Buzz’s Hotel Reviews
About My Hotel Reviews
As a solo traveler who has been to over 30 countries, I have been to my share of hotels. This page features all of the links to my individual hotel reviews. Throughout my journeys, I have stayed in every type of hotel. These hotels vary from a tiny room with a twin bed to a multi-room suite. Some of my best experiences traveling are highlighted in these hotel reviews. Included in these experiences are free upgrades, gourmet dining, stunning views, and other incredible amenities. I hope you enjoy “Buzz’s Hotel Reviews” and that it helps you with your future trip planning.
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I decided to stay at the Shangri-La because it was close to tourist sights and public transportation, and it had stunning views of Sydney Harbour. I paid extra to upgrade my room to one with a harbor view, and it was definitely worth it! The view was amazing. The room itself was spacious and comfortable, with a king-sized bed and a bathroom with a bathtub and shower.
The only downside was that it was a bit of an uphill walk from the train station. But overall, I would highly recommend the Shangri-La Hotel.
I stayed at the Radisson Blu Resort and Spa in Split, Croatia, and let me tell you, it was amazing! I was lucky enough to get an upgrade to a suite as soon as I arrived, and the view from my room was incredible. The suite itself was very spacious and had everything I could need, including a balcony, living room, bathroom, and a rainfall shower.
The food at the hotel’s restaurants was delicious, especially the steak and Croatian desserts. They also had a great American breakfast buffet. Overall, I would highly recommend this hotel!
I landed in Taipei late at night and needed a hotel close to the airport. The Novotel Taoyuan International Airport was the highest-rated hotel and had a complimentary shuttle from the terminal, so I decided to stay there. The room was modern and had a cool rain-style shower.
Breakfast wasn’t included in the room rate, but the buffet offered both Western and Taiwanese options. Overall, the room was $162 USD per night, and breakfast was an additional $21 USD.
Since I arrived late, having a hotel close to the airport with a complimentary shuttle was really convenient. I would definitely recommend this hotel to other travelers arriving late at night
I stayed at the Hilton Resort and Spa in Queenstown, New Zealand. My room got upgraded from a DoubleTree room to a Hilton room because I have Hilton Gold Status. The room had a fireplace, a workspace, a couch, a chair, two televisions, a bathroom with a rainfall shower, two sinks, and an oversized bathtub. It also had a balcony overlooking the Franklin Arm of Lake Wakatipu.
There was a great walking path that followed the shoreline of the Franklin Arm. I walked quite a few kilometers on the path. To get to the city center of Queenstown, there was a water taxi that stopped right at the hotel.
The hotel offered a variety of restaurants including the Me and Mee Chinese Restaurant, which was my favorite.
I stayed at the Relais Forus Inn, a hotel in Rome. It was a bit tricky to find at first, but overall I enjoyed my stay. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the location was great – close to the Colosseum and other attractions, and also near a metro station. My room had a queen-sized bed, a minibar, a free bottle of wine, and a bathroom with a shower. It seems like a good option for budget-minded travelers who want to be close to public transportation and attractions.
I stayed at Hotel Corvatsch in San Pedro de Atacama. It was a good value for the price. The weather was cold in the winter, and the hotel heater only ran at night. The room included a toilet, but I had to throw the toilet paper in the trash, which was a little strange. Overall, the hotel was a good value for the price.
I stayed at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Otemachi in Tokyo on my recent trip. I chose this hotel because it was close to Tokyo Station, which made it really easy to get around the city. The room was a little on the small side, but it was comfortable and had everything I needed.
Thankfully, the air conditioning worked well, which was a lifesaver in the hot summer weather. The hotel also had a laundry room with a machine that washed and dried my clothes for only 500 yen (which is about $5). Overall, I thought the Mitsui Garden Hotel Otemachi was a great value for the price, especially considering its convenient location.
I stayed at Hotel Dubrovnik in Zagreb, Croatia, and it was a good choice for my trip. The hotel is located right in the main plaza of the city center, which makes it super convenient. Being so close to the action was a plus, especially because I was visiting for New Year’s Eve – I could just walk right out to the festivities in Ban Jelačić Square!
The hotel itself has a cool design. The rooms are situated around an indoor courtyard, which gives it a unique atmosphere. My room wasn’t huge, but it had everything I needed for a short stay – a comfy queen bed, a desk to work at, a TV, and a bathroom with a standup shower.
My stay at the Europlaza Hotel and Suites was a mixed bag. While they called my room a “suite,” it was more like a standard hotel room with a full-size bed. The only upgrades were a small fridge and a whirlpool tub that, unfortunately, didn’t work.
Despite the lack of a true suite experience, I found the room offered good value for the price. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the air conditioning worked great – maybe a little too well at times! I even had to get up and adjust it a couple of nights because I got too cold.
