Is the Free Hotel Minibar on the Rise?

If you’re not familiar with the famous Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, let me tell you about “House Befitting Heaven.” The luxurious Hawaii resort has won prestigious awards too numerous to mention – and is iconic for a lot of things – but let me tell you about the popovers. I stayed at the famous hotel more than 25 years ago – and I’m still thinking about the yummy breakfast popovers, which have been served there to guests for more than 100 years. They are simply made with flour, eggs, salt, milk, and served with poha berry jam (a type of orange gooseberry). And let me tell you – they are super delicious.

Looking for a new gig? Olipop has one for you and your best friend.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jaclyn Sienna India, the founder of the luxury travel concierge Sienna Charles . The following has been edited for length and clarity.

We hope you love the 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.

San Antonio, Texas, is known for its tasty food, dynamic cultural heritage, and rich history. It was the site of the infamous 1836 battle for Texas’ independence from Mexico at The Alamo, now a preserved historic site and museum — and for the San Antonio Riverwalk, which overflows with delicious restaurants, fun shops, and opportunities to explore on foot. Here’s where to stay and spend the night on a trip to this southern city in the Lone Star State.

Hotel AKA Alexandria is a chic, sultry, boutique-feeling hotel hosting 180 residential-style accommodations in the Alexandria, Virginia’s, Northern Old Town Alexandria neighborhood. It’s an easy 15-minute walk from traditional downtown Old Town Alexandria’s bustling shopping, dining, and attractions and a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Washington. D.C.’s metropolitan atmosphere. But it’s secluded enough and separated away from the traffic and hustle of nearby business districts to offer a nice, quiet respite as a home base while visiting the area.

Self-styled as ‘Asia’s world city’, Hong Kong has seen its fair share of upheaval over the decades, but much of its current prosperity is built on its historic standing as a trading outpost. You sense that when you fly over the freighters that crisscross its waters, and see the skyscrapers that pierce its chockablock centre. A one-time British colony that sits in the South China Sea, it has always been a place where tastes and cultures collide. In this easily navigated destination, travellers typically stay in Kowloon, with its Victoria Harbour views, and on Hong Kong Island, which has exceptional places to eat and the landmark Victoria Peak.  

When Mario Matulich thinks of hotel chains with great customer service, he thinks of Marriott, IHG and Hilton — especially Hilton.

Finland has been named the happiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report for the past six years.

Chopping along the cobbled streets of Broadway at the foot of the rolling hills of the English Cotswolds, welcoming both Charles I and Oliver Cromwell, glide down narrow winding lanes past twee tea rooms, horse chestnut trees, and honey-colored cottages as you hear the puffing of the Gloucester Warwickshire Steam Train chugging along the tracks.

Everyone loves a good deal, but the best promotions in travel are the ones that are free. If you’re planning to take a trip that you booked during recent Valentine’s Day getaway offers, or just want to try your luck. These travel-related contests and giveaways could have you on the road in no time.

Whether it's crowd-free sandy bays, dramatic cliffscapes or marine life havens, travelers love a day out at the beach. Each year, travel review and advice site Tripadvisor releases a list of the world’s best beaches as part of its Travellers’ Choice Awards. The site analyses the tens of millions of reviews submitted by global travelers over the past 12 months and looks at the quality and quantity of ratings for beach experiences.