The second of our two stays in Jerusalem, the Crowne Plaza proved to be more comfortable and accommodating than the first. As part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, it’s available to book using IHG Rewards Club points. Crowne Plaza Jerusalem | From $88/night Location: The Crowne Plaza is located close to the Central Bus Station which also has a light rail stop … Read More
Hotel Review: Ramada Jerusalem
We typically like to stay at budget-friendly AirBnbs or boutique hotels when traveling, both for the savings and for the immersion. But when you’re planning a trip paid exclusively by points and miles, your choices are limited to international chain hotels. Such was the case when we stayed at the Ramada in Jerusalem. Image above: the view from our room. Ramada … Read More
Cruising down the Nile with Memphis Tours on the Sonesta St. George
The Nile River is the lifeblood of Egypt. 95% of Egypt’s population lives along the Nile, so a Nile River Cruse is the perfect way to experience all that Egypt has to offer. It’s so much fun being able to step off your boat and experience an ancient temple thousands of years old, then jump back on board and sail … Read More
Hotel Review: Guardian Guest House, Cairo
Cairo is home to 21 million people, so there are ample hotel options across the megacity. But if you’re interested in waking up to views of the Giza Pyramids outside your window, then one option rises above the rest. Guardian Guest House is a small property adjacent to the Giza Plateau, and for the budget friendly price of just $60/night, the … Read More
Hotel Review: Kelebek Hotel in Goreme, Turkey
One of the things that draws thousands of visitors every year to Cappadocia in central Turkey is the prospect of staying a “cave hotel.” These wind-carved structures have been hollowed out and lived in for centuries, and with the uptick in tourism, many are being converted into hotels. On our second trip to Cappadocia we stayed at Kelebek Hotel in … Read More
Hotel Review: Nostalji Cave Suites, Goreme
I’ll never forget seeing photos as a kid of these crazy cave houses in Turkey. I thought there could not be a more distant, exotic place, and I never imagined I could one day visit them, much less stay the night in one! The landscape of Goreme is made of a very soft rock which has been artfully formed by centuries of … Read More
Hotel Review: Hotel Carina, Kusadasi
If you’re looking to travel to Ephesus, your best bet is to either day trip from Izmir, or spend some time at seaside resort town Kuşadası. If you opt for the latter, the Hotel Carina is a nice, affordable option to inject some resort-like amenities into your Turkey adventure. Hotel Carina | From $60 Location: Most of the action in Kuşadası revolves … Read More
Hotel Review: Ares Hotel, Istanbul
Coming back from Egypt we spent a couple of nights in Istanbul to do some shopping before flying home. I wanted to take advantage of this quick return to get some time-lapse video of the Hagia Sophia, and the terrace of Ares Hotel has a wonderful view of the ancient cathedral. After researching extensively, I found Ares to have the best … Read More
Hotel Review: Divalis Hotel, Istanbul
Divalis Hotel is a small boutique property in the heart of the Sultanahmet district. Its combination of excellent location, great value, and friendly service led us to stay here not only on our first visit to Istanbul but our second one as well. Divalis Hotel | From $90/night. Location: Divalis is located adjacent to the Old City Wall which runs next … Read More
Airbnb Review: Casa Densil, Havana
When we started planning our Cuba adventure, we had no idea where we would stay. We booked the flights with the hope we’d be able to find suitable and affordable accommodations down the line. We wanted to stay in a Casa Particular (private home with rooms for rent) as opposed to a state-run hotel. Casas allow you to have a more personal … Read More