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Must Do World features all the must-do activities across the planet. From hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to scuba diving the underwater wonders of Asia to watching wildebeest herds run through Africa's plains, Must Do World captures all the action in words and pictures.

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Hipmunk City Love: 6 of the Coolest Hotels in Toronto

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best things to do in toronto

Canada’s biggest city is a wonderful city to explore, with its mosaic of diverse cultures, sights, and attractions. You’ll always have something to do in Toronto! The city is also home to a wide variety of sleek and attractive hotels, and this shortlist features six of the coolest hotels in the city.

1. The Fairmont Royal York

This elegant hotel and city landmark offers beautiful rooms, world-class service, 24-hour in-room dining, and the perfect location for exploring the vibrant city of Toronto. The Fairmont Royal York also offers an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa, along with five delicious restaurants with cuisine from around the world.

2. Cambridge Suites Hotel Toronto

This contemporary, comfortable, and spacious hotel is situated in a prime downtown location and features modern kitchenettes, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. Along with its boutique ambience, Cambridge Suites Hotel Toronto also offers stunning views, a rooftop fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and passes to a full-service health club nearby.

When you feel the need to break free from this beautiful hotel, you’ll find yourself within walking distance of the Air Canada Centre, the Toronto Eaton Centre, and PATH, the city’s massive underground walkway linking some of the finest shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.

3. SoHo Metropolitan Hotel

This boutique luxury hotel features sleek and modern décor along with vaulted ceilings, leather furniture, marble baths, and soaking tubs. If you can pull yourself away from the beautiful rooms that the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel offers, you’ll also find an atrium health club and fitness center along with a lap pool, spa tub, and sauna. On-site restaurants offers delicious Chinese and other international cuisines.

4. One King West Hotel and Residence

One King West Hotel and Residence is situated in one of the best neighborhoods in the city, within walking distance of popular destinations such as the Theatre District, Entertainment District, Business District, and Queen Street. Suites range from luxurious to historic, and all feature in-suite kitchens, laundry, tall ceilings, and designer décor. You’ll also find a concierge service, private limousine services, a rooftop fitness center, and jaw-dropping views.

5. InterContinental Toronto Yorkville

This beautiful four-star hotel features in-suite air conditioning and an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. You’ll also find wireless Internet, childcare services, and gift stores, along with 24-hour room service and an in-house restaurant. With its central location, the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville is within walking distance of The Royal Conservatory of Music, Varsity Stadium, the University of Toronto, and the Toronto Public Library.

6. Thompson Toronto

This beautiful 4.5-star Thompson Toronto hotel is centrally located, with easy access to popular attractions such as the CN Tower and the Fort York National Historic Site. Each of its 102 rooms has air conditioning, an iPod docking station, a refrigerator, and a 42-inch plasma TV. If you need to relax, the hotel offers a sauna and an outdoor pool with extravagant views of the city.  If you’d rather party, the hotel features a bar and a nightclub, making it easy to enjoy yourself without leaving the building.

Whether you’re visiting the city for business or pleasure, Toronto offers plenty of attractive hotels with prime locations, making it easy for you to explore the city and its many sights and attractions.

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Photo by Kevin Jedruch via Trover.com

This post was written as part of the Hipmunk City Love project. As a paid writer for Hipmunk, I’ve written dozens of articles for world-class cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Hong Kong, and San Francisco.

The Coolest Hotels in Hong Kong

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best things to do in hong kong

Known for being one of the coolest cities in Asia, this is one place to indulge in a great hotel. Whether you’re after luxury or chic, this list will give you a quick glimpse into the coolest hotels in Hong Kong.

The Peninsula

If you’re looking for a hotel that feels like a luxurious yacht or private jet, the Peninsula is the one for you. Since the 1920’s, this legendary hotel has been delivering a world-class blend of Eastern and Western hospitality in a luxurious setting.

