Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Catalina Park Inn B & B, Tucson, Arizona
 Nominated By: Allison and Michael, Brooklyn, NY, February '08

Price Range: US$139-$189 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 6 Kid-Friendly: Children over 10

What makes Catalina Park Inn so Darn Good? The Catalina Park Inn is a grand and immaculately restored 1920's era house located in a charming historic district. The friendly innkeepers, Mark and Paul, make a fabulous breakfast, and the dining room is bright and cheerful. We particularly loved sitting in the prickly, yet very soothing, cactus garden alongside the house.

Location: The Catalina Park Inn is located on a quiet residential street in the West University Historic district of Tucson. The Inn is within walking distance to many restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. We managed to catch some live music at a cafe right down the street.

Rooms: Four rooms are in the main house and two are in a cottage bordering the cactus garden. In the main house, the two upstairs rooms have private porches, and the Catalina room (where we stayed) on the lower level has a big whirlpool bath located in a cedar-lined closet. The Catalina room is big and gorgeous, filled with beautiful furniture and artwork in all shades of yellow and blue. This room is no longer in the Darn Good Digs price range, but it is definitely worth the splurge!

Food: During our stay, breakfast at the communal table was always a festive occasion. The food was abundant, fresh, and delicious, and the southwestern flavors were an exciting bonus. Some house specialties include papaya and lime scones, lemon ricotta pancakes, and spicy buttermilk coffee cake.

Vibe: Mark and Paul were very welcoming, and we especially loved how they set out a plate of freshly baked cookies every evening. We truly appreciated the warmth and relaxed atmosphere of such an impeccably kept and beautiful bed and breakfast.

Things to Keep in Mind: The Catalina Park Inn is not in walking distance to downtown, but it is just a few minutes drive away. Also, while the inn's website states that they allow children over 10 years old, they welcomed our 7 month old.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Grace's Secret Garden B & B, Sedona, Arizona
 Nominated By: Allison and Michael, Brooklyn, NY, February '08

Price Range: Gosh Darn It! # of Rooms: 3 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes Grace's Secret Garden B & B so Darn Good? You are in red rock heaven at Grace's Secret Garden, with clear views of striking red rock formations from the front of the ranch house. The owner, Grace, is incredibly sweet and helpful, and she sure knows how to cook up a good breakfast.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

La Hacienda de Sonoita, Sonoita, Arizona
Nominated By: Allison and Michael, Brooklyn, NY, March '08

Price Range: US$115-$140 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes La Hacienda de Sonoita so Darn Good? La Hacienda de Sonoita is pure cowboy chic, and if you don't watch out, you might just gallop away into the sunset. The hacienda itself is a beautiful, modern take on the mission house, and the main guest rooms all have fun Southwestern themes. But what catapults the Hacienda de Sonoita from just amazing to darn good is its absolutely spectacular setting. The hacienda is surrounded by great fields of grass, yellow in the winter and green in the summer, with majestic mountains looming in the horizon and the big blue sky above.

Location: The Hacienda is located an hour south of Tucson and only five minutes from Sonoita, a little town that is really not much more than a cross in the roads.

Rooms: The Hacienda's four guestrooms, the Mission, Ranch, Railroad, and Grand Canyon, border a traditional Spanish courtyard and are all clearly decorated with love, care, and great attention to detail. Relaxing in our deep turquoise Ranch room, we could imagine our hosts, Cheryl and Tom, scouring local art galleries and antique shops for the perfect pieces. The wrought iron cowboy toilet paper holder and the glass owl night light were especially excellent finds.

Food: Tom cooks up a hearty ranch style breakfast, including such treats as Southwestern scrambled eggs, homemade biscuits, blueberry pancakes, and the John Wayne Breakfast Casserole. I am not sure what that is, but it sure sounds good! Cheryl bakes a fine coffee cake and breakfast is always served with fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola.

Vibe: Tom and Cheryl made us feel right at home. They were super friendly, giving us toys to entertain our seven month old, and sitting down with us to enjoy breakfast.

Things to Keep in Mind: The Hacienda is located up a somewhat rugged dirt driveway, but our little car made it no problem.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Rock Cottage Gardens, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA
Nominated By: Jan, Fort Worth, Texas, USA, August '08

We are sad to announce that the Rock Cottage Gardens is currently closed. We will update this page if we receive any new information.

