Unique stays for the fast-paced traveller

Remix publisher Tim Phin’s whirlwind adventure through Europe using booking.com

I love to travel and I get to travel a lot for business. I have two main criteria before I book a trip; the first is that I want to stay somewhere unique and the second is that the reservation process needs to be efficient. I’m really busy, so tend to look elsewhere if the booking process becomes too time consuming.

When I do travel, though, I like to stay somewhere that has an accessiable location, plenty of comfort and a great vibe. Booking.com has been on my radar for a while, because I read that they now have almost a million diverse properties worldwide, over 3500 of which are in New Zealand.

I decided to try it on my most recent trip to Europe, which took me through Spain, Italy and the UK. As you’ll see, booking.com ticked both the boxes in terms of providing unique propoerties and being easy to use. In terms of offering diverse accommodation, jump on the site and have a look at what they offer; there’s everything from guest houses to five-star luxury resorts, with all sorts of independent hotels, apartments, treehouses (yes, treehouses) and igloos (yes, even igloos) in between.

Usability wise it’s also a dream. As well as being easy to navigate and mobile-friendly for the fast-paced traveller, booking.com has a ‘Don’t Pay ‘Til You Stay’ policy, meaning you can change your plans spontaneously and take advantage of the best deals possible.

Booking. com also has a best price guarantee, so in the very unlikely event you find the same hotel for cheaper somewhere else, then tell them to get it at an even cheaper rate.

IBIZA - IBIZA AND USHUAIA BEACH HOTEL
Carretera Playa D’en Bossa, 10, Spain

• We kicked off our European tour here, because it is a great location right in the hub of all the action.

• Next to it is the superclub Ushaia where all the top International artists play and you get free entry to all these events by staying at the hotel.

• The hotel itself is adult only because everyone is there to party.

• It was also perfect to relax by the pool or on the private beach.

• The food is delicious! We had flowing rosè, champagne and fresh oysters.

FLORENCE - HOTEL DEL CORSO
Via del Corso, 1 nero, Uffizi, Italyt

• Features stunning panoramic views of the city.

• It’s situated right in the historic centre of Florence where you can’t drive.

• We were only a short walk from museums, art galleries and churches.

• The staff were friendly and helped us out with navigating our way around the city.

• We indulged ourselves with cheese and prosciutto every night from the eateries right next to the hotel.

ROME - HOTEL SOLE AL PANTHEON
Piazza Della Rotonda, 63, Pantheon, Italy

• This hotel is right opposite the Pantheon and has incredible views.

• The 15th century hotel is the oldest in Rome. It has a quaint feel, seamlessly blending with the cobblestone streets of the city.

• Accessible to all Rome’s incredible monuments, including the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.

• The surrounding streets are full of cafes and restaurants. The gelato is a must have!

LONDON - MONDRIAN LONDON
20 Upper Ground, Southwark London, England

• A plush hotel beautifully decorated by award-winning designer Tom Dixon.

• It’s situated right on the river Thames, South Bank and is a short stroll to the London Eye.

• Mondrian London specialises in the best bars, restaurants and social culture, so you mix with a very stylish crowd there.

• There’s more than 2,700 properties to book in London and this one took the cake.

• I was so impressed I reviewed this hotel a 10/10.