Epic Stays tips

Paris is the global capital of romance but the 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games bring yet another reason to summer in the City of Lights. The Games is that rare sporting event that works its magic on all kinds of travelers and adds a unique twist to a vacation. In addition to the Olympic Village in the suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis, major landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and Place de la Concorde will be transformed into venues. Pencil in a date night at one of these romantic Airbnbs close to the Paris Olympic sites.

What started over 500 years ago as a lookout post on the top of a tall hill is now Villa Ardore, a luxury rental villa in the heart of Chiantishire, the Chianti wine region of Tuscany.

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is presided over by the Alhambra and those snow-capped ranges. Despite the stronghold summoning travelers by the droves, the Andalusian city slips under the radar and offers a rich cultural experience minus the crowds of Spain’s largest cities.

Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates capital, is scattered across a sequence of islands. Beyond the mega malls and golden beaches, the chief emirate will keep you busy with kayaking in the mangroves, ogling art at the Louvre, and marveling at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. In between sights, you can sip 24-carat gold cappuccinos and collect trinkets in souks. The slower pace makes Abu Dhabi a choice destination for families, honeymooners, and remote workers. Make a date to stay at one of these deluxe Airbnbs in Abu Dhabi’s coolest neighborhoods.

Cairo is a great place to visit for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food. It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Visitors can also explore the ancient city of Memphis, the Coptic Cairo, and the Islamic Cairo. Cairo is also a great place to experience Egyptian cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

Often seen merely as a stepping stone to the stunning Italian islands accessible via its bustling port, Naples is seldom considered a destination in itself. Contrary to this negative portrayal, Naples is a lively, culture-rich city that deserves more recognition. As the birthplace of pizza, it commands respect on culinary grounds alone. Moreover, it’s home to a wealth of significant archaeological treasures, and its unpolished streets have a beauty and authenticity that’s been washed away in other large European cities. It’s also home to a handful of excellent luxury boutique hotels offering outstanding Italian hospitality and beautiful accommodations. Here are the top hotels in Naples, Italy for a weekend getaway or extended vacation in city and around the city.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Laos is a great place to visit for those who are interested in food. Lao cuisine is known for its delicious and unique flavors. Some of the most popular dishes include larb (a spicy minced meat salad), papaya salad, and khao soi (a noodle soup). These Laos hotels offer this cuisine other onsite or nearby, with easy access to the best of their surrounding areas.

The city of Versailles is renowned worldwide for the châteaux, Palace of Versailles and its gardens. Located in the western suburbs of the French capital, just over 10 miles from the centre of Paris, Versailles is a popular day trip, but it’s worth considering an overnight stay. There’s a lot to explore, the Palace of Versailles, often referred to as simply Versailles, is one of the most famous historic monuments in the world and the landscaped gardens are simply spectacular. After a long day admiring the opulent architecture, strolling through the Orangerie and soaking up the history, settle into an Airbnb Versailles rental property and enjoy the city like a local. The Airbnbs below showcases the very best options for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups, who would prefer to enjoy Versailles at a leisurely pace.

The Summer Olympics are returning to Paris exactly a century after it last hosted the event. A country where fine wine and haute cuisine prevail means Paris doesn’t have a reputation for being particularly affordable. To make the Games more accessible, some events around the Seine will have free viewing zones – including the opening ceremony. But we’re still living in a material world and you’ll need to pay the rental on your humble flat. With nightly rates circling $150 or less, these are the most budget-friendly Airbnbs for the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Nathan Phillips Square is the heart of downtown Toronto with a lively yet laid-back atmosphere. The newly transformed Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, across the street from the main square, has a similar sense of vivacity and easygoing sophistication. On a recent trip, there was a humming bustle of locals and travelers alike in the inviting lobby, which recently had a modern makeover. With cozy lounge areas, flexible gathering spaces, and artistic nods to Toronto, the hotel is the ideal resting point for business and leisure travelers who want to stay near the city’s main attractions and gathering points.

