Epic Stays tips

Hotel Grand Stark is a boutique, pet-friendly hotel property sitting in Portland’s eclectic Central Eastside neighborhood. The hotel is tucked away outside the glitz and bustle of the central business district area mirrored across the Willamette River (still easily accessible to downtown landmarks) but is just as sophisticated of a spot to spend the night. This revamped, historic hotel is an elegant and independent space, with walkability to many of the East Side’s top attractions.

Southern California has a distinctive atmosphere. Sun, beach, ocean, and no shortage of experiences that get you out into all three make any trip to the state memorable. That’s seen perfectly in Oxnard at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, a Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton.

When I arrived at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco from the Ferry Building trying to find the entrance, I underestimated how large it was. I got lost looking for the lobby to check in, and it turned out that it was two floors above street level. I pressed the elevator button, which transported me to one of the largest and most futuristic lobbies I’ve ever seen.

If there’s a city that’ll have you daydreaming about relocating to, it’s San Diego. With winter temperatures rarely dipping below 50°F, these beaches, parks, and oceanfront grills may be enjoyed year-round. Travelers who prefer to unwind with a bud rather than a beer are in luck; recreational cannabis is legal in California and San Diego has as many marijuana dispensaries as food trucks. That so, it’s not permitted to smoke in public areas or at hotels with smoking or vaping bans. Light up in the privacy of one of these cannabis-friendly Airbnbs in San Diego with outdoor space.

The French Riviera is the strip of the Mediterranean coast that stretches from the town of Hyères to Menton, and the jewel in the crown that is the Azure Coast is the city of Nice. Famous for its sunshine, lively markets, colorful buildings, lovely beaches, and for being a celebrity magnet, Nice is also a good base for visiting the region. From there, you can take a quick train to Monaco, Cannes, or a longer trip to very chic St. Tropez. To make your trip to the Mediterranean a vacation to remember, book one of the best hotels in Nice, France, some of which have views and decors that will blow your socks off.

Holiday tradition usually dictates staying home for a large gathering with the extended family. But celebrating away can be an exciting prospect. You might not think it, but spending the holidays somewhere else can be much less stressful than hosting or staying with relatives. A vacation rental provides a neutral territory and a much-needed break from your normal holiday routine. All you need to do is to choose a festive place to go. A good place to start is with the country’s most popular Christmas cities. New York City, Santa Claus, Williamsburg, Park City, and Santa Barbara are the most sought-after destinations in the US for the holidays, and these are the best family-friendly Christmas Airbnbs perfect for a Yuletide gathering.

Nice is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the French Riviera. The Côte d’Azur city lies on the Baie des Anges, 20 miles from the Italian border. This means not only can you cross the border for a day trip, but Nice also has a distinct hybrid culture of French and Italian influence. It has a pleasant year-round climate and is the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. It is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and a charming Old Town with quaint streets lined with colorful buildings, shops, and galleries. The gritty, yet opulent city has attracted many famous artists over the years and is a haven for foodies.

Imagine waking up to gorgeous lake views surrounded by misty mountains and trees lining the horizon as far as the eye can see. That’s the magic of Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, where I recently spent a cozy retreat to welcome the fall season. Coming from the scorching heat of Phoenix, Arizona, my lungs craved the crisp morning air, while the desert girl in me relished and autumnal mountain hues — and I soaked it all in from the private balcony of an alpine lodge on the shores of Pyramid Lake.

Northern California is the powerhouse behind the Golden State’s world-renowned wines but that fertile soil also lends itself to something greener. Recreational marijuana is legal throughout California as long as consumption takes place on private property. Smoking, vaping, and edibles aren’t permitted in many hotels in San Francisco but you can bring any dispensary purchases back to a boutique number of downtown SF Airbnb rentals and county hemp farms. Let’s weed out the cannabis-friendly Airbnbs in and around San Francisco for some above-board hashish.

The Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy, stands proudly in New York Harbor, welcoming visitors from around the world to the United States. This colossal neoclassical sculpture was a gift from the people of France to the United States in 1886, commemorating the centennial of American independence and the enduring alliance between the two nations. These Airbnbs near the Statue of Liberty provide views and easy access.

