Underrated Hotels You Should Visit

Finding the perfect hotel can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With countless options vying for your attention, the truly exceptional establishments sometimes get lost in the noise. This article shines a spotlight on some seriously underrated hotels, places that offer incredible value, unique experiences, and unforgettable stays, all while remaining somewhat under the radar. Prepare to add some gems to your travel bucket list.

Why Choose an Underrated Hotel?

The appeal of an underrated hotel extends beyond just avoiding the crowds. These hotels often provide a more authentic and personalized experience. Because they aren’t overrun with tourists, they tend to focus on delivering exceptional service and creating a memorable stay for each guest. Here are a few compelling reasons to consider an underrated hotel for your next trip:

• Value for Money: Often, underrated hotels offer comparable amenities and services to their more popular counterparts, but at a significantly lower price point.
• Unique Experiences: Many underrated hotels boast distinctive architecture, design, or locations, providing a more memorable and authentic travel experience.
• Personalized Service: With fewer guests to cater to, staff at underrated hotels can often provide more attentive and personalized service.
• Avoiding the Crowds: Escape the hustle and bustle of popular tourist destinations and enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.
• Supporting Local Businesses: Underrated hotels are often independently owned and operated, meaning your money goes directly into supporting local communities.

Europe’s Hidden Gems: Underrated Hotels to Explore

The Dylan Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam’s canal district, The Dylan is a boutique hotel that offers a sophisticated and intimate escape from the city’s vibrant energy. Its discreet location and elegant design often lead it to be overlooked by mainstream tourists, but those who discover it are rewarded with an exceptional experience.

The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated with stylish furnishings and modern amenities. The Dylan also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, Vinkeles, located in a former bakery, offering a truly unforgettable culinary journey. The service is impeccable, with staff going above and beyond to cater to every guest’s needs.

Hotel Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy

While Florence is overflowing with luxury hotels, the Hotel Santa Maria Novella stands out for its understated elegance and prime location. Overlooking the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, the hotel offers stunning views of the iconic basilica and is within walking distance of all major attractions.

The hotel’s decor is a blend of classic Florentine style and modern design, creating a sophisticated and comfortable atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast on the rooftop terrace, relax in the hotel’s elegant lounge, or take a stroll through the nearby gardens. The Hotel Santa Maria Novella provides a tranquil oasis in the heart of bustling Florence, making it a truly underrated gem.

The Serras Barcelona, Spain

Located in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, The Serras is a stylish boutique hotel that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. This hotel often gets overshadowed by the larger chain hotels in the area, but it offers a more intimate and personalized experience that is well worth seeking out.

The hotel features sleek and modern rooms with private balconies, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, and a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative Catalan cuisine. The Serras also boasts a vibrant bar scene, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the city. Its prime location, stylish design, and exceptional service make it a true hidden gem in Barcelona.

The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, London, England

London is renowned for its grand hotels, but The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone offers a more quirky and intimate alternative. This boutique hotel is housed in a Georgian townhouse and decorated with a whimsical mix of antiques, curiosities, and modern art. Its unique charm and character often lead it to be overlooked by those seeking more traditional luxury, but it is a truly special place to stay.

The hotel features individually designed rooms, each with its own unique personality. The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone also boasts a popular cocktail bar, known for its inventive drinks and lively atmosphere. Its central location, quirky design, and friendly service make it a truly underrated gem in London.

Aenaon Hotel, Santorini, Greece

Santorini is famous for its stunning caldera views and luxury hotels, but the Aenaon Hotel offers a more intimate and affordable alternative. Located in the charming village of Imerovigli, the hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the iconic Santorini sunset. While it might not have the same level of notoriety as some of the larger resorts, it offers a more authentic and personalized experience.

The hotel features traditionally decorated rooms with private balconies, a swimming pool with stunning views, and a delicious breakfast served on the terrace. The Aenaon Hotel provides a tranquil escape from the crowds, allowing guests to truly relax and enjoy the beauty of Santorini. Its stunning location, personalized service, and affordable price make it a truly underrated gem.