What makes the Rock Cottage Gardens so Darn Good? The Rock Cottage Gardens rock! The gardens are beautiful and quiet, and we loved to just sit, visit with other guests, and watch the trolleys go by. Mike and Debbie, the innkeepers, are always willing to go the extra mile, from booking carriage rides to accommodating special diets. We can't wait to return to this one of a kind bed and breakfast!

Location: The Rock Cottage Gardens are just a few blocks from downtown Eureka Springs, but far enough away from all the hustle and bustle to be a true getaway. Situated in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is a well-preserved Victorian era town. The entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is filled with colorful homes, historic hotels, art galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Rooms: The charming rock cottages, with fitting names such as the Hummingbird and Aspen Cottages, are each decorated in their own style. Rooms feature comfy beds, antique furnishings, fireplaces, and Jacuzzis for two. The impeccably maintained gardens surrounding the cottages are a wonderful place to relax.

Food: Debbie makes the most scrumptious breakfasts I have ever had. Don't sleep in or you will miss her decadent french toast. Who knew you could have dessert with your breakfast! Now that's my kind of food! Debbie even made me delicious sugar-free cookies!

Vibe: The Rock Cottage Gardens is an oasis. We enjoyed sitting in the lovely gardens and chatting with the owners, Debbie and Mike. It's all very relaxing, and if you aren't already married, well, you can be if you choose to - in their very own chapel!

Things to Keep in Mind: This is one of the busiest bed and breakfasts in Eureka Springs, so call early to make your reservations.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Camellia Inn, Healdsburg, California
Nominated By: Nina Vemac, Olga, Washington, USA, January '10

Price Range: US$129-$299 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 9 Kid-Friendly:

What makes the Camellia Inn so Darn Good? Located in the town of Healdsburg in the heart of pricey Sonoma County, the Camellia Inn beckons with a cozy "Budget Room" that blends vintage style with modern amenities. The inn is within walking distance to the historic town plaza, great restaurants, and several wine tasting rooms.

Location: With its small town charm, nearby wineries, and surrounding nature, Healdsburg is the hippest town in the California Wine Country. Brimming with bookstores, coffee shops, boutiques, and art galleries, the town has plenty to keep you busy when you are not visiting any of the more than one hundred wineries within ten miles of the Inn. Giant California redwoods and the beautiful Pacific coast are both within an hour's drive.

Rooms: Housed in an 1869 Italianate Victorian home, the inn has nine distinct guestrooms with period architectural details like marble fireplaces, inlaid hardwood floors, and ceiling medallions. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, except the Budget Room, which has a private bathroom including a huge tub just across the hallway. Guests can take a self-guided walking tour of the gardens, which boast more than fifty varieties of camellias and surround a lovely swimming pool.

Food: The full breakfast buffet includes a warm dish, fresh seasonal fruit, breakfast meats, granola, yogurt, pastries, and smoothies. On Thursday mornings, the Inn offers a chocolate-inspired breakfast as part of its chocolate-covered Wednesday theme, which also includes chocolate treats upon check-in, chocolate port in the evening, and chocolate body paint and soap in the rooms. The inn offers wine, sometimes from their very own winery, and cheese every evening by the pool or in the parlor.

Vibe: The Camellia Inn, a three decade old family business, is comfortable, fun, and warm, but not fussy or cloying.

Keep in Mind: The Budget Room is very popular so make sure to book in advance.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Longboard Inn, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Nominated By: Allison and Michael, Brooklyn, NY, March '10

make a reservation inquiry directly with the Longboard Inn

Price Range: US$115-$150 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 8 Kid-Friendly: no (or not really)

What makes the Longboard Inn so Darn Good? This historic Craftsman Style bungalow has been lovingly restored by its friendly owners, John and Dee, with a surf theme and an eye for detail. Our room was fun and inviting and we enjoyed the delicious home-made breakfast served in the Inn's colorful dining room.

