Traveler Favorite

Battambang, Cambodia: Seng Hout Hotel
 Nominated By: Andrea Graham, Queensland, Australia, April '10

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Price Range: US$14-$25 # of Rooms: Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Seng Hout Hotel so Darn Good? "The Seng Hout is a new, tidy, and spotless hotel owned by a very proud owner and local man. The rooms are cheap, and the hotel has a very friendly staff."

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Kampot, Cambodia: Rikitikitavi
Nominated By: Andrea, Queensland, Australia, April '10

Price Range: US$30-$60 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Rikitikitavi so Darn Good? What makes Rikitikitavi so good is the service, which is simply the best we have ever come across in our travels through Southeast Asia! With their welcoming rooms, delicious food, and helpful suggestions for what to do around town, Denise, Dom, and their staff ensure that their guests are well taken care of throughout their stay. Rikitikitavi is spotlessly clean, comfortable, and quiet, and has a perfect location right on Kampot's riverfront.

Location: A rich collection of colonial architecture and a riverside perfect for strolling make the small town of Kampot in southeastern Cambodia an appealing destination. Several beaches along the Gulf of Thailand, such as those of Kep and Rabbit Island, are nearby, but the area's biggest draw is Bokor Hill Station, a 1920's era retreat built by the French high up in the Elephant Mountains forty kilometers from Kampot. Rikitikitavi is on the town's Riverside Road, within walking distance to the taxi stand and bus station.

Rooms: Situated in a renovated wooden-framed rice barn, Rikitikitavi has well appointed rooms decorated with Khmer silks and pillows, rattan furniture, and local art. The beds are comfy and the showers are hot. The Inn has an extensive DVD library so guests can watch movies on the DVD players in their air conditioned rooms. Double rooms have four poster beds and private patios.

Food: Meals at Rikitikitavi are served on the rooftop restaurant and bar which has gorgeous views overlooking the river. The chef uses very up-market fresh food which is wonderfully presented and cooked to perfection. I highly recommend Beef Saraman! Breakfast includes baguettes, crepes, and fresh fruit salad.

Vibe: Staying at Rikitikitavi is like visiting old friends, and this is one reason the hotel is so special. Whether in our room or upstairs in the restaurant, we felt incredibly welcome, comfortable, and relaxed.

Keep in Mind: Book well ahead because this is a popular place. Also, make sure to reserve a table for dinner in the high season, and ask for Bory the tuk tuk driver.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Blue Lime
Nominated By: Andrea, Pine Mountain, Queensland, Australia, April '10

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Price Range: US$40-$75 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 23 Kid-Friendly: no

What makes the Blue Lime so Darn Good? The Blue Lime is a quiet oasis right in the center of crazy Phnom Penh. Our amazing room was very clean with a funky, modern design and concrete furniture. The hotel has an awesome saltwater pool surrounded by a tropical garden, and decked out with cabanas, day-beds, and a small bar.

Location: The hotel is at the end of a small, quiet alley within easy walking distance to the National Museum, Royal Palace, and Sisowath Quay, the city’s riverside promenade lined restaurants and cafés. In addition, tuk-tuks wait outside the hotel and are ready to whisk you away to anywhere you want to go in Phnom Penh.

Rooms: The Blue Lime’s twenty-three beautiful rooms are accented with bright colorful silks, and are furnished with beds, desks, shelving units, and wardrobes, all constructed with molded concrete. Rooms have air conditioners and fans, as well as en-suite bathrooms with solar heated water. The reception area has computers with internet access, and rooms have a DSL wire to connect to your laptop.

Food: A lovely breakfast is served out by the pool, and includes breads, eggs cooked to order, fresh fruit, and orange-passion fruit juice.

Vibe: The Blue Lime has a friendly vibe and a helpful staff.

Keep in Mind: Book ahead since this hotel is a very popular place. The hotel refers families with children under sixteen to its sister property, the Kabiki.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice - Full Review Coming Soon!

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: The 252
 Nominated By: Andrea, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, December '11

Price Range: US$45-$65 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 19 Kid-Friendly: yes

Why so darn good? The 252's large, spacious rooms and friendly and helpful staff won me over. Gorgeous huts surround the pool for relaxing, enjoying a drink, or taking an afternoon nap! The hotel is a quiet and peaceful alternative to staying right by Phnom Penh's riverside.

Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Siem Reap, Cambodia: Journeys Within B&B and Bungalows
Nominated By: Selin K., San Francisco, California, USA, February '09

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Price Range: US$75-$160 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 5 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Journeys Within Bed and Breakfast so Darn Good? Journeys Within overflows with warmth and friendliness. From its owners, Andrea and Brandon, to its tour guides and receptionists, the entire Journeys Within staff took care to ensure that we were happy and comfortable throughout our stay.
The B & B partners with Journeys Within Our Community, a non-profit dedicated to improving living conditions in Southeast Asia through well construction, language schools, and a host of other local projects. I was really amazed to see how Journeys Within gives back to the community in so many ways.

Location: Located on the outskirts of Siem Reap, Journeys Within is on the road between town and the awe-inspiring twelfth century temples of Angkor Wat.

Rooms: Journeys Within has four deluxe bungalows and one family suite. All are modern and filled with Cambodian touches, such as the traditional Cambodian scarves left on the beds as gifts for guests. The bathrooms are divine with fancy rain shower heads, and each room has AC, free drinks in the mini-fridge, and balconies overlooking the ridiculously inviting pool and garden oasis.

Food: I just can't say enough about the food at Journeys Within. The chef is tiny in size, but big on taste! She uses many local ingredients and everything is always delicious. Her chicken coconut curry was so incredible that I even tried to recreate it when I got back home. Breakfast is included, and the B & B offers full lunch and dinner menus.

Vibe: Staying at Journeys Within is like staying with friends. After exploring Angkor Wat, we were all about lying by the pool and having a restful and relaxing visit.

Things to Keep in Mind: Journeys Within is ten minutes from town, so you can't just walk outside and wander about, but tuk tuks are readily available and are a great way to get to the heart of Siem Reap.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Siem Reap, Cambodia: Prohm Roth Guesthouse
Nominated By: Akila, Salem, Alabama, May '10

Price Range: US$10-$25 # of Rooms: 14 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Prohm Roth Guesthouse so Darn Good? For $15 a night, we had a large, impeccably clean room in the heart of Siem Reap, within a two minute walk to Pub Street and its abundance of restaurants, bars, and shops. Prohm Roth is Khmer owned and operated and the customer service was the best that we experienced in our entire six months of traveling.

Location: The guesthouse is on a side alley off of Pub Street in Siem Reap's Old Market area, and is fairly quiet except for Sunday mornings when the monks in the wat across the street begin chanting at 6:00 a.m. Travelers flock to Siem Reap to visit the magnificent twelfth century temples of Angkor Wat.

Rooms: The guesthouse is in a brand new building and has twin, double, and triple rooms. Rooms are simply decorated and have comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and cable television. While most rooms have air conditioners, the cheapest twin rooms only have fans.

Food: The guesthouse does not have an on-site restaurant.

Vibe: We appreciated the honest opinions from Meang, Prohm Roth's owner, about what to see and how to see it, and were impressed by the care and attention shown by his whole family toward the hotel and its guests.

Keep in Mind: The brand new guesthouse stands in stark contrast to its poorer surroundings on the Pub Street Extension, and the alley is not illuminated, making for a dark walk home at night.

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Traveler Favorite

Shanghai, China: No. 9 (Number 9)
 Nominated By: Matt Gross, Brooklyn, NY, September '10

Price Range: # of Rooms: Kid-Friendly:

What makes No. 9 so Darn Good? "No. 9 in Shanghai is my favorite place to stay in the whole world!"

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Traveler Favorite

Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China: Xi'an 7 Sages Hostel
 Nominated By: Josh, Xinjiang, China, May '09

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Price Range: ¥ 50 - ¥ 280 # of Rooms: Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Xi'an 7 Sages Hostel so Darn Good? "Finding a quiet location in the middle of a bustling city like Xi'an is a difficult task, but 7 Sages delivers this tranquility along with beautiful architecture and friendly service. Part of the Hosteling International group, travelers can rest assured that a quality, family atmosphere awaits them."

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice - Full Review Coming Soon!

