a private outdoor area. The space features a secluded outside bathroom area, where guests can shower and sunbathe all at once. The party is never far away, though — because let’s not forgot, that’s what brought you here in the first place.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $180 per night
Centrally located hippie themed loft apartment
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Ipanema, this loft apartment is near everything you need and more. It has an enpansive living space and sliding doors to divide the common areas from the bedrooms. There is a small kitchenette with a stove, fridge, and microwave, along with a full bathroom. This hippie-style apartment is perfect for any traveler heading to Carnival and is near many bars, restaurants, and other entertainment like Zaza Bistro, Shenanigan’s Irish Pub, and Garota de Ipanema’s Bar.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $179 per night
Bright and spacious two-bedroom apartment in Avenida Vieira Souto area
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Enjoy this two-bedroom apartment in the area of Ipanema. This spacious apartment features a full kitchen, bedroom, and living room with sliding doors that lead to the balcony area with sea views. It’s pet-friendly and provides easy access to Carnival as well as the best of Rio’s dining and cultural scenes in the heart of the city.
Four guests, two-bedroom
Price: $147 per night
Contemporary apartment near Copacabana Beach
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Located near Copacabana Beach, this contemporary apartment has all the resort-style amenities you need for your Carnival Brazil gateway. The apartment has a full kitchen, living room, and dining area in front of a big window with expansive views. There is plenty of natural light flowing through this contemporary apartment, and its centrally located near supermarkets, pharmacies, shops, restaurants, and other local places. And the festivities, of course.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $57 per night
Airbnbs in the Center Zone
Modern apartment with views of Arcos da Lapa
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
In the heart of Rio de Janeiro is this new apartment with beautiful views of Arcos da Lapa. There is all-new furniture as well as appliances featured in this apartment. Along with brand new household items, the apartment has an outdoor patio area with views of the sunrise and sunset. Access to the party scene is easy with subway and transit right nearby.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $63 per night
Artsy and colorful apartment near cultural enterainment
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This vibrant apartment is located in the neighborhood of Lapa. The apartment is near everything you need for your exciting Carnival adventures. It’s centrally located, so it’s within walking distance to many sightseeing spots and also to many subway lines. Restaurants, bars, clubs, and showrooms are nearby, and cultural history museums like Municipal Theater, National Library, Royal Portuguese Reading Office, and the Cultural Center of Federal Justice.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $24 per night
Historic townhouse in the heart of Rio de Janeiro
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Who doesn’t want to stay at a historic townhouse in the heart of Rio? This historic townhouse is perfect for a group — if you and your friends are ready to live it up at Carnival. This four-bedroom can fit up to ten people, and it features an atrium with a fountain and a huge sun terrace for views of the city.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $135 per night
Two story home with a waterfall pool on the main street of Santa Teresa
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Another beautiful stay fit for a family vacation or a group of friends, this home will truly make you feel like you’re on top of the world. This modern pad has four floors and is located on the main street of Santa Teresa, next to Valentine’s Castle. The house was renovated with a modern architectural design, and it welcomes your four-legged friends as well. The traditional Santa Teresa Cable Car has a stop right in front of the house, and the home is also known for its beautiful scenery, panoramic view of the city of Rio, and it’s also home to its private pool.
Sixteen guests, four bedrooms
Price: $162 per night
Watch: YouTuber finishes 197-country world tour in Saudi Arabia, and it’s nothing like you imagine
It took Drew Binsky nearly 10 years to visit every country in the world. On October 29, 2021, at 1:31 AM, Binsky crossed the border into Saudi Arabia, his 197th country.
Binsky started traveling the world in January 2012 when he moved to Prague as an international student. To make a visit to every country happen, he flew on nearly 1,500 flights and took over 1000 buses and trains during his 10 years of non-stop travel. But the best part is that he created 1,241 videos of his journey along the way.
His latest video takes us to Saudi Arabia, a country that until a couple of years ago was only open to approved foreign workers and Muslim pilgrims. Since 2019, the rules have significantly relaxed and tourist visas to Saudi Arabia are now quick and easy to obtain, allowing curious travelers to finally peek behind the curtain.
While in Saudi Arabia, Binsky busts some myths. “It’s clean, it’s safe, and it’s welcoming, especially for tourists,” he explains. Binsky also meets with local women who express their frustration at the distorted portraits of Saudi women in Western media. Recent legal changes mean that, now, Saudi women are allowed to leave their hair uncovered, drive, and they have the freedom to travel without the permission of a male guardian.
And as Binsky does in his other videos, he took on a $10 challenge to see what he could get with this small amount of money while walking the streets of Jeddah and Riyadh. Local experts Sara Omar and Abdullah take him to try local delicacies like balila — a salad of chickpeas, pickled beets, onions, cucumber, spices, and vinegar — for just $1.50, and subia (also known as bread juice) for $2. They also show him the local shops and markets where Binsky buys a very special and traditional toothbrush for $1.