Location: New Smyrna Beach is an old-Florida style beach town on the state's northeast coast less than ninety minutes from Orlando. The Inn is within walking distance to historic Canal Street with a few antique shops and restaurants, but the real action is a five minute drive across the bridge to Flagler Avenue and the beach. Filled with ice cream shops, swimwear boutiques, and eateries, Flagler Avenue is an excellent place to stroll after a day of surfing or relaxing in the sun.

Rooms: Longboard Inn has eight lovely themed rooms and suites, each distinctly decorated with original fabric paintings, ceramics, and stained glass by local artists. The Sky Blue room, where we stayed, has cheerful blue walls, an enormous bathroom with soft towels, and French doors opening to the Inn's impressive wrap-around porch. We dug the colorful bedspread and whimsical pillows.

Food: Breakfast is a real treat at the Longboard Inn. Ours started off with a selection of freshly baked breads, including pecan cherry, wild berry, and gingerbread, and ended with fluffy blueberry flapjacks draped in an apple brandy compote. For dinner, we want to give a shout out to Maloney's Oyster Bar a few blocks away where we enjoyed an evening of steam kettle cooking, good beer, and live music.

Vibe: The Inn is laid back and mellow. John spent a good deal of time giving us the low-down on New Smyrna Beach, things to do, and places to eat. Even though the Inn usually has a no child policy, John welcomed our four year old off-season and was super-friendly to him.

Keep in Mind: While the Inn is not on the beach, it is in a historic residential neighborhood and makes for a great base for exploring Florida's northeast coast.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Ramsdell Inn, Manistee, Michigan, USA
Nominated By: Sarah and Michael Christenson, Cadillac, Michigan, USA, June '08

Price Range: US$99-$219 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 10 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes the Ramsdell Inn so Darn Good? The Ramsdell Inn is a lovely, converted bank building in Manistee's historic downtown. My husband and I were intrigued by the old woodwork, polished marble lobby, and hospitality. There is a tiny gift shop in the old brass vault, and long, elegant corridors to wander, complete with brass radiators and dark woodwork.

Location: The Ramsdell Inn is in the center of Manistee, a Victorian-era seaport town designated a National Historic Landmark. The Inn is within walking distance to plenty of restaurants and independently-owned shops selling everything from kitsch to kitchenware. A stroll along Manistee's Riverwalk, just a stone's throw away from the Inn, will lead you to Lake Michigan, and the city's beaches, pier, and lighthouse.

Rooms: Each room has its own decor theme, but all are comfortably shabby chic. Our room had ornate stonework right outside our window and a lovely view of the Manistee River. The most comfortable, thick pillows and blankets covered our bed and the bathroom was scrupulously clean with some tiny lil' decorations.

Food: For breakfast, we enjoyed muffins, crackers, and fruit, which was enough to get us going for the day. A constant supply of hot water for tea, cider, and cocoa was available in the lobby, and since we stayed here during the subzero Michigan winter, we were extremely grateful for that!

Vibe: The Inn's lobby is utterly gorgeous, and even has an area where the corporation of old used to hold their meetings - complete with an ancient letter of recommendation for an employee and some photos of the staff! The Inn has a tower with lovely, etched glass doors and upholstered seating. We sat here and enjoyed our library books and hot tea while we snuggled and looked out over the cold Michigan morning. When we left, I honestly had to shake off the feeling that I was stuck in the 1920s!

Things to Keep in Mind: Marble is slippery under a layer of icy snow. From experience :) Also, this four story historical building has no elevator, so be prepared to walk up some stairs.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Bear Mountain Lodge, Silver City, New Mexico
Nominated By: Amy Weber, Brooklyn, New York, June '09

The Bear Mountain Lodge that was operated by the Nature Conservancy closed on October 6, 2009. However, we recently learned that new owners opened the same property with the same name. We are still waiting to get guest feedback on the new Bear Mountain Lodge.

What makes Bear Mountain Lodge so Darn Good? The beautiful Bear Mountain Lodge is owned and operated by the Nature Conservacy, and offers free guided hikes around the hotel's amazing grounds and nearby nature preserves. The lodge is comfortable and quiet, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and breakfast is delicious.

Location: Bear Mountain Lodge sits on 178 acres of mixed desert grassland and pinon-juniper woodland, and is just ten minutes from Silver City, a neat little historic mining town in southwestern New Mexico. Silver City is the home of two museums that showcase the area's rich history and include world-class collections of Mimbres pottery. Other popular excursions from the Lodge include a hike along the Catwalk trail over Whitewater Canyon and a trek to the fascinating Gila Cliff Dwellings.