On the plus side, the room had a decent workspace with a desk and plenty of closet space for hanging clothes. There was also a mini-fridge stocked with drinks and snacks, which was a nice touch.
Alice Springs was my launching pad for exploring the Red Centre! I stayed at the Hilton Doubletree because it was in a good location and part of the Hilton brand (gotta earn those points!). My room was a classic queen, with a comfy bed, a couch, and a big workspace – perfect for catching up on my website after long days of touring.
The Doubletree wasn’t within walking distance of downtown, but that wasn’t a big deal since I spent most of my time on tours (12 hours in the West MacDonnell Ranges and a whopping 18 hours at Uluru/Kata Tjuta!). Being exhausted, I mostly ate at the hotel. Their restaurants were great – I had a delicious rib eye at Saltbush the first night (over A$50 with tip!).
For the next two nights, room service was my savior. After those long tours, I couldn’t face going out. One night I had a barbecue bacon cheeseburger and fries, the next a meat lover’s pizza. Both were delicious and perfect for refueling in my comfy room. Overall, the Doubletree was a great base for exploring the Red Centre – comfortable room, good food, and close enough to the airport for an easy arrival.
The Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace was exactly the Venetian experience I’d been hoping for. Located right on a canal, with a gondola workshop nearby, it felt steeped in history. The lobby and common areas were decorated in a Venetian style, and my room was a delightful mix of modern and Venetian design. The bathroom was particularly impressive, with multiple showerheads.
The staff was helpful and friendly, and other guests consistently ranked the hotel very highly. Overall, I felt like I was staying in a palace, and I can’t recommend the Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace more highly.
Hiroshima was one of the places I was most looking forward to visiting. As a Global Studies teacher, I wanted to see first hand one of the most somber places in the world; the location where the first atomic bomb was dropped. After looking for many accommodations in the Hiroshima Area, I chose the Hiroshima Tokyu REI Hotel. This hotel was located in between the Peace Memorial Park, which was the site of the impact zone of the atomic bomb, and Hiroshima Station. I thought this was a good choice due to its low price of $65 per night.
The Hiroshima Tokyu REI Hotel itself had very few frills. To access the lobby, I had to enter a ground level entrance and go to a set of elevators. The elevators stopped at the second floor which is where the lobby was. After checking in, I went up to my room which was on the 9th floor.
After spending a few days in Queenstown, I flew to Auckland where I stayed at the Sky City Hotel. It was right next to the Sky Tower, which was super convenient. My room was a premium king, and it had a comfy bed, a desk to work at, and a big shower.
The Sky Tower wasn’t part of the hotel deal, which was a bit of a bummer, but the views from the observation deck were amazing. I could see the whole city! If you’re new to Auckland, I definitely recommend going up the Sky Tower.
Overall, I had a good stay at the Sky City Hotel.
I stayed at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, a hotel located near the Pile Gate of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. My room was a classic king room with a view of the Old Town. It also included a complimentary breakfast buffet, which was a nice perk. The staff at the hotel were friendly and accommodating, making for a pleasant stay overall.
Overall, I would highly recommend this hotel!
My room at CitizenM was modern and comfortable, although a little on the small side. It seems like the rooms are designed for solo travelers. Overall, I had a great experience at CitizenM. It’s a perfect place to stay if you want a comfortable bed close to the airport.
I stayed at a hotel called the City Center Hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland. It was centrally located and affordable, which was exactly what I was looking for. Even though the room was on the small side, it had everything I needed for my stay, including a private bathroom.
The hotel was also kind enough to store my luggage after I checked out since my flight didn’t leave until after midnight. Just a heads up, though: be prepared for the hot water to have a strong sulfur smell – that’s just how it is in Iceland!
My flight to Dubrovnik wasn’t until 9:00 pm, so I needed a place to rest after landing in Zagreb early afternoon. The airport itself has no hotels, but luckily Cool Rooms Hotel Zagreb Airport was close by and even offered an early 1:00 pm check-in, perfect for a nap! Just a heads-up, they only take cash (local currency or Euros).
Catching a ride to the hotel was easy. I called the front desk (number: +385995252270) after grabbing my luggage, and they sent a shuttle to pick me up within 10 minutes from outside Caffe Nero. The ride took about 15 minutes, and voila – comfy room, relaxation time, and a recharged me ready for Dubrovnik!
Mother Nature threw a curveball at my Cancun trip – a blizzard threatened the Twin Cities on my departure day! Since my hotel was booked solid, I scrambled to find a place to stay for an extra night. Luckily, hotels.com came to the rescue with a killer deal on a premium room at the Krystal Grand Cancun. For just $130, I scored a king room with a view – not a bad way to spend a weather delay!
The Krystal Grand Cancun wasn’t just a room (although that king bed was pretty dreamy). The place had its own beach and multiple pools, basically an all-inclusive paradise. They even offered an all-inclusive package for an extra $100, but I opted to explore the local eats.