Yangshuo County (Jiuxian Village), China: Yangshuo Secret Garden Boutique Hotel
 Nominated By: niekie, Netherlands, February '12

Price Range: # of Rooms: 6 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes the Yangshuo Secret Garden Boutique Hotel so Darn Good? "The Secret Garden is a beautiful and authentic hotel located in a gorgeous setting - right between Yangshuo’s famous karst mountains with rice paddies outside the front door. The buildings are 19th century farmhouses, stunningly renovated using local labor and full of original features. The owners and staff are super friendly as well, and went out of their way to make us feel welcome."

Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Goa (Loutolim), India: Casa Susegad
Nominated By: Shelley Seale , Austin, Texas, November '09

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Price Range: Rs 3750-5000 (meals additional, except included June-Sept) # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Casa Susegad so Darn Good? The incredible architecture and furnishings of this amazing 400-year old mansion, as well as the warm hospitality of the hosts and staff, make this getaway in beautiful coastal Goa like no other. During my stay at Casa Susegad, I was able to attain the perfect balance between relaxation, interaction with other guests and village neighbors, and short treks to nearby activities.

Location: Set on one-and-a-half acres of grounds in the sleepy southern village of Loutolim, Casa Susegad is surrounded by the forest and far removed from the mass tourism of Goa.

Rooms: A colonial mansion was completely restored to create this charming, historic four-room heritage guest house. The restoration was a labor of love for Norman and Carole Steen, who retained elements such as teak ceiling beams and the 400-year-old mosaic tile floors which are amazing in their intricacy. The four guestrooms are spacious and well-appointed with antique Indian furniture, deep-sprung mattresses, and en-suite bathrooms. Named after semi-precious stones found in each room's decorative floor borders, the rooms have color schemes that reflect the stone, including gorgeous hand-sewn patchwork quilts that cover the beds. Each room opens up to its own terrace area with a table where breakfast or tea may be taken. While guestrooms are comfortable and inviting, the whole house is at guests' disposal. Cozy up in a cushioned corner seating area with a good book, lounge by the lovely pool, or stroll the beautifully landscaped grounds to the top of the ridge behind the house, from which a perfect sunset can be witnessed.

Food: The four-course dinners at Casa Susegad are not to be missed. Food is a fusion of Goan cuisine and imaginative continental dishes. Carole often starts her day at the local market, and has worked painstakingly with her wonderful staff to prepare traditional local dishes as well as train them in her own recipes. Everything is organic and prepared in the large kitchen or over a traditional wood fire. You will never have the same dish twice; ask Carole about the Goan chicken or the incredible fish wrapped in a banana leaf. Your hosts will happily lead you on a tour of the kitchen and garden, pulling samples of the many fruits they grow right off the trees or a bite out of something cooking on the stove for you to try.

Vibe: Susegad has no direct English translation, but its many Goan meanings include contemplative, lazy and satisfied. The owners chose this name as a way to offer guests the opportunity to discover their own meaning during their escape to this peaceful idyll.

Keep in Mind: The beach is a twenty minute drive away and no restaurants or nightlife are within walking distance. Also, the Steens have six dogs and several cats on their property, all rescued as part of their support for the Goa Animal Welfare Trust.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Goa (Olaulim Village), India: Olaulim Backyards
Nominated By: Yvonne Gray, November '10

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Price Range: 2500-4000 Rs # of Rooms: 3 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Olaulim Backyards so Darn Good? We were collected from the airport and greeted at Olaulim Backyards by Pirkko, Savio, Manuel, and Shameena, as well as the dogs, horse, and donkey. We immediately felt at home and as if we had known everybody for years. The food and drinks are outstanding, the setting is spectacular with beautiful views across the lake and infinity pool, and the wildlife is incredible - a must-see for any twitcher!

Location: Olaulim Backyards has a peaceful location on the banks of the Mandovi River in tiny Olaulim village, just a half hour but a world away from Goa's busy markets, beaches, and nightlife. Sitting by the river early every morning, we saw Brahamani kites, wild peacocks, great hornbills, and kingfishers in all colours and sizes. We also loved our morning walks and bicycle rides around the garden and village, where we were shown indigenous trees, given tastes of spices, and taught about the history of the area with its strong Portuguese influence.