Rooms: The main lodge dates back to 1928 when it was opened as the Rocky Mountain Ranch School for Boys. The Nature Conservancy inherited the property in 1999 and completely renovated the lodge with the goal of maintaining its historic character. Highlights include hand-hewn beams, stone fireplaces, and bathrooms with 1920's-style block tile and fixtures. Bear Mountain's eleven rooms are located in three separate buildings, the main Lodge, Myra's Retreat, and the Wren's Nest, which has its own kitchen. We stayed downstairs in the main lodge in a large, comfortable room with a great patio.

Food: Breakfast includes a hot entrée, home-made baked goods, cereal, and fresh fruit. Guests can also help themselves to oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, orange-cranberry biscotti, avocados, and other tasty snacks all day long. For a nominal fee, the lodge will pack you a filling lunch for your day's outing.

Vibe: Bear Mountain Lodge is laid-back and very comfortable.

Things to Keep in Mind: The Lodge has no televisions or radios and has quiet time between 10 pm and 7 am so birders can wake up early. In addition, alcohol is not allowed in any of the Lodge's public spaces.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Hotel Andaluz, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nominated By: Michael and Allison, Brooklyn, New York, USA, August '10

check availability, get rates, and reserve online

Price Range: US$109-$285 # of Rooms: 107 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Hotel Andaluz so Darn Good? We knew from the second that we walked into the gorgeous lobby at the Andaluz that we were onto something good. Darn good. The huge two-tiered space was designed to resemble a Moorish palace, and we were seduced by the shimmering fountains, private casbahs, and striking artwork.

Location: The Andaluz is just off historic Route 66 in downtown Albuquerque, which is currently undergoing an impressive multimillion dollar revitalization. We enjoyed the location, as we had a choice of several restaurants and bars that were within easy walking distance. The hotel is a ten minute drive from historic Old Town and several renowned museums, including the fascinating Pueblo Cultural Center.

Rooms: The hotel was built in 1939 by famed hotelier Conrad Hilton in the Spanish Territorial style, and has since earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2009, a massive renovation was completed and the hotel was re-opened as the stunning and eco-friendly Andaluz. Our room, though less dramatic than the lobby, was no less impressive. Its contemporary touches such as the streamlined lime-green couch and wall-mounted flat screen tv perfectly complimented the vintage wooden furniture and Buddha statue blessing our bathroom.

Food: The hotel has a downstairs restaurant and bar, the Lucia, and a second floor tapas bar with rooftop terrace, the Ibiza. While both restaurants looked tempting, we opted for some of the more budget options in the neighborhood. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the Gold Street Café one block from the hotel and dinner at the Standard Diner, a former Route 66 service station.

Vibe: The Anduluz is a stylish and inviting downtown boutique hotel. One of the many beautiful (and friendly) staff members even took a moment to hang out with our five year old boy as he checked out the fish swimming in the fountain.

Keep in Mind: To get the best price at the Andaluz, first search for special deals on the hotel website and our affiliate link. If no discount rates are available, then use the exclusive Darn Good Digs promo code of darn on the hotel website to get an automatic 15% off. For parking, we opted for a $10/day parking garage pass to self-park in the garage next door.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

La Dona Luz, Taos, New Mexico, USA
Nominated By: Lynda, San Francisco, California, USA, August '08

Price Range: US$69-$229 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 15 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes La Dona Luz so Darn Good? With its great atmosphere, very comfortable rooms, and nice people, La Dona Luz is authentic Taos at the right price.

Location: La Dona Luz is located in the heart of Taos, 70 miles north of Santa Fe. The town is a great base for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to the towering Sangre de Cristo mountains and the spectacular Rio Grande Gorge. Taos itself is known for its vibrant artist community and its multitude of top-notch art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Just a few miles away are the multi-storied adobe dwellings of Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.

Rooms: La Dona Luz has 15 richly decorated theme rooms. Every wall, bedspread, and fireplace of this 200 year old adobe home is covered with the artwork of both contemporary Taos artists and those of yesteryear. Our favorite room, Sonrisa, has a tile mural of the "Garden of Eden" wrapped around the Jacuzzi bathtub, which is big enough for two! We also enjoyed the small, fun, and inexpensive La Luz room on the top floor.