Hotel ICON

If bling is what you’re after, the sophisticated Hotel ICON should be high on your list. This beautiful hotel boasts a vertical garden wall, a luxury spa, a terrace pool, and a private rooftop bar, which make it one of the coolest hotels in Hong Kong.

The Mira

If you’re looking for a tech-savvy hotel with high quality Bose sound systems, marble bathtubs, and luxury furniture, make sure you book yourself into the Mira. The hotel is centrally located but you won’t have to leave the building thanks to the rooftop lounge and Michelin-starred restaurant.

Hotel LKF

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind party, the stylish Hotel LKF is the choice for you. Not only is it located in the party district of Hong Kong, it also offers its own nightlife including the Tazmania Ballroom Billiards bar, the NYC-style restaurant Lily & Bloom, and a top-floor nightclub. When it comes time to rest, the king-sized beds with views of the city don’t disappoint.

The Upper House

If you’re looking to experience jaw-dropping views of Hong Kong right from your bathtub, the Upper House is the hotel for you. This luxurious hotel also features rain showers, in-room espresso machines, and an iPod Touch for ordering room service.

Hullett House

If you prefer a taste of history with your accommodation, the Hullett House is an excellent choice. Built in a colonial white-stucco building, you’ll feel transported through time thanks to the themed rooms including the Imperial China suite and the Confucian temple suite, which offer an incredibly unique experience over a traditional hotel. Each suite also offers private balconies with stunning views of the city.

J Plus Hotel

If you’re looking for a chic atmosphere, consider the J Plus Hotel, which offers a boutique atmosphere along with complimentary breakfast, afternoon cupcakes, and evening wine. You’ll also be close to Victoria Park and Causeway Bay metro stations, which make it incredibly easy to visit Hong Kong’s star attractions.

The Luxe Manor

If you find yourself attracted to the surrealistic, the Luxe Manor will likely become one of your favorite hotels. With an eclectic mix of both European and oriental décor along with a great location, this hotel is hard to beat.

East Hotel

If you’re after award-winning architecture and a location in the business district, the East Hotel is a fabulous choice. The hotel rooms offer massive windows with views of the harbor and one of the cities most famous terrace bars.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of cool hotels in Hong Kong. Whether you’re in the city for business or pleasure, grab yourself a beautiful hotel and indulge in all the sights and senses the city has to offer.

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Photo by Margarita Yuki via Trover.com

As a paid writer for Hipmunk, this article was written as part of the city love series.

 

The Ultimate Weekend in Bangkok | A Hipmunk City Love Article

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Things to do in Bangkok

The capital of Thailand and possibly the most famous city in Southeast Asia, Bangkok is a treasure chest of sights and senses. With a smorgasbord of mouthwatering food, ancient temples, high-rise buildings, and outrageous nightlife, there really is something for everyone. Here’s how to experience the ultimate weekend in Bangkok:

Start your visit at Wat Arun. This is one of the most recognized temples in all of Southeast Asia and makes a wonderful place to start your weekend off. Created in the early 19th century, Wat Arun’s towering spires are remarkable to look at and symbolize the birth of the Rattanakosin Period, and in this case, the beginning of your weekend in Bangkok.

Next, make your way to the Grand Palace. Once the home of Thai Kings, the Grand Palace continues to draw visitors into its fantastic architecture and sheer beauty. Built in 1782, this palace is a must-see; it also houses the sacred Buddha image carved from a single block of emerald.

Afterwards, check out the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Thailand is famous with shoppers around the world, but this market is a must-visit for anyone new to Bangkok. With over 8,000 market stalls and 200,000 visitors, you’ll have no trouble finding new threads for the weekend.

Once you have your new outfit, take a taxi to Khao San Road. Love it or hate it, no visit to Bangkok would be complete without spending some time here. This is where East meets West and many travellers hang out. You’ll find dozens of market stalls, sleek clubs, cocktail bars, Western-style restaurants, and the cheapest hotels in Bangkok.