North America’s Hidden Havens: Underrated Hotels to Discover

The Dewberry, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Charleston is known for its historic charm and Southern hospitality, and The Dewberry perfectly embodies both. This stylish hotel is housed in a meticulously restored mid-century modern building and offers a sophisticated and comfortable retreat in the heart of the city. It sometimes gets lost amidst the numerous historic inns and grand hotels, but it provides a unique and modern perspective on Charleston’s charm.

The hotel features spacious rooms with custom-designed furnishings, a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, and a luxurious spa. The Dewberry also boasts a popular restaurant serving innovative Southern cuisine. Its stylish design, exceptional service, and prime location make it a true hidden gem in Charleston.

Hotel Emma, San Antonio, Texas, USA

San Antonio is famous for the Alamo and its River Walk, but the Hotel Emma offers a unique and unforgettable experience that often goes unnoticed. This stunning hotel is housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century brewery and features industrial-chic design and a rich history. It provides a unique and stylish alternative to the more traditional hotels in the area.

The hotel features spacious rooms with exposed brick walls and industrial-inspired furnishings, a rooftop pool with city views, and a selection of restaurants and bars serving delicious Texas cuisine and craft cocktails. The Hotel Emma is a true destination in itself, offering a unique blend of history, design, and hospitality.

The Drake Devonshire, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada

Prince Edward County is a hidden gem in itself, and The Drake Devonshire is the perfect place to experience its charm and beauty. This stylish hotel is located on the shores of Lake Ontario and offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. It often gets overshadowed by the larger resorts in the area, but it provides a more intimate and personalized experience that is well worth seeking out.

The hotel features individually designed rooms with eclectic decor, a waterfront restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine, and a vibrant bar scene. The Drake Devonshire is a true destination for art and culture lovers, with rotating exhibitions and live music performances. Its stunning location, stylish design, and vibrant atmosphere make it a true hidden gem in Prince Edward County.

Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, California, USA

Big Sur is renowned for its dramatic coastline and natural beauty, and Ventana Big Sur offers an unparalleled experience of this stunning landscape. This luxurious resort is nestled in the redwood forests and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. While it’s a well-known luxury option, it’s often overshadowed by more heavily marketed resorts further south, making it somewhat underrated for its specific location and offerings.

The resort features beautifully appointed rooms and suites, some with private hot tubs and fireplaces, a variety of dining options, and a luxurious spa. Ventana Big Sur offers a range of activities, including hiking, yoga, and stargazing. Its stunning location, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service make it a truly unforgettable destination.

The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA

Asbury Park is a revitalized beach town with a vibrant arts and music scene, and The Asbury Hotel perfectly captures its energy. This stylish hotel is housed in a converted Salvation Army building and features a hip and modern design. While Asbury Park is experiencing a resurgence, The Asbury Hotel remains somewhat underrated as a destination, offering a cool and alternative vibe compared to more traditional beach hotels.

The hotel features stylish rooms with colorful decor, a rooftop bar with ocean views, and a lively pool scene. The Asbury Hotel also hosts a variety of events, including live music performances and art exhibitions. Its stylish design, vibrant atmosphere, and prime location make it a true hidden gem in Asbury Park.

Asia’s Best Kept Secrets: Underrated Hotels to Uncover

The Siam, Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is overflowing with luxury hotels, but The Siam offers a unique and elegant escape from the city’s chaos. This stunning hotel is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and features a tranquil and serene atmosphere. While many tourists flock to the more centrally located options, The Siam’s riverside location and unique design often lead it to be slightly overlooked.

The hotel features spacious suites with private courtyards and plunge pools, a luxurious spa, and a selection of restaurants serving delicious Thai and international cuisine. The Siam also boasts a stunning collection of antiques and art, creating a truly unique and memorable experience. Its tranquil location, elegant design, and exceptional service make it a true hidden gem in Bangkok.

Amanjiwo, Borobudur, Java, Indonesia

Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see destination in Indonesia, and Amanjiwo offers an unparalleled experience of this ancient temple. This luxurious resort is located in the heart of Java and features stunning views of Borobudur and the surrounding countryside. While Bali often steals the spotlight, Java and Amanjiwo remain somewhat underrated as a luxury travel destination.

The resort features spacious suites with private pools and terraces, a luxurious spa, and a selection of restaurants serving delicious Indonesian and international cuisine. Amanjiwo also offers a range of activities, including guided tours of Borobudur, hiking, and yoga. Its stunning location, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service make it a truly unforgettable destination.

Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is renowned for its traditional culture and stunning gardens, and the Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto offers a modern and luxurious experience in this historic city. The hotel is located on the banks of the Kamogawa River and features a tranquil and serene atmosphere. While many visitors opt for traditional Ryokans, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto offers a luxurious alternative that is often somewhat underrated for its blend of modern amenities and traditional Japanese aesthetics.

The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and suites, a luxurious spa, and a selection of restaurants serving delicious Japanese and international cuisine. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto also boasts a stunning garden and a range of cultural experiences, including tea ceremonies and calligraphy lessons. Its tranquil location, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service make it a true hidden gem in Kyoto.

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Cambodia is known for Angkor Wat, but Song Saa Private Island offers a secluded and luxurious escape from the crowds. This stunning resort is located on two pristine islands in the Koh Rong archipelago and features breathtaking views of the turquoise waters. While Cambodia is gaining popularity, Song Saa Private Island remains relatively underrated as a luxury island destination, offering a unique and sustainable experience.

The resort features overwater villas with private pools and sundecks, a luxurious spa, and a selection of restaurants serving delicious Cambodian and international cuisine. Song Saa Private Island is committed to sustainable tourism and offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Its stunning location, luxurious amenities, and commitment to sustainability make it a truly unforgettable destination.

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India

Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and The Oberoi Amarvilas offers unparalleled views of this magnificent monument. This luxurious hotel is located just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal and features stunning views from every room. While many hotels claim proximity, The Oberoi Amarvilas’s commitment to providing *every* room with a Taj Mahal view makes it somewhat underrated for its dedication to the guest experience.

The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and suites, a luxurious spa, and a selection of restaurants serving delicious Indian and international cuisine. The Oberoi Amarvilas also boasts a stunning pool and a range of cultural experiences, including guided tours of the Taj Mahal. Its unparalleled views, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service make it a truly unforgettable destination.

Beyond the Obvious: Tips for Finding Your Own Underrated Hotel

While this article has highlighted some specific examples of underrated hotels, the real joy comes from discovering your own hidden gems. Here are some tips for finding your own underrated hotels:

• Look Beyond the Big Chains: Explore independently owned and operated hotels, boutique hotels, and guesthouses.
• Read Reviews Carefully: Pay attention to reviews that mention personalized service, unique experiences, and value for money. Don’t just focus on the star rating.
• Consider Off-Season Travel: Traveling during the off-season can often lead to lower prices and fewer crowds, allowing you to experience even popular destinations in a more relaxed way.
• Explore Less Popular Neighborhoods: Venture beyond the main tourist areas and discover hotels in up-and-coming neighborhoods.
• Use Niche Travel Websites: Explore travel websites that specialize in boutique hotels, unique accommodations, and sustainable tourism.
• Talk to Locals: Ask locals for their recommendations on hidden gem hotels and restaurants.
• Pay Attention to Design: Look for hotels with unique architecture, design, or decor. This often indicates a focus on creating a memorable experience.
• Check for Packages and Deals: Many underrated hotels offer packages and deals that can significantly reduce the cost of your stay.
• Be Open to New Experiences: Don’t be afraid to try something new and venture off the beaten path.

The Future of Underrated Hotels: A Growing Trend

As travelers become more discerning and seek more authentic and personalized experiences, the demand for underrated hotels is likely to continue to grow. These hotels offer a unique opportunity to escape the crowds, support local businesses, and discover hidden gems. By seeking out these less-known establishments, you can enrich your travel experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The rise of social media and online travel platforms has also made it easier to discover and book underrated hotels. Travelers can now share their experiences and recommendations with a wider audience, helping to shine a spotlight on these hidden gems. As more people become aware of the benefits of staying in underrated hotels, the trend is likely to continue to gain momentum.

Conclusion: Embrace the Underrated for Unforgettable Travel

In a world saturated with travel options, taking the road less traveled can lead to truly unforgettable experiences. Underrated hotels offer a unique blend of value, authenticity, and personalized service that is often lacking in more mainstream establishments. By embracing the underrated, you can discover hidden gems, support local communities, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, consider venturing beyond the obvious and exploring the world of underrated hotels. You might just be surprised at what you discover.