Rooms: All three of the eco-cottages at Olaulim Backyards are beautifully thought out and individually designed using reclaimed building materials. We stayed in the Sun Bird cottage which has comfortable beds and an open air shower heated by solar panels. We also peeked at the other two cottages, the Horn Bill and the Golden Oriole, and they were both lovely with fantastic views of the coconut groves, paddy fields, and swimming pool.

Food: The food and drinks are outstanding! Breakfast features tropical fruits such as pomelos, bananas, and coconuts fresh from the garden. For lunch and dinner, the traditional Goan cuisine is cooked on a wood-fire using seasonal vegetables from the local market as well as fresh fish and prawns straight from the lake.
FAB-U-LOUS!!

Vibe: Chilled, chilled, chilled. Our stay was so relaxing that four days felt like two weeks. This is truly a special place run by a special family.

Keep in Mind: Olaulim Backyards has kayaks, canoes, and bicycles for guests to borrow.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India: The Padmini Haveli Guesthome
Nominated By: Charlotte Tottenham at Tottie's Travels, New Delhi, India, February '13

Price Range: Rs 3200-4100 # of Rooms: 9 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes The Padmini Haveli Guesthome so Darn Good? The two qualities that make this hotel so exquisite are its unbeatable location and the charming couple, Sudhir and Parvati, who own and run it.

Location: To understand the incomparable location, one needs to understand that Chittorgarh is an eighth century fort set on a steep hill overlooking the town and surrounding countryside. The fort itself houses a small village of 4000 residents, and it is in the midst of their colourfully painted concrete homes and Shiva temples that the newly renovated haveli sits. Chittorgarh is located in the state of Rajasthan, approximately ninety kilometres northeast of Udaipur, and can be reached in two to three hours by car or train.

Rooms: The nine rooms in this brilliantly restored Rajasthani merchant’s house are beautifully decorated, the sheets are pristinely white with quilts from the Jaipuri-brand Anokhi, and the walls of every room sport stunning photographs of Chittorgarh. The owners have installed a cozy library with an abundance of coffee-table photo books and a heavenly rooftop terrace that boasts phenomenal panoramic views. All rooms are complete with air conditioning units, heaters, and hot water.

Food: The traditional Rajasthani food is one hundred percent vegetarian, delicious, and can be as spicy as you request. The menu is set and includes seasonal vegetables, lentils, and rice, accompanied by chappatis, puris, and parathas. The coffee is fresh and real (as opposed to instant!), something I found hard to come by in India. In keeping with the family environment of this small hotel, guests often dine together at a communal table in the courtyard.

Vibe: Very laid-back. Padmini truly embraces the rurality of this location. Borrow a mountain bike from the hotel and spend the day cycling around and exploring the area.

Keep in Mind: With no restaurants or other hotels in the fort, Padmini Haveli is very much an escape destination. If you are looking for a buzzing hotel in a busy area, neither Chittorgarh nor Padmini are for you. Instead, retreat to this beautiful Haveli which feels, in all the right ways, like a home from home.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Rajasthan (Pushkar), India: Inn Seventh Heaven
Nominated By: Silverprincess79, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, May '08

Price Range: Rs 300-2000 # of Rooms: 12 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes the Inn Seventh Heaven so Darn Good? Seventh Heaven is a beautiful, old haveli with a lovely courtyard and fountain. The Inn is simply and stylishly renovated (not tissy), very clean, and comfortable (for non-Australian speakers, not tissy = not fru fru).

Location: Pushkar is one holy place. It is located in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan, and is one of five sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites. The town sits on the shore of Pushkar Lake, considered the holiest lake in all of India, and has 52 ghats where pilgrims enter the lake to bathe in its sacred waters. Pushkar is also home to the world's largest Camel Fair, a festive time when the town is flooded by musicians, magicians, acrobats, and snake-charmers. Inn Seventh Heaven is just a short walk to the lake and town center.

Rooms: Seventh Heaven has 12 unique rooms, which range in quality from the two ground level windowless rooms to the most fancy rooftop room, the Asana. The rooms are situated around a traditional courtyard, bedecked with a fountain, fruit trees and chairs for chilling.