Safety during COVID was a big deal for me, and the Krystal Grand was on top of it. Temperature checks, hand sanitizing stations, and shoe disinfecting were all part of the check-in process. The design of the hotel was pretty cool too – open-air hallways wrapped around a central rotunda, with all the rooms opening up to it. The view from the inside was almost as stunning as the one from my balcony!
Cancun hotel hopping was on the agenda for my trip, and for the glitzy Hotel Zone, I decided to check out the Canopy by Hilton, Cancun. As a Hilton Honors Gold Member (score!), I get perks like free upgrades, which came in handy. Plus, using my Hilton points brought the price way down – essential in the pricier Hotel Zone.
The hotel itself didn’t have direct beach access, but there were public beaches nearby, no biggie. Being brand new (just a few months old when I visited), it had that fresh, modern feel that I loved. In the end, it was a perfect combo of using my points, getting a great room, and staying in a trendy spot. Win-win! For two nights, it cost me $47 plus 102,000 Hilton points – way cheaper than the over $650 it would have been without points!
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States - Intercontinental MSP
My early morning flight to Panama with a layover in Atlanta meant a pre-dawn wake-up call at the airport. To avoid that,I booked a room at the Intercontinental Hotel MSP Airport, supposedly the only one connected to the airport. Big mistake.
While connected technically exists in dictionary form, it doesn’t apply here. Getting there involved a shuttle ride, and the “connected” TSA checkpoint was useless for me with a checked bag. Next time, I’ll skip the Intercontinental and the shuttle song and dance.
On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I had the pleasure of staying at Miradas Arenal Hotel & Hot Springs. This resort offered a captivating blend of relaxation and adventure, nestled amidst the stunning scenery of the Arenal Volcano region.
My accommodations were well-suited for both productivity and leisure. The room I occupied was spacious and elegantly furnished, providing a tranquil environment to unwind after a busy day. For those seeking to extend their workday, a well-lit desk and reliable Wi-Fi ensured I could stay connected.
The highlight of my stay was undoubtedly the access to the hotel’s natural hot springs. After a day of exploration, soaking in the thermal pools surrounded by lush rainforest proved to be an incredibly rejuvenating experience. The property boasts multiple pools with varying temperatures, catering to individual preferences.
During a recent trip to Costa Rica, I had the opportunity to stay at the Hampton Inn – San Jose Airport. The hotel’s proximity to the airport and its complimentary 24-hour shuttle service were key factors in my decision-making process. Upon arrival, I was pleased to receive an upgrade to a king suite, which offered a spacious and comfortable environment for my stay.
The hotel’s complimentary breakfast buffet satisfied my mornings with a variety of options, including scrambled eggs, fried eggs, plantains, slow-cooked beef, cereal, fruit, bread, pastries, coffee, orange juice, and filtered water. The location of the Hampton Inn proved to be advantageous, with several restaurants within walking distance. These included Denny’s, Rosti Pollos, and a cafe situated within Casino Fiesta Alajuela.
I stayed at the Tryp by Wyndham Panama City Centro on my recent trip, and it turned out to be a great choice! They definitely live up to their reputation for being affordable – I got a good rate on the room. Even better, the location was perfect – right in the center of the action.
The room itself was a nice surprise. It was clean and comfortable, and even had a nice view. There were even some nights when I relaxed by the rooftop pool – a great way to unwind after a day of exploring the city. If you’re looking for a good, affordable hotel in a central location, this is a great option.
I found the perfect spot to stay in Manuel Antonio – The Falls Resort! Honestly, I couldn’t believe it when I saw their nightly rate – only $110! Such a highly-rated hotel for that price? I booked it on the spot without even looking elsewhere.
The Falls Resort wasn’t like your typical hotel. Instead of a big building, they had these individual bungalows scattered around beautiful gardens. It felt like having my own private place, with all the bungalows spaced out for privacy. They even had a pool and a restaurant on-site, plus the location was fantastic. Manuel Antonio National Park was just a 30-minute walk away, or a quick 10-minute taxi ride. Though the resort wasn’t right on the beach, you could still catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean from across the street. Overall, The Falls Resort was an amazing find!
My Monteverde stay at Los Pinos Cabañas was a hidden gem! Tucked in the rainforest, my cozy cabin had a kitchenette for meals and a porch for wildlife watching (including monkeys!). While the weather wasn’t ideal and there’s no on-site restaurant, the nearby grocery store and delicious local eats made up for it. Despite a scorpion encounter (eek!), the comfy cabin and rainforest views made for a memorable stay.
I stayed at The Breeze Inn in Seward, Alaska. It’s a great location for sightseeing – right near the harbor and Exit Glacier. My room was spacious and had everything I needed, but the bed wasn’t very comfortable. They have a restaurant on-site, and while it was a bit on the expensive side, the food was delicious.