Food: A basic, continental breakfast is served either on the patio or in the dining room where in the winter, guests can warm their bones by the home's original adobe fireplace. The coffee is decent and it will certainly get you going for the day.

Vibe: La Dona Luz is VERY Taos, funky, and relaxed.

Things to Keep in Mind: The steps are narrow and steep, so if you have a lot of luggage, you might want to ask for a room on the ground floor. Also, La Dona Luz is pet-friendly.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

The Roxbury Motel, Roxbury, New York, USA
Nominated By: Allison and Michael, Brooklyn, New York, USA, April '09

check availability, get rates, and reserve online at Tablet Hotels

Price Range: US$90-$335 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 18 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes The Roxbury Motel so Darn Good? Every room at the Roxbury is divine and an experience unto itself! From the Shagadelic Suite to the Mod Pod, the Roxbury's rooms shine with whimsical decor, bold colors, and modern style and luxury. Joe and Greg, the innkeepers, are nothing short of genius, and their relentless attention to detail is evident in everything from the fluffy green trim topping our kitchenette cabinets to the Godiva chocolates beside our bed. The entire staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our stay.

Location: The motel is located in the village of Roxbury, three hours north of New York City in the Catskill Mountains. Surrounded by rolling green hills dotted with red barns reminiscent of days gone by, the village has an unspoiled setting and a bevy of 19th century architecture that have earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The family-friendly Plattekill Ski Mountain is just fifteen minutes away, and the entire region offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and antiquing.

Rooms: The Roxbury has eighteen gloriously funky rooms, including studios, theme studios, kitchenettes, and suites. We stayed in Kitchenette 4, AKA the Psychedelic Swirl. We dug the lime green and orange wall murals and matching décor, not to mention the comfy king size bed and huge flat screen tv. Greg and Joe take it to the next level with their theme rooms. Faux rock walls line Fred's Lair and a mesmerizing cloudscape envelops you in Samantha's Cloud.

Food: The Roxbury serves a filling and downright tasty continental breakfast of cinnamon rolls, scones, croissants, and a wide selection of delicious toppings like creamy maple spread and mimosa jam. Add into the mix fresh fruit, granola, yogurt, fair trade coffee, and an assortment of fancy hot chocolates and teas, and even our three year old couldn't wait for breakfast each morning. The village of Roxbury has a few restaurants serving lunch and dinner, and rooms include a complete list of eateries in the area.

Vibe: The Roxbury is friendly, fun, and out in the country. Besides admiring our room, we enjoyed hanging out in the big grassy yard, warming our bodies by the outdoor fire-pit, and watching movies borrowed from the motel's 400+ DVD library.

Things to Keep in Mind: For US$20, guests get full access to the Shimmer Spa. Hot tub, sauna, super-soft robes, a disco ball, what's not to like?

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

The Carlton Inn, Carlton, Oregon, USA
Nominated By: Sonia Zamborsky , Falls Church, Virginia, USA, May '09

Price Range: US$125-$190 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly: on a case by case basis

What makes the Carlton Inn so Darn Good? Innkeepers, Edward and Heidi, have the perfect set of skills and experience to run a fabulous bed and breakfast in Oregon's wine country. Edward is a stellar chef and his breakfasts, made from locally-sourced and organic ingredients, are to die for. Heidi has worked in the wine industry for years, and can point you in the right direction to visit any of a myriad of wineries in the area, some of which are virtually in the Inn's backyard.

Location: The Inn is located in the Willamette Valley, smack in the middle of Oregon's wine trail. An hour southwest of Portland, the small town of Carlton is home to a dozen wineries, a handful of which are within walking distance of the Inn - not an insignificant detail for those who'd like to partake in some worry-free wine tasting. This is Pinot Noir central, after all!

Rooms: This 1915 home retains many original features, such as its crown moldings and fir floors, and Edward and Heidi have added to the charm by adorning the Inn with carefully chosen antiques and family heirlooms. The Inn's four guestrooms are spacious and bright, and all have queen beds and private baths. Common areas include the downstairs living room, adjoining sitting area, and sunny back porch.