After a night on Khao San Road, start the next day off with a trip to the Floating Market. Although the market has become a little touristy, it continues to give off an authentic feel and insight into an ancient culture. Bring your camera, as you’ll find wooden boats floating by filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers. You can also fill your tummy with seafood skewers and noodles.

Next, head on over to Wat Pho to see a beautiful collection of murals, sculptures, and inscriptions that depict a variety of things such as astronomy, archeology, and warfare. You’ll also find a landscaped garden and a gigantic reclining Buddha.

Afterwards, pay a visit to Jim Thompson’s House; Thompson is famous for his dedication to the revival of the Thai silk industry and also for mysteriously disappearing into the Malaysian jungle. Luckily, his legacy lives on through an immaculate collection of Thai art as well as a complex of six beautifully preserved Thai-style teakwood houses.

End the day by taking a stroll along the riverside for a taste of some of the oldest settlements in Bangkok. Take the scenic route that goes from Wat Arun to Phra Sumeru Fortress. The glittering temples, stilted houses, river barges, and water-taxis will make this one of the highlights of your ultimate weekend.

Bangkok is a massive city with a tremendous amount of things to see and do. Whether you choose to follow the order set out in this guide or mix and match as you see fit, you’re bound to have an unforgettable weekend in this vibrant cosmopolitan city.

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Photo by Global-Gallivanting via Trover.com

This article was written as party of the Hipmunk CityLove project. As a paid writer for Hipmunk, I’ve written about many world-class cities including Bangkok, Seattle, and Vancouver.

The Coolest Hotels in Dubai

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best hotels in dubai

In a city built around extravagance, Dubai is a luxury hotel lovers dream. With more than 90 five-star hotels to indulge in, the hardest part will be choosing the best one. While any of the luxurious hotels would be a treat to stay in, this short list will help you narrow down the choices.

1. Burj Al Arab

A list of the coolest hotels in Dubai wouldn’t be complete without the world famous Burj Al Arab, which is quite possibly the most famous landmark in the city. Where else will you find luxurious 2-floor suites, a royal suite with a rotating bed, and a reception desk with butlers on every floor? Maybe it’s a little too extravagant but even if you don’t stay here, you can enjoy the light show that moves across the exterior after sundown.

2. Shangri-La Hotel

For a toned down but equally luxurious experience, head to the Shangri-La Dubai, which offers deep soaking tubs, rain showers, and local artwork in each of their 302 guest rooms. Located in the heart of Dubai’s shopping and entertainment district, you won’t have to go far to find anything you could want.

3. Hotel Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach

The Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach hotel is a luxury hotel close to world-class shopping, restaurants and beautiful beaches. If you can pull yourself away from the beautiful rooms, you’ll also find a gym, treatment rooms with Carita products and five different bars.

4. One&Only Royal Mirage Arabian Court

This mysterious hotel is located in an ancient dwelling amid a sheltered oasis. Linked by intricate courtyards and lush gardens, the One&Only Royal Mirage Arabian Court is an architectural marvel. Featuring reflective pools along with nature-blended artistry, you’ll find it hard to leave one of the 10 stunning suites that this hotel has to offer. If you can peel yourself away from its beauty, you’ll find over a kilometer of private beachfront.

5. Dar Al Masyaf Madinat Jumeirah

The remarkable Dar Al Masyaf Madinat Jumeirah hotel is situated right on the luxurious Jumeirah Beach Strip. The 29 two-level suites face the Arabian Gulf and the iconic Burj Al-Arab while offering old-world Arabian charm and world-class service. Take some time to enjoy the 1.8-mile private white sand beach or the two outdoor swimming pools as well as the award-winning spa, health club and indoor lap pool. As an added bonus, the Mall of Emirates is just one mile away and features over 500 retails, 90 restaurants, an indoor ski resort, and movie theatres.

