Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Artjungle, Itacaré, Bahia, Brazil
Nominated By: Alison McGowan, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October '09

Price Range: (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 8 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Artjungle so Darn Good? Artjungle's tree and stilt houses remind you of Tarzan and Jane, but with a bit of luxury and a lot of style. This is a place which is beautiful enough to be used for photo shoots by the likes of Gisele Bunchen and attract visitors like Jade Jagger and Sean Penn, but it is also a non-profit environmental, social, and cultural project. The prices are a fraction of what you would expect to pay for somewhere like this, and I will definitely be going back!

Location: Set in a sculpture park surrounded by Atlantic rainforest, Artjungle is just a couple of miles down a dirt road from the buzzy beach surfing village of Itacaré in Bahia, and boasts superb views over the Rio das Contas and out to the ocean. While Itacaré has plenty of nightlife, the pousada itself is super-quiet, with only the sounds of the birds, the roar of the ocean, and the lone cock crowing in the morning.

Rooms: Artjungle has eight bungalows altogether, including two tree-houses, five stilt-houses, and one apartment which is completely open to a view over the river. All have en-suite bathrooms with solar powered showers, comfortable beds with Egyptian cotton linens, and iceboxes for cold drinks. The lodge also has a large swimming pool with sun loungers overlooking the river.

Food: Artjungle serves a fabulous breakfast of bread, fruit, cold cuts, cake, and amazing juices, all included in the price, and beautifully presented. For lunch or dinner, guests will find a range of excellent restaurants in nearby Itacaré.

Keep in Mind: Most of the bungalows do not have electricity and internet access is intermittent. Also, ArtJungle is near, but not on the beach, so a car is helpful, although taxis are plentiful.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Meridiano Sur, Santiago, Chile
Nominated By: Sarah Lavender Smith, Piedmont, California, USA, November '09

check availability, get rates, and reserve online at Venere

Price Range: US$58-$260 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 8 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Meridiano Sur so Darn Good? Meridiano Sur is situated in a beautiful old house just off Providencia Avenue, a lively street with many popular restaurants, bars, and shops. We appreciated the hotel's modern, simple, and tasteful rooms, fresh and filling breakfasts, and friendly feel.

Location: Santiago, Chile's modern capital, sits at the foot of the majestic Andes just an hour from the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is located on a quiet street in Santiago's stylish Providencia district, a five minute walk from the closest subway station. The grassy pathways and gardens that line the Rio Mapocho are nearby, and one mile away is the entrance to the amazing Parque Metropolitano, with its spectacular views, hiking trails, and national zoo.

Rooms: Meridiano Sur is a grand old home with early 19th century architectural details. The hotel has five double rooms, two singles, and a loft that sleeps five, all with private bathrooms and thoughtful design touches such as hand-lettered poetry decorating the walls. A lovely garden and library add to the hotel's charm.

Food: Meridiano Sur provides a good continental breakfast of home-made breads, cereals, cheese, and fresh fruit and juices. A couple of excellent restaurants for lunch and dinner are just down the street.

Vibe: The hotel attracts friendly and hip international travelers as well as vacationing couples.

Keep in Mind: The single and double rooms are not very spacious.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Hotel Rumi Punku, Cusco, Peru
Nominated By: Mark, Sydney, Australia, May '09

check availability, get rates, and reserve online at booking.com

Price Range: US$70-$115 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 30 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Hotel Rumi Punku so Darn Good? Rumi Punku means stone doorway in Quechua, and fittingly, the entrance to the hotel is a very cool authentic Incan ruin. Inside, the service is excellent, with nothing being too much trouble for the incredibly helpful staff. The hotel is cozy, quiet, and secure, and has a prime location just a few minutes from Cusco's main plaza.

Location: The hotel is located on a narrow cobblestone street just a few hundred metres uphill from the Plaza de Armas. Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire and a treasure trove of Incan ruins, colonial architecture, and historic museums. The city is also the logical jumping off point for a visit to Machu Picchu or a hike along the Inca Trail.

Rooms: The guest rooms at Rumi Punku are fairly simple, but comfortable, and have modern bathrooms with excellent showers. Outside your room, the hotel unfolds into a maze of courtyards, gardens, balconies, and rooftop terraces with views of the city all around.

Food: The hotel provides a good, filling breakfast buffet, including eggs to order, bacon, croissants, and fresh fruit, a perfect start to a day of walking up hills! If the altitude gets to you, coca tea is always available in the lobby.

Vibe: Rumi Punku is a friendly place with excellent service. The staff was helpful in planning my trip, and was always happy to take the time to talk to me about the hotel's fascinating history.

Things to Keep in Mind: The hotel offers free airport pick-up.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Torre Dorada, Cusco, Peru
Nominated By: Kathy B. Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA, July '08

check availability, get rates, and reserve online at booking.com

Price Range: US$70-$90 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 21 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes Torre Dorada so Darn Good? Torre Dorada stands out for its friendly service with attention to the individual. The staff is helpful in booking tours, as well as providing tips on where to eat, shop, and hike. They even printed our airport booking passes prior to our departure! The hotel provides complimentary car service around Cusco and transport to and from the airport.

Location: Torre Dorada is located in the safe and quiet residential neighborhood of Huancaro, away from city noise, but just a ten minute car ride to downtown. Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is chock-full of Inca ruins, colonial architecture, and historic museums. It is a great base for the Inca Trail and a four hour train ride to Machu Picchu.

Rooms: Our room had very clean, comfortable beds and our bathroom was nice, with outlets that accommodate hair dryers and hot water with plenty of pressure. The hotel provides bottled water, and a variety of teas, including coca tea, is available in the small lobby.

Food: Torre Dorada serves a lovely breakfast buffet with fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order, tamales, yogurt, baked goods, cereal, fresh squeezed orange juice, and excellent coffee. Guests are treated to beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains from the fourth floor breakfast room.

Vibe: The hotel is modern and clean.

Things to Keep in Mind: Torre Dorada doesn't have an elevator, but the staff will carry your luggage... plus, climbing the stairs help you get used to the altitude, especially if you are going on the Inca Trek. Remember, Cuzco is close to 12,000 feet!

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