It’s been a cold winter here in Brooklyn, and we’ve been busy sorting through dozens of nominations to find the best of the best independently owned accommodations for our website. We’ve selected eight cool spots as “Darn Good Digs,” all locally owned with rooms under US$150. (Rooms start at US$40!) These digs offer great value for the money, and stand out for their originality and extraordinary hospitality.
Take Turtle Nest Inn in the Cayman Islands. We always pictured Grand Cayman as a cruise ship and luxury travel destination. Who knew there was another side of the island, where you could stay in a small inn in a quiet town and still stumble out of bed to snorkel in the coral reef right off the beach? Thank you Mary from Pennsylvania for that nomination.
Pousada Vila Pitanga
Or Pousada Vila Pitanga in Buzios, Brazil. The resort town is well known as the place where beachlovers in Rio go for vacation when they want to escape Copacabana and Ipanema. A traveler from Amsterdam nominated this gem, where you can stay in “smartly appointed” rooms and relax on your own porch hammock. Not to mention there are 23 beaches right nearby!
Zuzabed and Breakfast
Cool and modern, Zuzabed is a stellar sleep in the Lisbon’s historic center. Everyone raves about Zuzabed’s innkeeper, Luis. Don and Julie from Hampshire, UK let us in on this secret.
La Loma Jungle Lodge and Butterfly Farm
Last year a work colleague told me about La Loma Jungle Lodge in the Bocas del Toro region of Panama, but try as I might, I couldn’t get him to nominate the place. I suspect he didn’t want anyone else to find out about La Loma, so it was a real treat when nzbased from Auckland nominated this amazing hideaway. It even has a butterfly farm!
Queenstown, New Zealand is the self-proclaimed “adventure capital of the world.” Even ABC’s The Bachelor headed there for bungee-jumping romance (don’t ask us how we know that). Larch Hill Homestay provides a relaxing, warm vibe with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Thanks Aliba in Wellington!
Casa de Amistad
Years ago we had considered going to Vieques for winter break, but instead we chose Culebra, one of Puerto Rico’s other Spanish Virgin Islands. While Culebra didn’t disappoint, we now have TWO good reasons to visit Vieques, because there are two Darn Good Digs on this small island. We added the friendly guest house Casa de Amistad based on a tip from Peg in Massachusetts.
Blacket Garden Flat is a true home away from home in Edinburgh, Scotland. BellaRialto in California raves about how Isobel and James, the innkeepers, are just so incredibly thoughtful and accommodating.
And last but not least is Peach and Quiet in Barbados. This small resort on the quiet side of the island has Mediterranean-inspired architecture, gorgeous ocean views, and even its own turtle watching platform. Barb from Toronto gave us this lead.
Our collection of hotels now includes over thirty Darn Good Digs from all over the world, and we add more every month. These digs show that budget-minded travelers can sleep in style while staying local and supporting sustainable travel. If you’re looking for Darn Good Digs whenever you hit the road, please join our email list, visit our site, and nominate your all-time favorite places to stay.
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