Food: Amazing. Seventh Heaven's rooftop restaurant, the Sixth Sense, serves both Indian and Continental food. This hip joint is filled with sofas and lounge chairs for lounging. Guests are treated to panoramic views of Pushkar and the desert mountains in the distance. And just so you know - Pushkar is totally vegetarian and alcohol free.

Vibe: Seventh Heaven has a chilled out, modern hippy kind of vibe.

Things to Keep in Mind: Some of the Inn's rooms are fairly basic, and if you prefer a room with windows, AC, or heat, make sure you ask. Book ahead because these rooms fill up fast, especially during the Camel Fair.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

West Bengal (Bijanbari, Darjeeling District), India: Karmi Farm
Nominated By: Shelley Seale, Austin, Texas, USA, December '10

Price Range: US$35 (all meals included) # of Rooms: 8 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Karmi Farm so Darn Good? A stay at Karmi Farm is far from your typical homestay. Here, guests can go trekking or bird-watching in the magnificent mountains, participate in one of the art retreats or yoga clinics held at the farm throughout the year, or volunteer at the farm's own medical clinic which offers free and low-cost treatments to villagers, many of whom walk hours for care.

Location: Karmi Farm is in the northern part of the Darjeeling District of India, tucked away between Nepal and Bhutan in the Himalayan foothills. Getting to the Farm takes real dedication; after flying into Bagdodgra airport or taking a train to New Jalpaiguri station, you must take a five hour car ride along steep, winding, bumpy mountain roads to the Bijanbari area where Karmi Farm lies. Once here, you feel quite apart from the rest of India, as the language, food, and customs are all more Nepalese than Indian.

Rooms: The farm has guestrooms in the main house as well as in separate thatched-roof cottages, each one simple and comfortable with two twin beds and tables with low chairs. While rooms are fairly rustic and lack heating or air conditioning, they do have electricity and bathrooms with hot water (though some bathrooms in the main house are shared). For groups or travelers on even more of a budget, Karmi Farm has recently added a dorm-style room that can accommodate six people. The main house has two living salons where guests can relax while reading books, playing games, watching movies, or listening to music. Both salons have a fireplace, which is delightful to sit by on chilly nights.

Food: Meals (organic, vegetarian, plentiful, and delicious!) are taken either in the kitchen or on the lovely thatch-covered deck overlooking the Himalayas. Dishes are a combination of Nepali, Chinese, and Indian cooking and include curries, paneer, and noodle soups. The farm also has an honor bar where guests can grab their own wine, beer, or liquor. Given the remote setting, almost all of your meals will be had at the farm, and in this informal setting guests quickly get to know each other, as well as the staff, many of whom have been with the farm for years.

Vibe: Arriving at Karmi Farm, you realize this family home is very much a part of the surrounding villages and has been so for decades. Andrew Pulger-Frame currently runs the farm with the help of his mother, other family members, and their warm and accommodating staff. Andrew's knowledge of the area is impressive, as is his commitment to the community. He has many a great story to tell about his family and the history of the region.

Keep in Mind: Given the farm's stunning and secluded location, be prepared to relax (bring books!) and get back to nature (bring good walking shoes!). Also bring cash.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Bali (Mengwi), Indonesia: Balam Bali Villa
Nominated By: Francine Fischl, USA, February '11

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Price Range: US$75-$150 (includes continental breakfast) # of Rooms: 8 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Balam Bali Villa so Darn Good? Having lived and traveled overseas for twenty years, I can say without hesitation that Balam Bali Villa is the best of the best! I cannot praise Adi, the manager, and Hubert, the owner, enough on their personal attention to every detail and the extra care that they show every guest to ensure a memorable experience. The location is stunning, the villa and its rooms are gorgeous, and the food is fresh and delicious.

Location: Balam Bali Villa is surrounded by lush green rice paddies in the heart of Bali’s serene and beautiful countryside. The sacred temple of Taman Ayun is close by, and the town of Ubud, considered by many to be Bali’s cultural center, is a half hour away. While guests could easily wile away the day lounging by the pool or getting an in-house massage, Balam Bali offers several excursions around the island for when the mood hits.

Rooms: Balam Bali has three rooms in a genuine seventeenth century pirate’s lair imported from the island of Sulawesi. The house is built of native teak and its soothing teak-furnished rooms are beyond exquisite. In addition to the House of Pirates, Balam Bali offers five stylish rooms surrounding a pool in its Villa of Marbles.