6. Crowne Plaza Festival City

Situated right in the heart of Dubai, this 5-star Crowne Plaza Dubai makes it easy to visit Dubai Festival City, Al Badia Golf Club and Dubai Tennis Stadium. All 316 rooms are air-conditioned and come with satellite TV, DVD players, bathtubs and bidets. The hotel also features a full-service spa, outdoor pool, and sauna.

As you can see, Dubai has many gorgeous hotels to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a desert paradise or a hotel right in the middle of all the action, Dubai has a hotel to suit anyone’s needs.

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Photo by Diana Sulteeva via Trover.com

This article was written as part of the Hipmunk CityLove project. As a paid writer for Hipmunk, I’ve written about many world-class cities including Osaka, London, and Vancouver.

The Coolest Hotels in Munich

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Best hotels in Munich

As the capital city of Bavaria, Munich has a lot to offer travelers visiting for business or pleasure. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t settle for anything but the best when it comes to accommodation, this short guide will give you a quick glimpse into the coolest hotels in Munich.  

Cortiina Hotel

This beautiful boutique hotel is close to the center of the city and features on-site dining, a fitness center, a full-service spa, and airport shuttles to pick you up after a long flight. Rooms at the Cortiina Hotel feature DVD players, iPod docking stations, and all the comfort you need for a good night’s sleep.

Louis Hotel

Located in the center of Munich, the Louise Hotel is within walking distance of some of the best shops and restaurants in the city. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Alps if you opt for a room with a balcony, as well as an on-site restaurant, lounge, and fitness center. The spacious and comfortable rooms include heated bathroom floors which feel great on the feet, plus iPod docking stations so you can listen to all your tunes.

Anna Hotel

This design hotel is located in the heart of the city, which makes it easy to walk to cinemas, theatres and a plethora of shopping opportunities. For those times when you’re in the hotel, you’ll be happy to find an on-site sushi restaurant, bar, 24-hour concierge services, and limousine transportation to the adjacent spa.  If you like a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the Anna Hotel is a great choice.

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München

This former royal guesthouse is right in the heart of Munich’s action, offering modern amenities in a luxurious atmosphere. The five-star Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Münchendates back to 1858, which adds a level of historic value to your visit. You’ll also find an on-site spa, steam room, fitness center, and outdoor pool. Each suite features beautiful handmade furniture, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and complimentary iPad use.

Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel

The luxury Charles Hotel is located right in the city center with easy access to world-class shopping, sightseeing, and public transportation. Along with the rich atmosphere, you’ll find a full spa, delicious food, and a lounge with all your favorite cocktails. Most rooms feature spacious bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, king-sized beds, and minibars.

Sofitel Munich Bayerpost

The five-star Sofitel Munich Bayerpost is right next to a train station, which makes it easy to go anywhere in the city. The posh rooms come with Bose sound systems, Hermès products, Nespresso coffeemakers, in-floor heating, flat-screen TVs, and natural stone-floored bathrooms. When not enjoying the comfort of the luxurious rooms, you’ll find a world-class spa and a heated pool that make it hard to leave the place.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of cool and luxurious hotels in the city of Munich. Whether you’re looking for classic luxury or posh styles, Munich has something for everyone.

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This article was written as part of the Hipmunk CityLove Project. As a paid writer for Hipmunk, I’ve written about many world-class cities ranging from London to Vancouver to Florence, Italy.

Photo by OnTheGoWithCarson via Trover.com.

The Coolest Hotels in London

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best hotels in london england

Vibrant and multicultural, London is a city full of history, landmarks, and beautiful architecture. London is also a great place to find stunning hotels and this list will give you a short roundup of some of the coolest hotels you can find.

Hilton London Kensington

The centrally located Hilton London Kensington is a home-away-from-home with spacious rooms, friendly staff, and world-class amenities. When you’re not out exploring the city, you can relax in the on-site sauna, lounge, or work up a sweat in the fitness room. With such a central location, it’ll be easy to find delicious restaurants from around the world and walk to many popular attractions.

