in search of darn good digs

One of the great benefits of putting together a guide to travelers’ favorite places to stay is receiving a new nomination in our in-box.  It’s a little bit like receiving a surprise gift.  After all, we depend on travelers from around the world to take the time to nominate their all-time favorite places (with rooms under, and often way under, US$150), and so we truly appreciate it when someone shares their secrets with us and our Darn Good Digs community.

One group that we have come to rely on over and over for new nominations is the world of bloggers.  In fact, almost one quarter of our nominations come from travel bloggers who consistently publish insightful anecdotes, practical advice, witty commentary, and stunning photography on their own popular blogs.  We’re proud of the growing list of bloggers and writers who have taken the time to share their favorite digs with us, and so we are excited to post a snapshot of ten of these nominations and the bloggers who nominated them:

Sarah Lavender Smith of Away Together nominated Meridiano Sur in Chile: “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.” Sarah also nominated Villa Huinid in Bariloche, Argentina.

Akila of The Road Forks nominated Woodlyn Park Hobbit Motel in New Zealand: “Three reasons this hotel is SO DARN GOOD. Number one: It is a hobbit hole with a round door, round windows, and a sloped ceiling. Number two: A mule and pigs eat the grass on the roof above your head. Number three: The bed is incredibly comfortable and the kitchen facilities are quite nice.”

Mark of Travel Wonders of the World nominated Hotel Rumi Punku in Peru: “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.” Mark also nominated af Chapman in Stockholm, Sweden.

Josh of Far West China nominated Xi’an 7 Sages Hostel in Xi’an, China: “Finding a quiet location in the middle of a busting 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.”

Matt Beatty of Moon Cowboy nominated Beyin Beach Resort in Ghana: “Gorgeous and tidy, the Beyin Beach Resort has oceanside bungalows with doors that open wide to the sea. Seashells and sand dollars wash up all day, and an abandoned 18th century fort, Fort Apollonia, lies a few hundred yards down the beach in Beyin, where young boys play football nearby.”

Donna Hull of My Itchy Travel Feet nominated the Hannagan Meadow Lodge in Alpine, Arizona: “The location at 9,000 + ft. on the Coronado Trail in the White Mountains. The lodge overlooks a meadow where animals come to graze in the summer. On a snowy day in the winter, you’ll see beginning cross-country skiers practicing newly-learned skills.”

Vera of A Traveler’s Library nominated Monterey Non-Smokers Motel in Albuquerque, New Mexico: “The couple who owns the hotel does everything themselves, because they want it done right. The size of the rooms and the location near Old Town are the main things that attract me. It is a period motel with a B & B atmosphere, but without one of the B’s.”

Lisa Lubin nominated the Athole Guest House in Bath, England: “Housed in a lovingly and beautifully restored Victorian home, the Athole Guest House stands out as a true gem in my two and half years of traveling. From the moment they picked me up at the bus station, I enjoyed my chats with the Athole’s extremely friendly and down-to earth innkeepers, Wolfgang and Josephine. Plus, I indulged in some quality purring time with their cat, Moth.” Lisa also nominated Hostal Miguel in Nerja, Spain; Inn-Berlin in Berlin, Germany; and Domus Maria in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Sonia Zamborsky of Pulpology nominated The Carlton Inn in Carlton, Oregon: “Innkeepers, Edward and Heidi, have the perfect set of skills and experience to run a fabulous bed and breakfast in Oregon’s wine country. Edward is a stellar chef and his breakfasts, made from locally-sourced and organic ingredients, are to die for. Heidi has worked in the wine industry for years, and can point you in the right direction to visit any of a myriad of wineries in the area, some of which are virtually in the Inn’s backyard.”

Sarah Christenson of The Urban Rebellion nominated Ramsdell Inn in Manistee, Michigan: “The Ramsdell Inn is a lovely, converted bank building in Manistee’s historic downtown. My husband and I were intrigued by the old woodwork, polished marble lobby, and hospitality. There is a tiny gift shop in the old brass vault, and long, elegant corridors to wander, complete with brass radiators and dark woodwork.”

You can read our complete list of bloggers whose nominations we have published on Darn Good Digs on our About Us page.  We look forward to receiving new nominations from bloggers (and travelers everywhere!) as we continue to create a guide to the best independently owned hotels around the world for budget-minded travelers.  Please visit our Nomination Form if you have some place to recommend!