If you’re on the fence about visiting Saudi Arabia, Binsky’s video may persuade you to get yourself an e-visa and go check out the beauty that’s on offer in this rapidly-changing nation.
Where volunteer for archaeology digs
Whether you want to excavate ancient temples or skeletons of extinct critters like dinosaurs and mammoths, archaeological and paleontological digs all over the world are looking for volunteers to lend a hand.
In exchange for tuition and sweat, participants receive hands-on instruction, room and board, and the deep gratification of contributing to important scientific discoveries. Most excavations are strenuous, dirty, and physically challenging, involving walking, squatting, and sometimes tolerating rugged accommodations without electricity, but they attract many passionate people of all ages — not just college kids earning credits.
Generally taking place in summer with a spring application deadline, projects take place in almost every nation accessible to researchers. Here are seven excavation opportunities that are actively seeking adult volunteers for 2022.
1. Biblical archaeology in Jordan
Photo: Balu’a Regional Archaeology Project/Facebook
The site: Khirbat a-Balu’a
Located in north-central Jordan, Khirbat a-Balu’a extends more than 12 miles, and served for millennia as a waystation on the path to the Karak Plateau. The site has been occupied from the Early Iron Age, about 3,000 years ago, through today.
The finds: Among other artifacts, crews have excavated fortification structures and rare iron objects.
The details: The 2022 project runs from June 23 to August 4, with two half-sessions available. There is a minimum stay of three weeks. The price to participate in this archeological dig range from $1500 to $2500, depending on the length of stay and registration fees. College credit is available through La Sierra University.
Contact: Dr. Monique Roddy is reachable via email at mroddy@lasierra.edu. Check out the Balu’a Regional Archaeological Project website if you’re keen to participate.
2. Archeological dig at an early settlement in Central PortugalThe site: The esteemed nonprofit Earthwatch Institute sponsors field school for adults interested in understanding the unsolved mysteries of prehistoric Portugal. The transition from pre-agricultural society to herding and farming is the primary focus of the Tagus Valley research. Participants in the 2022 fieldwork will excavate human remains, tools, and other indicators of the transition from hunting and gathering to longer-term settlement.
The finds: The main questions the head archaeologists are asking include how, when, and why Mesolithic and Neolithic peoples occupied the area, which happens to be one of the hottest debates in contemporary European archaeology. Field school participants will excavate shell mounds, analyze artifacts, and conduct lab work.
Details: Eight field sessions run for either one week or two between August 1, 2022 to late September 2022. Participants will stay in the nearby Palace of Muge Estate and couples’ rooms are available. Farm-fresh meals come from local restaurants that can accommodate special diets. Evening lectures are included, and 14-day sessions usually allocate a day or two for recreation. A one-week session is $2,850, and a two-week session costs $3995.
Contact: Dr. Nuno Bicho of the Universidade do Algarve is the project’s lead scientist. Contact Earthwatch for more information to apply.
3. A Mayan city in Belize
Photo: Maya Research Program/Facebook
The site: Blue Creek, Belize
The Maya Research Program is a non-profit affiliate of the University of Texas at Tyler. It’s legit, certified by the Register of Professional Archaeologists. The project’s overarching goal is to understand more about the societies of the Americas, and to educate interested people about the ethics and procedures of archaeology. The Blue Creek site is about 20 miles east of the Guatemalan border.
The finds: Over the years, the project has excavated a portion of an ancient Mayan city. Among many other finds, this has included artifacts that indicate pre-Hispanic trade; residential, religious, and civic buildings; pottery; lithics (archaeology jargon for “stone tools”); jade; jewelry; irrigation systems; and sacred objects.
The details: There are three two-week field sessions in 2022, running from June 6 through mid-July. UT also offers four laboratory classes in the field on topics like archaeological artifact analysis and 3D mapping. Non-student volunteers pay $1,850 for a two-week field session; students enrolled in accredited college courses get a break and only pay $1,600. Participants are housed in a two-story building with a kitchen, or nearby cabanas without electricity. Meals and water are included, and laundry is available for a small fee. Evening lectures cover topics like conservation, mapping, and the sad history of looting Mayan remains.
Contact: For more information, check out the project’s website or email mrpinquiries@gmail.com.
4. Pre-Inca military interactions in Peru
Photo: Institute for Field Research
The site: Pan de Azúcar de Nepeña, Peru
This Institute for Field Research sponsored field school in coastal Peru teaches university students and the general public (18 years old and older) to excavate and analyze 1,000-year-old Peruvian remains like ceramics, textiles, and skeletons. The field school’s research agenda is to understand how the coastal Casma people reacted to the nearby warrior Chimú culture, and how resistance facilitated the Casma’s persistence. Students will learn both excavation and laboratory analysis skills, as well as attend lectures and go on field trips.
