Traveler Review

Bluegrass Homestay, Cochin, Kerala, India

Nominated By: Rache Sallon, Tennessee, USA, May '08

Price Range: INR 500-1000 # of Rooms: 5 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes Bluegrass Homestay so Darn Good? You stay with a country western singer who sings with his box guitar upon request!

Location: Great neighborhood.

Rooms: Simple, double rooms with lots of common area in the home of a country singer.

Traveler Review

La Guillotiere, Esvres, Touraine, France

Nominated By: Pollyanna, USA, June '08, seconded by Marcio, Dublin, Ireland, September, '08

Price Range: 90 Euros (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly:

What makes La Guillotiere so Darn Good? The welcome, spectacular grounds, lovely decor, and great breakfast! This guesthouse was just amazing! From the arrival, when Anne welcomed us like old friends, then discovering our beautiful and spacious bedroom, jumping into the swimming pool and just lazing in the sun with a glass of local wine...It was so relaxing!

Location: Countryside in the Loire Valley near castles.

Rooms: Large, bright, and airy ensuites.

Food: Tasty breakfast with croissants, fresh fruit, homemade scones and jams, cheeses, and cereal. The breakfast in La Guillotiere is simply delicious with home made scones and lemon curd, an incredible diversity of french pasterys, fresh fruit salad...

Vibe: Relaxed, welcoming, comfortable and plush.

Things to Keep in Mind: They have 2 gorgeous labrador dogs.

Traveler Review

The Pumphouse, Athy, County Kildare, Ireland

Nominated By: Pollyanna, USA, June '08

Price Range: 80-100 Euros # of Rooms: 1 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes The Pumphouse so Darn Good? The location, the animals and all the modern conveniences you wouldn't necessarily expect in a farm cottage.

Location: It's a small self-catering cottage on a farm with a very friendly donkey who likes to stick his head over the half door!

Rooms: Clean and cosy.

Food: As it's self catering there's no food but the owners kindly left some home-made scones and jam along with a bottle of wine for our arrival.

Vibe: Relaxed and peaceful.

Things to Keep in Mind: It's about a mile from the main village and if you're not fond of dogs, chickens or donkeys this may not be the place for you.

Traveler Review

Spicetree Suites, Lance Aux Epines, St. George’s, Grenada

Nominated By: Emily Crowe, North Hatfield, MA USA October '08

Price Range: US$885-$985 per week # of Rooms: 2 suites Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes the Spicetree Suites so Darn Good? The price, the location in charming Grenadian neighborhood, the fact that it's locally owned by a lovely Grenadian/American couple, the full kitchen facilities, the high speed internet, a/c in the bedrooms, etc. One of the suites has a private plunge pool, too. The decor is a nice mix of Caribbean/African.

Location: It's in a quiet Grenadian neighborhood known as Lanse Aux Epines. It's within a 5 minute walk of the nearest public beach and a short drive from the island's best beaches. Within walking distance of 4 restaurants.

Rooms: Each suite has two bedrooms with a double bed in each. Done up in bright colors, they also provide a/c in the bedrooms. Bathroom, full kitchen, living room, and porch comprise the rest of the space.

Food: You cook your own meals, but it's a full kitchen and the best Grenadian market is a short drive away. Owners will provision the suite for you at cost for your arrival. There are fruit trees in the yard that guests may pick from when in season.

Vibe: Comfortable, casual, bright, islandy.

Traveler Review

The Old Saltworks Cabins, Cape San Blas, Florida, USA

Nominated By: Melanie, Nashville, Tennessee, USA May '08

Price Range: US$59-$192 # of Rooms: 11 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes The Old Saltworks Cabins so Darn Good? These simple, clean affordable cabins are located on gorgeous, peaceful St. Joe's Bay in the delightful Cape San Blas area. Totally peaceful. They have a canoe you can borrow to paddle around the bay - no powerboats, tons of wildlife. The ocean is just a short walk on the other side of the road.

Rooms: One room to multi-room cabins.

Vibe: Peaceful.

Things to Keep in Mind: There's a paper mill in nearby Port St. Joe, which is probably why it's not more touristy. The bay is shallow, which is why it doesn't allow power boats - just be sure not to paddle all the way out at high tide - you'll be carrying your canoe back at low tide!

Traveler Review

Accommodation in Rio, Rio de Janiero, Brazil

Nominated By: Eve Isambert, Paris, France, June '08

Price Range: US$55-$4445, from studio apartments to luxury houses Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes Accommodation in Rio so Darn Good? All kinds of accommodations! From US$60 to much higher! From studio to penthouse with private swimming pool. Very nice, helpful couple in charge. English, Spanish, French, Portuguese is spoken.

Location: We stayed in a two bedroom apartment 10 meters from the beach of Copacabana for US$150. Very clean, modern, bright and well furnished.

Rooms: Two bedroom with queen size bed, their own bathroom. Nice living room with cable tv and internet access.

Food: We always ate outside.

Vibe: Goooooooood vibes!

Things to Keep in Mind: Marvelous city!