The May Fair

Located only a few minutes away from Buckingham Palace and the Green Park Tube station, The May Fair is a fabulous place to rest your head. Inside the five-star rooms, you’ll find contemporary décor with Asian touches, marble bathrooms, iPads, international power sockets, and over 400 channels on the flat-screen TVs. There is also an on-site steam room, sauna, spa, and a fitness center with personal trainers.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel

This luxurious hotel is in the heart of London, which makes it easy to walk to many popular attractions. The spacious and luxurious rooms feature earthy tones along with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and American electrical sockets. The Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel also features a luxury bar and lounge, in-room spa treatments, a fitness center, and a restaurant. If you can manage to pull yourself away from the fabulous on-site amenities, you’ll find yourself just 10 minutes away from world-class shopping and nightlife.

Novotel London City South

Located just walking distance from many popular attractions, the Novotel London City South is a great choice for business and leisure travelers alike. The air-conditioned rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and amazing views depending on the room you’re in. The hotel also features a steam room, sauna, and a well-equipped fitness center.

InterContinental London Park Lane

This prestigious hotel is located in one of the most sought-after locations in London, walking distance to popular attractions and a short bus ride away from many others. The luxurious rooms feature down duvets, work desks, Bose speakers, and iPod docking stations. The InterContinental London Park Lane hotel also features elegant interiors, an award-winning restaurant, a recluse spa, views of London’s biggest park, and an on-site health center.

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

This historic boutique hotel is conveniently located near many attractions in London’s popular West End and is a landmark itself. Each of the 63 elegant rooms feature vaulted ceilings, premium bedding, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and excellent views. The Grand at Trafalgar Square also features popular restaurants with English fare, along with a fitness center, and is just around the corner from a delicious Italian restaurant.

As you can see, London is packed with many gorgeous and luxurious hotels to choose from. While there are many other great hotels in the city, this list should help make your decision easier with some of the coolest hotels the city has to offer.

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Photo by Serendipity Tess via Trover.com

This article is part of the hipmunk city love project. As a part-time writer for Hipmunk, I often write about the best things to do or the best hotels to stay in various cities around the world.

The Ultimate Day in Barcelona | A Hipmunk City Love Article

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Best things to do in Barcelona

Spain’s second largest city is a treasure chest of sights and senses. Located on the northeastern Mediterranean coast, Barcelona’s rich history, delicious cuisine, vibrant art scene, and beautiful beaches are the perfect mix for any traveler to revel in. If you’re looking to explore the city for weeks or months, there are many things to do – but this short guide will give you a great itinerary for the ultimate day in Barcelona.

Start the day off on the right foot

After waking up at your hotel in Barcelona, start the day be exploring the city by foot. Meandering through the city’s vibrant neighborhood is a great way to get a feel for the city and get ready for the day ahead. Some of the most impressive places for taking a stroll are Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc de Joan Miró, and the Montjuïc castle. Other great areas include Horta, Sant Andreu district, and anywhere you can admire the modernista architecture. Some excellent and famous examples of such architecture include Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and practically anything created by Antoni Gaudí.

Next, take a break and enjoy some of the delicious culinary treats the city has to offer. One popular option is Pintxos, which are basically tapas served atop a piece of bread. Some examples include Chicken tempura, melted provolone with mango and ham, brochette, and various types of empanadillas. One of the top places to feast away on Pintxos is Euskal Etxea but there are many other places as well. Wash it all down with a glass of local vermouth.

The rest is history

Next, take in some of the city’s history by visiting one if the many museums or historical buildings. One of the best options is the Museu d’Historia de Barcelona, where you can learn about the history and culture under one roof.

After that, hit the streets again with a visit of the lush gardens of Teatre Grec for some natural beauty before stopping by Fundació Joan Miró, one of the largest museums on the planet. This museum houses a collection of over 200 paintings and 150 sculptures for you to browse. You might also walk by local art houses.

