Accommodations

Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world, offers a wide variety of accommodations. From the luxury hotels that surround one of the city's main avenues to smaller boutique-style hotels that will immerse you in the Spanish colonial era, travelers can be sure to find a place that checks all the right boxes. 

Some recommended neighborhoods for travelers are La Condesa, Roma, the historic center, Polanco, and Zona Rosa.

A glimpse at a street in the charming CDMX neighborhood. Fantastic Ordinary. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Budget:

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option for your stay in Mexico City, there are many small inns and well-located hostels, especially in the Roma Norte and Condesa neighborhoods. 

Casa Lalique (US$57 per night) is one of the coziest and most affordable hotels in the city. Its blend of traditional architecture with modern comforts and the lively Condesa neighborhood immerses its visitors in the colonial era. This neighborhood is home to many international residents, and the area is filled with numerous bars and restaurants, making it easy to meet people. 

If hostels are more your thing, check out Apapacho Hostel, located right in the historic center of CDMX. Dorm prices start at US$13 per night, which includes free morning coffee and pod-style private beds. Travelers rave about this location’s rooftop terrace and great location. 

Another spot with great reviews is the Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel. Dorm prices start at US$12 per night. This hostel is located conveniently on a pedestrian street in the historic center.This is a great place to make as your home base, but beware that you will be slightly far from other neighborhoods Enjoy meeting other travelers on the hostel’s patio or at their restaurant/bar, or if you’re a digital nomad, you can enjoy specialized spaces built for remote workers. 

Midrange:

There is also a wide variety of mid-range hotels that are highly rated for their excellent service and reasonable prices. Most notably, Hilton Mexico City Santa Fe (US$104 per night) has been praised for its incredibly comfortable and modern-looking rooms, as well as its superior location near Parque La Mexicana, where visitors can grab a tasty lunch or take a nice walk around the area. Just keep in mind that Santa Fe is a business hub on the city’s western edge, so you’ll need a rideshare or Metrobus (40–50 min) to reach the historic center, Roma, or other major sights.

An excellent option for travelers is the Downtown Mexico Hotel. This is located in the historic center of CDMX, with beautiful architecture, design, and art abundant in the area and within the hotel. This boutique hotel boasts rave reviews and remains affordable, with a double room starting at US$180 per night. 

El Alfonsa hotel rates start at US$127 per night. This Condesa hotel pays careful eye to its beautiful decor and design, with hotel guests raving about its cozy and tasteful vibes. Travelers appreciate this hotel’s location and its proximity to numerous excellent restaurants and cafes. 

Luxury:

Some of the most renowned luxury hotel franchises have locations in the stylish Polanco neighborhood, as well as on the famous Reforma Avenue, best known for its incredible city views. 

The Four Seasons in Reforma is one of the most sought-after hotels in the city. With architecture that resembles a gorgeous palace and some of the tastiest breakfast and brunch buffet menus, this hotel is sure to offer an incredibly immersive experience. This has a higher price tag, with rates starting at around US$900 a night. 

The Ritz-Carlton is also a luxurious option, a 58-story glass tower situated above Chapultepec Park, offering views of the park on one side and the Angel of Independence on the other. Here, rates start at US$700 a night.

Suppose you would like to stay near the chic residential and nightlife neighborhoods of Polanco, La Roma, and Condesa. In that case, Casa Polanco offers a more “home away from home” vibe while still maintaining a luxurious feel. Located at one of the city's trendiest spots, you can walk around and explore both the must-visit travel spots and the local favorites. This luxury boutique hotel offers rates starting at US$971, yet you might find cheaper prices during the low season. Book ahead of time as these rooms fill up quickly. 

Travel Tip: For affordable options in Mexico City, consider checking Airbnbs near the Condesa, Roma, and Polanco neighborhoods, where you can find many spacious and beautiful apartments available for rent. Check availability in advance to get a good deal on your reservation price.

Accommodations

Accommodations in Bali promise hospitality and rejuvenation

Resort near Tegenungan Waterfall. Yousef salah. CC0.

Hotels, hostels and homestays in the region are an experience like no other and, depending on where you stay, offer a variety of benefits. With so much to see and do around Bali, many accommodations offer tours and personal guides to ensure your time is well spent.

Because there is so much natural life to experience, many accommodations emphasize the outdoors in their facilities. Pools, spas, natural hot tubs and gardens are present in most places to encourage travelers to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. Outdoor dining spaces and dance platforms are also common, and guests should expect to spend a good amount of time outside if they want the true Bali experience. 

