The Best of 2018: Hotels That Charmed Us

The quiet week between Christmas and New Year's is a good time for catching up on best-ofs, digging into bookmarked links, and, of course, indulging in wanderlust. We're combing the archives and sharing some of our favorite discoveries of the year. Happy trails.

Instagram Alert! Abandoned 1950s California Motel Gets a Stunning Americana Makeover

Los Alamos, California
How often does an abandoned motel get the chic, vintage Americana makeover it deserves? The Skyview, a 1950s-era roadside motel in Los Alamos, California, an hour outside of Santa Barbara, shows us how it's done.

If You’re at the Inn at Langley, You’re Here to Eat

Langley, Washington
You’ll get Pacific Northwest Patagonia pampering when you stay — and, most importantly, eat — at The Inn at Langley near Seattle. This is one for people who appreciate nice things, but also own a well-worn pair of (premium) hiking boots.

Step into the Sumptuous Surreal at London's New Mandrake Hotel

London, England
That you enter through a dark corridor off a quiet street in Central London is the first indication that you're not at the typical come-one, come-all hotel. The next clue is the two-story lobby, dominated by a Gothic, dominatrix-y chandelier of candles. The third should have been obvious: The hotel is named for a hallucinatory plant rich in folklore. Well then. Are you in for a trippy, surreal experience?

Escape to an Impressionist Oasis 15-Minutes from Paris

Paris, France
Not that you'd ever get sick of Paris, but if you need to escape the city, head to this art-inspired escape near Versailles.

Discover More of 2018's Best

Destinations That Surprised Us
The Best Food Stories
The Hidden Gems
Travelers Who Inspired Us
How to Be a Better Traveler in 2019