Although Luxembourg is very small and made up of primarily rural land, this wealthy European country offers an impressive amount of opportunities for excitement and relaxation. It’s bordered by Belgium, France and Germany — and the culture of its nearby neighbors are reflected in the atmosphere of luxury and adventure of Luxembourg. The geography features dense forests and rocky gorges, but the capital city of Luxembourg City hosts urban opportunities to explore including castles and museums. There are many fine Luxembourg Airbnbs, but staying in a hotel offers a more traditional European hospitality experience.

Luxurious beach vacations aren’t always friendly on the wallet. Albania, however, is one of the more budget-friendly countries in Europe, and also coincidentally has some of the best lesser-visited beaches on the continent. Hotel Castle Beach Club, for example, in the heart of Ksamil, Albania, offers a special blend of relaxation and adventure. Ideally located close to the town center, it’s the perfect getaway for those seeking a tranquil beach vacation with all the conveniences at their fingertips.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is known for its vibrant, spirited events like Carnival — and beautiful beaches like Barra da Tijuca, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. Visitors can admire landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer Statue, visit Tijuca National Park, or check out the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro — among other attractions. Here’s where to spend the night in this spirited city.

Travelers flock to Paris for the art and the macarons but next summer all eyes will be on the 14,900 Olympic and Paralympic athletes going for the gold. The 2024 Paris Games will break with tradition and host contests in the city’s grandest monuments and provide free viewing areas. Running in tandem with the sports program, the Cultural Olympiad offers arts and immersive events for the entire clan.

The countdown has begun: France will welcome the 2024 Summer Olympic Games from July 26 until August 11 with the Paralympic Games following from August 28 to September 8. Paris and the Île-de-France region form the cradle of the action where the spectacle will kick off at 8:24 p.m. sharp (or, 20:24 – touché).

Nothing epitomizes French luxury quite like staying in a castle. While Villa Le Castel might not be a castle in the traditional sense, it’s about as close as you’ll probably ever get. Located in the heart of Vallauris, a town renowned for its pottery and ceramics, Villa Le Castel is a magnificent villa that’s the perfect blend of comfort and opulence. The villa has six bedrooms, each with its own character, and the decor combines modern luxury with traditional elegance.

If you’re a scrolling fiend (or have ever skimmed a rack of French postcards), you’ll be familiar with the photogenic landscapes of Provence. This southeastern province of France is where you’ll find fields of lavender and sunflowers, world-class rosé wineries, and the glamorous Côte d’Azur beach resorts. Close to the beach and vineyards, these luxurious Airbnbs in Provence give you the best of both worlds.

Poland’s landlocked capital has a complex history that has seen the “Phoenix City” bounce back from conflict over multiple conflicts. Modern Warsaw is a mishmash of restored medieval structures and cutting-edge skyscrapers among which stands Varso Tower – the tallest building in the European Union.

Set in the upscale Bunker Hill neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles and walkable to iconic landmarks like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Park, The Broad, and The Music Center, the Conrad Los Angeles seamlessly blends with the city’s high-class cultural atmosphere. The legendary architect Frank Gehry designed the property, drawing inspiration from the neighborhood’s impressive surroundings.

Bruges, or Brugge, is a small city in the Flemish Region of Belgium with a huge soul. The central area is formed by a web of medieval plazas and the iconic bell tower while picturesque canals curl around the downtown core. The Baudouin flows all the way to Bruges’s cruise port, Zeebrugge. Whether you arrive by sea or rail, you can see all the sights on foot with one of these brilliant Bruges Airbnbs close to chocolatiers and beer halls.

Park Güell, a public park system in the district of Gracia, Barcelona, is spread over 17 hectares of hilly land and welcomes approximately nine million visitors annually. Originally designed by Antoni Gaudí as a residential estate, the failed housing project became a municipal park in 1926 and a World Heritage site in 1984. Within the park, every path you tread, bench you rest on, and vista you admire are a testament to Gaudí’s architectural brilliance. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or not, Park Güell deserves a spot on your travel itinerary of Barcelona. Because of its popularity, the attraction can be extremely busy, especially in the summer months. On all days of the week, between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, you’ll be jostling for a view. One way around this is to stay close by in a Park Güell Airbnb and visit first thing in the morning or at sunset. The vacation rentals below are in or around the Gracia area and have rave reviews, outdoor spaces, and beautiful decor to complement the experience of visiting one of the world’s most colorful parks.