Food: Balam Bali serves fresh, made to order French and Balinese cuisine. Meals can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the rice paddies or at the Villa’s on-site restaurant.

Vibe: Peace out. This small, intimate villa is totally chill, and the gracious staff is very accommodating to couples, singles, and families alike.

Keep in Mind: For two hours of bliss, don't miss the complimentary rice paddy and village walk with Adi or Hubert!

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Traveler Favorite

Bali (Pemuteran), Indonesia: Taman Sari Bali Resort and Spa
 Nominated By: Pamela Friedman, Charlottesville, Virginia, June '09

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Price Range: US$67-$475 # of Rooms: 22 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Taman Sari Bali Resort and Spa so Darn Good? "It is simply one of the loveliest places we've ever stayed. Bali is, of course, amazing anyway, but this little property is beautifully landscaped, on the Java Sea, and very private. The food at the on-site restaurant is also delicious. The staff couldn't be nicer, and terrific massages are also on site. The best snorkeling is off a nearby island."

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Merang, Terengganu, Malaysia: Aryani Resort
Nominated By: Jim, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, May '08

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Price Range: RM308-1055 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 20 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes the Aryani Resort so Darn Good? This place is incredible. The Aryani is on a fabulous white sandy beach that stretches for miles on the South China Sea. All rooms are in separate bungalows designed in a very Malay style with outdoor bathtubs.

Location: Guests at the Aryani can view lovely islands in the distance and funky commercial fishing boats just off shore. The resort is in the state of Terengganu on the northeast coast of peninsular Malaysia near the small village of Merang. Ferries leaving Mereng will take you to the Redang and Lang Tengah Islands, both part of the Terrangganu Marine Park and known for their excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. Kuala Terengganu, 45 minutes away and the closest city to the resort, is a center of Malay culture, crafts, and cuisine.

Rooms: The Aryani bungalows are incredible, all with a very Malay style and design. Each room has the normal hotel amenities, as well its own little private yard with a sunken bathtub and shower. The resort's architect and owner has created the Aryani in the image of a traditional Malay royal settlement, even relocating parts of a 19th century royal palace to house its spa and Redang Suite.

Food: The Aryani has two restaurants, the Serai Restaurant and the Pulau Beach Club, both serving Malay and Western dishes. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the sweet treats served every evening.

Vibe: The Aryani is very Malay, very quiet, very secluded, and very laid-back. The staff is wonderful and extremely helpful. Spa enthusiasts can indulge in traditional Malay massage and body treatments made with local fruits, flowers, and herbs.

Things to Keep in Mind: The prices listed on the internet are high but we have been able to get them for a fraction of the cost by booking directly just before arriving.

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Traveler Favorite

Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia: Clove Hall
 Nominated By: Buzzy Gordon, Fennville, Michigan, USA, February '11

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Price Range: Gosh Darn It! # of Rooms: 6 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Clove Hall so Darn Good? "Clove Hall features the same exquisite designer touch behind the multiple award-winning Galle Fort Hotel in Sri Lanka, coupled with friendly personal service. The hotel is located in a quiet residential neighborhood that is walking distance from both colonial downtown and the nightly street food area." Read more. See the map.

Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Kathmandu, Nepal: Ambassador Garden Home
Nominated By: Sherry Ott, New York City, January '10

check availability, get rates, and reserve online at Agoda

Price Range: 33-65 Euros # of Rooms: 18 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Ambassador Garden Home so Darn Good? In the middle of the craziness of Thamel, Kathmandu's bustling tourist district, sits this gem boutique hotel. What made staying here so unforgettable was the staff who made me feel as if I were a member of the family. The owners called me by my first name and frequently joined me in the garden, assisting with any travel needs I had and introducing me to other guests at the hotel.

Location: Thamel is one of the busiest, noisiest, and most crowded neighborhoods in Kathmandu and the Ambassador Garden Home is located at one of its main intersections. However, the hotel is set back from the road, and once you step onto its grounds, you are amazingly transported to a peaceful oasis. The hotel provides transportation from the airport for ten Euros, as well as complimentary rickshaw rides to nearby tourist sites and old Kathmandu.

