--- okf_version: "0.2" type: "Page" title: "Commendable hotels" resource: "https://travelmemo.com/commendable-hotels" language: en author: "Walter Schaerer" publisher: "Travelmemo" generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2021-08-08T08:18:15+00:00 } verified: - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2018-09-16T15:41:14+00:00 } timestamp: 2021-08-08T08:18:15+00:00 --- # Commendable hotels “Boutique hotels” are small and personal hotels with an attractive atmosphere. They tend to boast stylish design and gourmet chefs. Often times you will get to know the owners or hotel managers and talk to them about local peculiarities and their individual interpretation of a place. Boutique hotels are our preferred way of staying abroad. As a nice coincidence, they are mostly situated in luxurious destinations and sometimes even close to spectacular golf courses… Check out our list of personally recommended hotels here: #### [Enjoyable boutique and design hotels we personally recommend!](https://travelmemo.com/special-interest/boutique-hotel) [ ![Lofoten: Ballstad Hattvika Lodge in the twilight](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgNzY4IDQzMicgeG1sbnM9J2h0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnJz48L3N2Zz4=) ](lofoten-travel-tips.md) ## [ Lofoten travel tips: Rainbows, stockfish, and steep mountains](lofoten-travel-tips.md) [** 0](lofoten-travel-tips.md) By [Katja Birrer](https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer) on February 14, 2026 [Norway](https://travelmemo.com/norway), [Review](https://travelmemo.com/site-review) The Lofoten Islands are a Norwegian archipelago north of the Arctic Circle. Here, dramatic mountain peaks rise directly out of the sea. Colorful fishermen's huts stand on stilts in idyllic harbors, and the light is so changeable that you can sometimes experience all four seasons in the space of an hour. [Read More](lofoten-travel-tips.md) [ ![Isola Maddalena on Sardinia's north coast](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgNzY4IDQzMicgeG1sbnM9J2h0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnJz48L3N2Zz4=) ](sardinia-what-to-do-in-north.md) ## [ Northern Sardinia’s Luxurious Coast: A Guide to Porto Cervo and Beyond](sardinia-what-to-do-in-north.md) [** 0](sardinia-what-to-do-in-north.md) By [Walter Schaerer](https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer) on December 2, 2023 [Sardinia](https://travelmemo.com/italy/sardinia) The luxurious jet-set hotspots Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo are located in the north of Sardinia on the Costa Smeralda. The prettiest boutique hotels in Sardinia are also located in the north. Here are my travel tips including excursion destinations for the rugged north coast. [Read More](sardinia-what-to-do-in-north.md) [ ![Mountain View Suite](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTIwMCA4MTInIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](wolwedans-dunes-lodge-namibrand.md) ## [ Wolwedans Dunes Lodge: Privacy at its best in Namibia’s desert](wolwedans-dunes-lodge-namibrand.md) [** 0](wolwedans-dunes-lodge-namibrand.md) By [Katja Birrer](https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer) on November 5, 2021 [Namibia](https://travelmemo.com/namibia) The Wolwedans Dunes Lodge sits on a dune plateau. The panoramic view over the rolling hills and the red dirt of the dunes is breathtaking! And, as for our hosts, they are out of this world… [Read More](wolwedans-dunes-lodge-namibrand.md) [ ![The Chedi Muscat Long Pool](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](the-chedi-muscat-hotel-review.md) ## [ The Chedi Muscat – hotel of pool superlatives](the-chedi-muscat-hotel-review.md) [** 0](the-chedi-muscat-hotel-review.md) By [Walter Schaerer](https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer) on December 24, 2018 [Oman](https://travelmemo.com/oman) For years, the Chedi Muscat Hotel has been a must-visit destination. Finally, the chance presented itself to us for a stay at the frequently-praised hotel! [Read More](the-chedi-muscat-hotel-review.md) [ ![Alila Jabal Akhdar Designhotel](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](alila-jabal-akhdar-design-hotel.md) ## [ Cliffhanger: the Alila Jabal Akhdar Design Hotel](alila-jabal-akhdar-design-hotel.md) [** 0](alila-jabal-akhdar-design-hotel.md) By [Walter Schaerer](https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer) on December 2, 2018 [Oman](https://travelmemo.com/oman) No tour of Oman is complete without a stay at the spectacular Alila Jabal Akhdar Design Hotel. Deservedly so! Not only the hotel itself, but the location and the views are simply mind-blowing! Not to speak of the sunsets… [Read More](alila-jabal-akhdar-design-hotel.md) [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTIwMCA4MTInIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](boutique-hotel-glacier-grindelwald.md) ## [ Glacier Boutique Hotel in Grindelwald – Design meets the Eiger North Face](boutique-hotel-glacier-grindelwald.md) [** 0](boutique-hotel-glacier-grindelwald.md) By [Walter Schaerer](https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer) on November 11, 2018 [Switzerland](https://travelmemo.com/switzerland) An ex-base jumper and her cross-triathlete husband together open a boutique hotel in Grindelwald. How will that work out?  [Read More](boutique-hotel-glacier-grindelwald.md) [ ![The lights of Wings Hinterland Retreat reflected in the pool at dusk](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTIwMCA4MTInIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](thirdhome-wings-hinterland-retreat.md) The lights of Wings Hinterland Retreat reflected in the pool at dusk ## [ Smashing dinner drama at Queensland’s Wings Hinterland Retreat](thirdhome-wings-hinterland-retreat.md) [** 0](thirdhome-wings-hinterland-retreat.md) By [Justine Tyerman](https://travelmemo.com/author/tyermanj) on August 27, 2018 [Queensland](https://travelmemo.com/australia/queensland) The chefs lose the plot at a luxury THIRDHOME on the Gold Coast… Justine Tyerman reveals all. ‘Quel drame!’ [Read More](thirdhome-wings-hinterland-retreat.md) [ ![QT Gold Coast](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTIwMCA4MTInIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](qt-gold-coast.md) ## [ Nostalgic surfer chic meets Miami catwalk cool](qt-gold-coast.md) [** 0](qt-gold-coast.md) By [Justine Tyerman](https://travelmemo.com/author/tyermanj) on August 19, 2018 [New South Wales](https://travelmemo.com/australia/new-south-wales) Justine Tyerman discovers the extraordinary QT Gold Coast which makes other hotels literally pale by comparison… [Read More](qt-gold-coast.md) [ ![White Exclusive Suites & Villas](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](white-exclusive-suites-villas-sao-miguel.md) ## [ WHITE Exclusive Suites & Villas – as if summer never ends](white-exclusive-suites-villas-sao-miguel.md) [** 0](white-exclusive-suites-villas-sao-miguel.md) By [Katja Birrer](https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer) on August 11, 2018 [Azores](https://travelmemo.com/portugal/azores) As I was googling places to stay for our Azores trip, I came across the WHITE Exclusive Suites & Villas. A “**wow!**“, escaped from my lips. I browsed a bit more in the picture galleries and I knew right away — this is it, let me at it! [Read More](white-exclusive-suites-villas-sao-miguel.md) [ ![Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](santa-barbara-eco-beach-resort-sao-miguel.md) ## [ Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort – a dream between mountains and sea](santa-barbara-eco-beach-resort-sao-miguel.md) [** 0](santa-barbara-eco-beach-resort-sao-miguel.md) By [Katja Birrer](https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer) on August 11, 2018 [Azores](https://travelmemo.com/portugal/azores) During our Azores stay, we spent four nights at the Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort. For a hotel  location, it can’t be beat — and the owners Rodrigo and João knew it, too. [Read More](santa-barbara-eco-beach-resort-sao-miguel.md) [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](six-senses-douro-valley-luxury-hideaway.md) ## [ Six Senses Douro Valley – the luxury hideaway](six-senses-douro-valley-luxury-hideaway.md) [** 0](six-senses-douro-valley-luxury-hideaway.md) By [Walter Schaerer](https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer) on August 2, 2018 [Portugal](https://travelmemo.com/portugal) Six Senses is a prestigious Asian hotel and spa operator. With the wellness-sounding name and a reputation for sustainability that precedes it, I had read in 2015 about the opening of their first hotel in Europe. That bit of news stuck in the back of mind, until recently when we flew to the Azores with a stopover in Porto, in northern Portugal. Finally, I could check out that “little” hideaway; it would just take a quick side trip to the Douro Valley… [Read More](six-senses-douro-valley-luxury-hideaway.md) [ ![AMOR lettering and chandelier of iron](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](armazem-luxury-housing-porto.md) ## [ Armazém Luxury Housing in Porto – Design Hotel in a former iron warehouse](armazem-luxury-housing-porto.md) [** 0](armazem-luxury-housing-porto.md) By [Walter Schaerer](https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer) on August 2, 2018 [Portugal](https://travelmemo.com/portugal) Porto’s historical downtown is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it’s ok to touch the buildings anyway. Take for example the former Armazém warehouse, where once upon a time ironmongers came and went. [Read More](armazem-luxury-housing-porto.md) [ ![Sens Restaurant island](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTIwMCA4MTInIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](vitznauerhof-hotel-restaurant-sens.md) ## [ Vitznauerhof Hotel: luxury hotelier and flying Dutchman power duo](vitznauerhof-hotel-restaurant-sens.md) [** 0](vitznauerhof-hotel-restaurant-sens.md) By [Walter Schaerer](https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer) on June 30, 2018 [Switzerland](https://travelmemo.com/switzerland) There’s been a changing of the guard at the Vitznauerhof: Hotelier Raphael Herzog has taken up the baton on the shores of Lake Lucerne. He and his innovative gourmet chef Jeroen Achtien spoil their guests with stupendous service, watermelons, and fermented vegetables. Come again? [Read More](vitznauerhof-hotel-restaurant-sens.md) [ ![My Arbor tree house](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](my-arbor-hotel-tree-house-brixen.md) ## [ My Arbor Hotel in South Tyrol – a childhood dream comes true!](my-arbor-hotel-tree-house-brixen.md) [** 0](my-arbor-hotel-tree-house-brixen.md) By [Katja Birrer](https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer) on May 29, 2018 [Italy](https://travelmemo.com/italy) As a child, I always wanted to spend a night in a tree house. At last — if a “few” years later — this dream came true! And the wait was worth it! It turns out I got to spend the night in a luxury tree house… [Read More](my-arbor-hotel-tree-house-brixen.md) [ ![Carlo Rampazzi in front of his Selvaggio Studio](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](carlo-rampazzi-selvaggio-ascona.md) ## [ Carlo Rampazzi – Ticino’s “wild and crazy” star designer](carlo-rampazzi-selvaggio-ascona.md) [** 0](carlo-rampazzi-selvaggio-ascona.md) By [Katja Birrer](https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer) on March 22, 2018 [Switzerland](https://travelmemo.com/switzerland) It was in the Hotel Valsana in Arosa that we first became aware of Swiss interior architect Carlo Rampazzi. After our recent stopover at the Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona, which also bears Rampazzi’s signature touch, we just had to get to know the star designer in person. [Read More](carlo-rampazzi-selvaggio-ascona.md) [ ![Idyllic Casetta Hotel Eden Roc Ascona](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODQnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](hotel-eden-roc-ascona-rampazzi.md) ## [ Hotel Eden Roc Ascona: 5-stars with a wilding by Rampazzi](hotel-eden-roc-ascona-rampazzi.md) [** 0](hotel-eden-roc-ascona-rampazzi.md) By [Katja Birrer](https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer) on March 15, 2018 [Switzerland](https://travelmemo.com/switzerland) Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona is the best vacation hotel in Switzerland. Maybe it has to do with the sensational location on Lake Maggiore or the impeccable service. But, for us, perhaps the biggest draw of all were the interiors by star designer Carlo Rampazzi. [Read More](hotel-eden-roc-ascona-rampazzi.md) [ ![Pool Long Beach Mauritius](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](long-beach-golf-spa-hotel-relaunched-chapter-2.md) ## [ Long Beach Mauritius – relaunched as «Chapter 2»](long-beach-golf-spa-hotel-relaunched-chapter-2.md) [** 0](long-beach-golf-spa-hotel-relaunched-chapter-2.md) By [Walter Schaerer](https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer) on January 7, 2018 [Mauritius](https://travelmemo.com/mauritius) It’s no secret for readers of our blog that we are very partial to design hotels. In Mauritius, near Belle Mare we made the discovery of Long Beach Mauritius that stands out from the rest! And not just barely… This review first appeared in German on reisememo.ch The many awesome luxury resorts that line the picture book beaches on Mauritius for the most part are built in the classical, colonial style. However, during one of my Internet patrols, I came across the Long Beach Mauritius. Clearly, here is a difference… Modern architecture at the Long Beach Hotel The hotel’s white,… [Read More](long-beach-golf-spa-hotel-relaunched-chapter-2.md) [ ![Wall clock and chandelier](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](valsana-hotel-arosa-review.md) ## [ Valsana Hotel – a new bijou at the entrance to Arosa](valsana-hotel-arosa-review.md) [** 0](valsana-hotel-arosa-review.md) By [Walter Schaerer](https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer) on December 16, 2017 [Switzerland](https://travelmemo.com/switzerland) Arosa has a new landmark! With the Valsana Hotel & Apartments, a new bijou hotel stands out as you enter this resort village. Here is what to expect: [Read More](valsana-hotel-arosa-review.md) [ ![Hotel Storchen and the Great Minster of Zurich](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA1NzYnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](storchen-zurich-savoir-faire-with-tradition.md) ## [ Storchen Hotel Zurich – Savoir-faire with tradition](storchen-zurich-savoir-faire-with-tradition.md) [** 0](storchen-zurich-savoir-faire-with-tradition.md) By [Justine Tyerman](https://travelmemo.com/author/tyermanj) on December 14, 2017 [Switzerland](https://travelmemo.com/switzerland) Why are there storks nesting on the roof of a five-star hotel in Zurich? . . . Justine Tyerman learns the legend of the ‘Haus zum Storchen’. She also discovers how ‘savoir-faire with tradition’ has saved the soul but polished the visage of a much-loved city landmark. [Read More](storchen-zurich-savoir-faire-with-tradition.md) [ ![Fortress Kamerlengo Trogir](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PScwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2Zyc+PC9zdmc+) ](trogir-hotel-ola.md) . ## [ Tourists or not, Croatia’s Trogir is worth a visit!](trogir-hotel-ola.md) [** 0](trogir-hotel-ola.md) By [Walter Schaerer](https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer) on October 3, 2017 [Croatia](https://travelmemo.com/croatia) Trogir – another of Croatia’s little towns. Medieval, precious, and tourists galore. Even so, don’t miss it! [Read More](trogir-hotel-ola.md) [ Load More ** ](https://travelmemo.com/wp-cron.php/page/2?doing_wp_cron=1785973874.3800110816955566406250)