Options for accommodation vary from hostels, homestays and hotels to private rental properties. Whatever the method, travelers are encouraged to find accommodations that best fit their needs — whether it be rejuvenation, discovery or a mix of everything.

Affordable options: Hostels and Homestays

A more affordable option popular with travelers is to rent rooms from locals through a homestay. Bali is known for its hospitality, and many locals are eager to share a room and meal with foreigners as long as they get to hear your story. Homestays vary greatly in their type, rooms available and amenities. Often, a homestay can offer a private room or bungalow, akin to a hotel, and still allow one to meet the family and management, allowing a more local-feeling experience. Prices range heavily for homestays depending on the amenities included or location, but can start at US$10 per night or go to US$50 per night. They can be booked online through sites like Booking.com or in person.

Another option popular with many younger travelers and backpackers is hostels. Hostels, with shared dorm-style rooms and sometimes private options, allow like-minded travelers to meet and explore Bali together. Hostels in Bali are known for their deluxe amenities, often featuring pools, outdoor lounges and lively atmospheres. Prices range in hostels but may cost anywhere between US$6-$40 per night. Here are some hostel recommendations in Bali:

• Karma Backpackers (dorms starting at US$15 a night) has a central location near Bingin Beach in Uluwatu, allowing you the perfect location to explore the town. Offering both dorm-style rooms and private options, the hostel has accommodations for every type of traveler. This hostel is known for its social and friendly atmosphere, with nightly free family-style dinners, morning yoga and free daily beach shuttles. The hostel’s rooftop restaurant and lounge are a great place to hang out and meet other like-minded travelers or make plans to surf! 

• The Farm Hostel in Canggu (US$11 a night) is one of the most highly coveted hostels in Canggu, with its reputation as a friendly social spot. Complete with free breakfast, the Farm is one of many hostels to make your home base in Canggu. Complete with a gym, pool and outdoor lounge amenities, you might mistake this hostel for a resort. 

• Savanna Hostel in Ubud (dorms starting at US$21 a night) is another hostel with as many luxuries as a poolside resort. Enjoy the nightly offered social events, like quiz night, movies and family dinners. Or, take part in morning yoga and indulge in a poolside massage. Its central location in Ubud allows you to be just walking distance from the Monkey Forest and the famous Art Market, a perfect spot to explore the city. 

Mid-Range to Luxury: Hotels, Private Rentals and Resorts

This category often includes hotels, private rental properties and resorts or retreats. However, a high price tag doesn’t always have to go along with these arrangements, especially when there are many affordable options available. Many travelers often go in together on a short-term rental property, a great way to bask in Bali’s beauty in the privacy of a home and split the price. Nonetheless, from a mid-range budget to a very luxurious one, Bali has accommodations to suit every need. 

Hotels: 

Hotels are a classic option to enjoy your getaway in Bali. Just like other accommodations, hotels in Bali often incorporate elements of nature, highlight the stunning scenery or show off creative architecture. Here are a few hotels to check out:

Nicknamed “The Art Hotel” by travelers, Gayatri Hotel in Ubud (US$120 a night) encourages travelers to immerse themselves in Bali’s culture through traditional Balinese architecture and rich gardens. On the other end is the Pelangi Bali Hotel (starting at US$58 a night) in Seminyak, which is beachside and a great choice for surfers or anyone excited to experience the famous white sands of Bali. Coral View Villas in Amed (double room suites starting at US$84 a night) offers private bungalows for its guests among lush gardens and fruit and vegetable patches. Step into this oasis during your stay in Amed.  Check out Ululani in Uluwatu, a gorgeous four-star hotel close to Dreamland Beach. Enjoy your very own fitness center and restaurant on-site while taking in the beauty of this quieter part of town. Rooms start at around US$30 a night. 

Resorts and Retreats:

Jeda Villa in Bali. Selamat Made. CC BY 2.0.

Book a stay in one of Bali’s many resorts or retreats to treat yourself to complete and utter zen. Secluded in a world of thick jungle trees and nearby rice fields, Padma Resort in Ubud (starting at US$252 a night) boasts suites and an infinity pool that offer a sprawling view of the endless jungle roof and lush green valley below. Stop in at Desa Seni Eco-Creative Resort in Canggu for a beautiful accommodation that blends wellness with a hotel. Enjoy amazing vegetarian cuisine, a yoga class and all the amenities the resort has to offer. Rates start at US$185 a night. 

Balilia Beach Resort in Amed calls itself a “piece of heaven,” and we think they have a point. This beautiful eco-conscious resort (starting at US$55 a night) is situated right on a sandy cove near Amed, making it the perfect place to wake up. Enjoy the resort’s on-site wellness therapies, workshops and access to the area’s natural beauty. 