Once you’ve had enough art, take a walk through the lower Raval, which has inspired many writers over the years. Although this place was once famous for its drifters, prostitutes, and underground feel, it’s now more frequented by hipsters and is the prominent district for urban culture, music, and outstanding food.

End the night with a bang

By now, you’re likely feeling like you need a drink and with the sun setting and the moon overhead, make your way over to one of the many clubs for the ultimate end to your incredible day. Sala Apolo club is a great option if you’re interested in a themed party while the legendary Razzmatazz boasts five different rooms with different sounds.

As you can see, Barcelona has a lot to offer any type of traveler visiting the city. Whether you decide to conquer this whole itinerary listed above or shave off a fraction of it, you’re bound to have an incredible time. If this sounds like it would make your day too busy, there’s always the Mediterranean Sea, which is a perfect place to relax in the sun or take a dip in the water.

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Photo by Asier García via Trover.com

This article was written as part of the Hipmunk CityLove project. As a paid writer for Hipmunk, I occasionally write about cool cities such as Barcelona, Bangkok, and Seattle.

 

7 Incredible Hotels in Osaka, Japan

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Dotonbori Osaka Japan

Japan is filled with both ancient history and hyper-modernism, which is what attracts so many visitors to the small and humble country. Whether you dream of watching the cherry blossoms bloom in early spring, visiting thousand-year-old temples, or sampling local cuisine around the city, Osaka is a great place to do it. The list below will give you an overview of seven incredible hotels in Osaka that range from luxurious to just plain strange.

The St. Regis Osaka

Located in the heart of beautiful Midosuji, The St. Regis Osaka is a highly ranked luxurious hotel. With butler service, state-of-the-art amenities, a spa, and stunning views from the 12th-floor terrace, you might find it hard to leave. The hotel is also close to popular attractions like the Shitennoji temple, the Museum of Fine Art, and world-class shopping.

Dotonbori Hotel

The Dotonbori Hotel is a budget-friendly option situated in a great location just three minutes from downtown Namba Station. It’s a very popular hotel with great reviews and a strong reputation, which makes it a perfect option for those who just want a great hotel without all the fancy frills.

Hotel Loire

Japan might have traditional ancient history, but it also has some very weird modern-age things going on. Since many young people don’t live on their own, love hotels are all the rage. If you’ve ever been into sci-fi and dreamed of being abducted by aliens then Hotel Loire is the place to go for an out-of-this-world night with that special someone.

Hotel Nikko Osaka

Located right next to the Kansai airport, this hotel is perfect for those who have an early flight or just want to get rid of their bags as soon as possible. With great facilities, friendly staff and plenty of amenities, it’s hard to go wrong with the Hotel Nikko Osaka.

Arrow Hotel Osaka

For those on a budget, Arrow Hotel Osaka is a fabulous option. Located in the heart of Osaka, you’ll find beautiful cityscape views, Japanese and Western Cuisines, and easy connections to Osaka’s main attractions.

Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel

The luxurious Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel is located on the 38th to 57th floors of the multifaceted cultural complex, which means you’re in for the best views of the city. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows as well as free Wi-Fi so you can share your jaw-dropping views with people all over the world. For an extra fee, you’ll also find a panoramic observation deck on the top floor.

Kaneyoshi Ryokan

One of the most popular things people like to do when visiting Japan is spending a few nights in a traditional inn and Kaneyoshi Ryokan is a great option in Osaka. Situated in the popular district of Dotombori, you’ll have all the pleasures of a Ryokan while still being able to access the city’s best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. You’ll also find friendly and knowledgeable staff and fast Wi-Fi.

As you can see, Osaka has accommodations to fit all personalities. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, luxurious, or even a little weird, Osaka is a wonderful place to find it.

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Image by Adventurous Kate via Trover.com

This article was written as part of the hipmunk #citylove project. As a paid writer for hipmunk, I’ve written about various cities including Hong Kong and Lyon, France.