Finds: So far archaeologists at the field school site have located a fortified adobe platform, 13 nearby mounds, and a cemetery.
Details: The field school offers two sessions in 2022: June 4 to July 2 and July 2 to July 30. The cost is $3,870 for a full four-week program’s worth of instruction, room and board, local transportation, health and evacuation insurance, and a field trip to the coastal site of Chan Chan. Participants stay in a fully furnished field house in the nearby town of Nepeña. As with many field schools and immersive experiences, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required of all participants.
Contact: Check out the website for the Nepeña field school if you are interested in partaking.
5. Roman archaeology in the Austrian AlpsThe site: The Roman site of Municipum Claudium Aguntum is situated in Austria not far from Leinz in the Eastern Alps. Geographically and socially, the site stands as a threshold between the Romans of two distinct regions. The peak occupation of the site lasted from about the time of Christ to 500 AD.
The finds: Participants can expect to excavate large structures as well as smaller material culture, and will have the opportunity to analyze some in a laboratory setting. Complementary coursework will be available to students who seek even more enrichment.
Details: The 2022 summer program is likely to be capped at 10 students. It runs from July 25 to August 19, 2022. Participants must be 18 or older and content is delivered in English. The cost is around $2000, not including housing which is another 350.
Contact: For more information, contact Martin Auer of the University of Innsbruck at fieldschool-aguntum@uibk.ac.at
6. Prehistory of the US Southwest in Gallina, New Mexico, US
Photo: Institute for Field Research/Shutterstock
The site: About 9000 years ago, the indigenous people of the United States desert began to interact with other cultures and new technologies, foods, and structures. The area grew somewhat violent as peoples fought for scarce resources. Desert archaeology preserves remarkably well, so archaeologists can piece together events that wetter parts of the world can obfuscate. Students at this field school will work to better understand the Gallina peoples of New Mexico – ancient rebels who for 200 years between 1100 and 1300 CE actively resisted elite encroachment on their landscape.
The finds: At the Gallina site, students will find, analyze, and interpret ancient structures, tools, ceramics, and more. One aspect of this field school that sets it apart is that participants will engage in community outreach and preservation of the Gallina’s lifeway. As with many of the other field school experiences, all participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Details: The field school runs from May 18 to June 22, 2022. Cost is $4160. Students will also take field trips to important nearby sites like Chaco as well as lectures, storytelling, and other educational components. Camp housing is near the site and food is enjoyed communally.
Contact: Dr. Lewis Borck of the University of Missouri heads up the school. He can be reached at lsborck@gmail.com. Check out the website to learn more about the program.
7. Presidential estate in Montpelier, Vermont, US
Photo: James Madison’s Montpellier/Facebook
The site: The Montpelier Foundation manages US President James Monroe’s Vermont estate. One of the most important aspects of the archaeology of Montpelier is the reconstruction of the daily lives of the many enslaved people who labored there.
The finds: Much of the mansion and its grounds are intact but archaeologists keep finding more artifacts that round out the story of events that occurred there. Participants will find everything from ceramics to foundations of wooden structures. Most of the artifacts and features (which are immobile artifacts) date back to the 1700s and 1800s with some being more contemporary.
Details: There are four available types of field programs through the Montpelier Foundation. They are excavation, surveying or “finding” sites and artifacts, lab analysis, and historic structure reconstruction. Sessions take place almost year-round. The first session is in March 2022. There are special sessions for high school students and even children, and the foundation offers some thematic sessions like “Wine and Archaeology” throughout the year. Excavation programs last a week and cost $850 and include some meals and souvenirs. Shorter programs cost about $500. None of the programs include lodging.
Contact: Email dig@montpelier.org for more information and visit the project’s website.
8. Biblical archeology in IsraelThe site: Israel’s Jezreel Valley is full of sites, many from biblical times. The Jezreel Valley Regional Project runs excavations throughout the valley, and allows volunteers and students to participate in several aspects of the endeavor. In most years, the JVRP has four excavations and one survey project to find more sites. Some of the sites are cities, like Tell Abu Shusha where King Herod based his armed forces. Others, like Legio, which is the focus of 2022’s field season, are 2000-year-old Roman legion bases.
The finds: Past students and volunteers have found objects dating back to ancient times, depending on the specific site they excavated. Some objects were used for ritual, others were household material culture and weapons of war.
Details: The dates for the Legio field program are May 13 to June 2, 2022. Scholarships are available.
Contact: Check the JVRP volunteer website to keep up to date about costs and for FAQs. That’s also where you’ll find the travel details and forms to submit deposits.
A version of this article was previously published on January 3, 2019, and was updated on January 5, 2022.
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