Rental properties may often be found in person or through online booking platforms.

Accommodations

Tokyo is a city that offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences.

When it comes to accommodation in Tokyo, it's important to understand the culture. In Japanese culture, hospitality is highly valued, and this is reflected in the accommodations available in Tokyo. Japanese-style inns, known as ryokans, are popular among travelers who want to experience traditional Japanese hospitality. Ryokans typically feature tatami mats, futon beds, and communal baths. Some ryokans also offer traditional Japanese meals, such as kaiseki, which is a multi-course meal featuring seasonal ingredients. In addition to traditional accommodations, Tokyo also has unique lodging options, such as love hotels, which are often used by couples for short-term stays. These hotels are known for their themed rooms and are typically rented by the hour.

When it comes to accommodation in Tokyo, it's important to understand the culture. In Japanese culture, hospitality is highly valued, and this is reflected in the accommodations available in Tokyo. Japanese-style inns, known as ryokans, are popular among travelers who want to experience traditional Japanese hospitality. Ryokans typically feature tatami mats, futon beds, and communal baths. Some ryokans also offer traditional Japanese meals, such as kaiseki, which is a multi-course meal featuring seasonal ingredients. In addition to traditional accommodations, Tokyo also has unique lodging options, such as love hotels, which are often used by couples for short-term stays. These hotels are known for their themed rooms and are typically rented by the hour.

For those who prefer more modern accommodations, Tokyo is a city of contrasts, blending futuristic innovation with deep-rooted traditions. For travelers seeking unique and locally-owned options, Tokyo offers a wide range of accommodations catering to various budgets. Whether you’re looking for affordable stays, mid-range comfort, or luxury indulgence, you’ll find choices that emphasize community and cultural immersion. Here’s your guide to exploring Tokyo responsibly while enjoying its vibrant culture and attractions.

Budget

Tokyo’s budget accommodations provide affordability without compromising on charm. An excellent choice is UNPLAN Shinjuku ($35/night), a modern hostel designed to facilitate cultural exchange through group activities. The hostel provides free breakfast, co-working spaces, and guided walking tours, all within proximity to the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the bustling Kabukicho district. For budget-conscious travelers, Tokyo also offers unique options like the Capsule Hotel Asakusa Riverside, with compact, pod-like sleeping arrangements at an affordable price, and K's House Tokyo Oasis ($17/night), known for its clean, comfortable accommodations and friendly staff. 

Mid Range

For those seeking mid-range accommodations, Tokyo delivers comfort with a creative twist. A standout option is Sakura Terrace in Ikebukuro, a hotel that supports local artists through rotating exhibitions and offers thoughtful amenities. Guests can participate in wellness classes, dine at the in-house restaurant, and receive discounts for using public transportation. Attractions like Sunshine City’s observation deck and aquarium, as well as locally-owned vintage stores, are just a short walk away. The hotel offers hostel-style shared dorms ($28/night) and private rooms (starting at $114/night). Additional mid-range options include Tokyu Stay Shibuya Shin-Minamiguchi ($195/night), valued for its convenient location and modern amenities, and the Shibuya Granbell Hotel, which features stylish accommodations and a rooftop terrace with stunning city views. For a hotel with unique personality, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku stands out, complete with its iconic Godzilla statue on the rooftop ($263/night).

Luxury

Luxury travelers can indulge in accommodations that blend opulence with local culture. Hoshinoya Tokyo, a five-star ryokan in Otemachi, combines traditional Japanese hospitality with modern luxury (starting at $946/night). Guests can relax in private hot spring baths, savor kaiseki dining crafted with seasonal ingredients, and participate in curated cultural experiences like tea ceremonies. The nearby Imperial Palace gardens and Marunouchi’s upscale boutiques add to the allure. For a more modern take on luxury, Trunk Hotel in Shibuya embraces a philosophy of “socializing,” offering stylish rooms designed with reclaimed materials, an in-house café serving ethically-sourced coffee, and bike rentals for exploration. Its location provides easy access to the buzz of Shibuya Crossing and the tranquility of Yoyogi Park (small private rooms start at $464/night, with suites starting at $1230/night). Other top-tier options include the Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku, offering stunning city views, a rooftop pool, and a luxurious spa, and the Mandarin Oriental in Nihonbashi, renowned for its elegant decor and impeccable service. The Peninsula Tokyo ($1000/night), with its prime location and exceptional amenities, is another highly recommended choice for luxury seekers.