Rooms: The entire hotel has been recently renovated, and its eighteen modern rooms are decorated with class. Cultural and family relics can be found throughout the hotel, including the wooden garden doors and an old wooden staircase in the lobby. Surrounded by a classic brick fence, the Nepali garden is one of the hotel's highlights. Here guests can eat meals or simply relax reading a book with the fountain dribbling in the background.

Food: The Ambassador Garden Home has an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dhal bhat plate, Nepal's most popular dish, was fabulous. Breakfasts were also great, and I personally loved the French press coffee brought to the table!

Vibe: The Ambassador Garden Home feels like a boutique hotel melded with a family hostel. The owner and manager came out at night and ate dinner with guests in the garden; they introduced travelers to each other, creating a wonderful open communal feel.

Keep in Mind: While peaceful, the hotel is still in the heart of Thamel, and the live bands playing next door and throughout the neighborhood can be heard in the evening. Also, the hotel does not have an elevator.

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Traveler Favorite

Bohol (Pangao Island), Visayas, Philippines: Bohol Bee Farm
 Nominated By: Nicole Simon, Cambridge, Massachusetts, June '09

check availability, get rates, and reserve online at whl

Price Range: 2000 PHP - 7000 PHP # of Rooms: 24 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Bohol Bee Farm so Darn Good? "As their website describes, the Bohol Bee Farm is literally a "sanctuary hidden from the world." Imagine yourself lying in a hammock surrounded by lush green and tropical flowers, overlooking the bluest body of water your eyes have ever seen. Close your eyes and sip on an organic avocado shake. Wander through the on-site farm, and then cool off in an outdoor shower (also overlooking the ocean)!"

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Traveler Favorite

Bohol, Visayas, Philippines: Nuts Huts
 Nominated By: Nicole Simon, Cambridge, Massachusetts, June '09

Price Range: 350 PHP - 950 PHP # of Rooms: Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Nuts Huts so Darn Good? "The motto of Nuts Huts is 'Go Native in a Great Place to Stay' and the Nuts Huts folks are true to their word. They market themselves as a 'laid-back centre for adventurous travelers, both keen on active life and relaxation.' During the day, you can take a jitney ride around the Island, maybe hike the Chocolate Hills, or paddle over to the tarsier monkey sanctuary. At night, chill out with an on-site massage and a fresh squeezed mango juice."

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Singapore: Wink Hostel
Nominated By: Ria Mandik, Jakarta, Indonesia, December '11

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Price Range: 50 SGD - 90 SGD (breakfast included) # of Rooms: Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Wink Hostel so Darn Good? Wink has a perfect location in the heart of Chinatown, convenient by mass transit to just about anywhere you want to go in Singapore, but what makes the hostel so cool is its modern and high-tech take on the bed-pod concept. The staff is friendly and helpful, the atmosphere is peaceful and laid-back, and the rates for this level of quality in this part of town are fantastic.

Location: Wink is just a few minutes from the Chinatown Mass Rapid Transit station, but linger in the neighborhood and you can learn some history at the Chinatown Heritage Center, visit a Buddhist temple, or pick up some souvenirs at the vast Night Market. When you are finished shopping, take a short walk to Clarke Quay, a hotspot for Singapore nightlife.

Rooms: Located in a historic shop house gone modern, Wink departs from the ubiquitous hostel bunk bed with its sleek yet cozy bed pods. Pods have sound-resistant walls, and boast 260 thread-count sheets, orthopedic mattresses, and cushy backrests. Upon arrival you are equipped with a personal smart card which allows you to access your dormitory, your locker, and the entertainment lounge. Wink offers two mixed singles and one ladies-only dormitory, as well as a selection of queen-sized pods.

Food: A do-it-yourself breakfast of toast, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, and juice, is included, and the staff will happily point you in the right direction for some cheap and tasty eats. Of course, Chinatown has no shortage of options with the Chinatown Night Market just around the corner and a multitude of hawker stalls in the various food centres throughout the neighborhood.

Vibe: Wink has a relaxed atmosphere, doesn’t feel overcrowded, and is run by a group of wonderful, helpful people.

Keep in Mind: Wink only has shared bathrooms, but they are kept clean and have rain-shower showerheads.

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