Mumbai, also referred to as Bombay, is India’s largest city. This densely populated, buzzing metropolis located on India’s west coast is rich in both history and culture. Can’t-miss experiences include the lineup of tasty street food markets, bustling bazaars, and iconic landmarks — like the Gateway of India and the Elephanta Caves.

Philadelphia’s grand history and bustling urban atmosphere make it a fantastic location to explore for any style getaway. From its impressive lineup of awe-inspiring museums, lush parks, inspiring national historic sites, and vibrant dining scene, there’s something to do in the city for everyone. Here’s where to spend the night while exploring the City of Brotherly Love.

Germany’s “Gateway to the World” sits astride one of Europe’s largest ports, a network of canals, and two picturesque lakes. The Elbe connects Hamburg to the North Sea while neighborhoods fan out on either side of the riverside. Neustadt (New Town), Altstadt (Old Town), and St. Georg mark the downtown core. In terms of where to stay in Hamburg, you can cast the net far and wide thanks to the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and ferry services. These top-rated Airbnbs in Hamburg give you the choice of harborfront or suburban living in this underrated German city.

As the capital and gateway to the Great Wall, Beijing reigns as the cultural powerhouse of China. The city is awash with temples, monuments, and green spaces that’ll immerse you in the history of Imperial China. Considering that the Forbidden City alone can demand a full day out of your itinerary, choosing comfortable and convenient accommodation is paramount. Comprising international brands and boutique lodgings, Beijing hotels tread the line between ancient and modern philosophies through their decor, dining, and wellness amenities. These are the best hotels in Beijing close to the main sights and Wangfujing.

Atlanta, Georgia is well-known for being the home to many prominent American brands like Coca-Cola, Delta, and CNN — among others. But the “New York of the South” stands out on its own, for its one-of-a-kind personality and unique lineup of visitor attractions. Here are ten spots to spend the night while exploring this historic Southern city.

New York is one of 23 states where recreational marijuana is now legal. Travelers aged 21 and older may possess up to three ounces of cannabis (24 grams of concentrated cannabis) and consumption is permitted in most public spaces where smoking and vaping are allowed. Limitations still apply and you might feel more comfortable saving your dispensary haul for the end of the day – nodding off on the subway isn’t going to do you any favors. Get a bite of the Big Apple high life and revel in some post-hike hashish at these cannabis-friendly Airbnbs in New York State.

Since Illinois legalized cannabis for recreational and medical use in 2020, there’s been a boom in marijuana tourism in Chicago. While you can’t light up in public spaces you can satiate your cannabis curiosity at dispensaries and smoke socially at venues with an on-premises consumption license. Hotels remain a gray area around ganga use but a “growing” number of Airbnb hosts permit backyard smoking or even from the sofa. Only these cannabis-friendly Airbnbs in Chicago don’t limit 420 to 16:20 p.m.

Munich, Germany, is Bavaria’s capital city. This historic metropolis is home to dozens of landmarks including century-old buildings and noteworth museums — and a plethroa of other attractions including restaurants and shopping opportunities. It’s also known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and beer halls (including the famed Hofbräuhaus) which dates back to 1589.

New urban hotels regularly promise a fresh take on big-city lodging. Thing is, all too often, hotels fail to be much more than cookie-cutter cutouts of high-end properties found in other cities. The Rally Hotel at McGregor Square, the baseball-themed commercial hub adjacent to Denver’s Coors Field, breaks this mold with an experience as intoxicating as the roar of the crown after a dinger bounces off the left field concourse across the street. The hotel, the newest in Denver’s Lower Downtown (LoDo) neighborhood, features 182 rooms rising above the McGregor Square complex, also home to a food hall, beer garden, and shopping. Immediately upon walking through the doors, it felt to me like a spirited spot to spend a night in a bustling entertainment district just two blocks from Denver’s Union Station, which provides direct access to Denver International Airport and other attractions via local rail lines and bus routes.

Famously easy on the eye and infamously tough on the lungs, Cinque Terre is a string of five Italian Riviera villages. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – the “Five Lands” – all sit under the Cinque Terre National Park.

Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia is one of the most culturally significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. It’s considered by the Guinness World Records to be the largest religious structure in the world — and many travelers who seek to visit this iconic heritage site set their home base as the city of Siem Reap for their travels. Siem Reap is considered the gateway to the ruins of Angkor but hosts a lineup of hospitality offerings like restaurants and overnight accommodations for travelers.