Food: Breakfast is crafted from scratch with great care and great flair. Start your meal off with a hot cup of direct-trade coffee, fresh-baked goods such as date and pecan scones, and a plate of seasonal fruit with home-made yogurt and granola. Save room for a gourmet hot entrée, such as wild chanterelle and roasted red pepper frittata or an omelet with fresh salmon and Danish blue cheese.

Vibe: The Carlton is mellow and casual, with a small-town, relaxing kind of vibe.

Things to Keep in Mind: Ask Edward and Heidi for recommendations on local wineries. They have great connections and are very knowledgeable about all things wine. Also, Edward is happy to accommodate special dietary needs.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Hotel deLuxe, Portland, Oregon
Nominated By: Shelley Seale, Austin, Texas, November '09

check availability, get rates, and reserve online

Price Range: US$125-$309 # of Rooms: 130 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Hotel deLuxe so Darn Good? I felt as if I'd just stepped into a David O. Selznick set when I entered the doors of the Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon. I have stayed in many boutique or theme hotels, and many luxurious hotels, and while the Hotel deLuxe is certainly all of these things, it exudes a certain joie d vivre all its own, and is sure to whisk any guest back in time to the glam of mid-century movie royalty.

Location: The location is just blocks from the Pearl District, trolley and light-rail stations, and within easy walking distance to numerous Portland attractions, shops, and restaurants.

Rooms: Although the era lends a certain old-fashioned glitz to the vibe of the hotel, it is anything but stuffy, and rooms have clean contemporary lines and the latest in amenities. With buttery yellow walls, high ceilings, and an abundance of windows, the rooms are modern and airy. Choose from king or queen deLuxe rooms, premier suites, or go all out for the Marlene Dietrich Suite, with the only circular bed in Portland, spanning eight feet across. The attentive but unobtrusive guest services include a "Make It So" button on the phone, from which guests can request anything from their choice of a dozen styles of pillows to their religious book of preference.

Food: Facilities at the deLuxe are no less stunning than the rest of the hotel. In the swanky Driftwood Room bar, it seems entirely plausible that Frank Sinatra or Marilyn Monroe might saunter in while you sip your classic cocktail. I had the "Elizabeth Taylor", the hotel's signature drink of champagne and crème de violette. The place is almost unbearably hip, and popular among Portland locals. Gracie's Restaurant serves stylishly presented comfort food in a chic setting of white and gold walls, black upholstered seating, and crystal chandeliers.

Vibe: Hotel deLuxe is a contemporary tribute to Old Hollywood that tastefully balances art deco and art moderne styles, for a mix of timeless sophistication and serene comfort. The lobby is understated and elegant, with 1930's modern décor, original gilt moldings, and crystal chandeliers. The focal point of the room is a large projected vintage film still that changes daily. All the design and detailing is based on the architectural and decorative arts of the 1920's through the 1940's. The hotel also gives a respectful nod to the filmmakers of the day and a historic stroll for guests: along the corridors of each of the eight floors are about 350 black-and-white photos of film stars, grouped by their legendary directors such as William Wyler, Ingmar Bergman, and Frank Capra.

Keep in Mind: While the hotel is only a six minute walk from downtown, it is on the other side of the submerged highway and not right in the heart of the city.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Kennedy School, Portland, Oregon, USA
Nominated By: Allison and Michael, Brooklyn, New York, USA, August '08

Price Range: US$109-$114 # of Rooms: 35 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Kennedy School so Darn Good? McMenamins Kennedy School is housed in a nearly 100 year old elementary school, and the classrooms have been converted into guestrooms, complete with chalkboards, large schoolhouse windows, and cloakrooms. Fascinating artwork, a lovely Turkish soaking pool, a movie theater, and an in-house brewery make this school house rock! Along with restoring the Kennedy School, the McMenamin brothers have given new life to several other historic properties in the Pacific Northwest, including a poor farm and a brothel.

Location: Less than a mile from the Alberta Arts District, a funky and diverse neighborhood in northeast Portland, the Kennedy School is within walking distance to block after block of hip, locally owned shops and restaurants. The hotel is fifteen minutes from downtown, and the bus stops nearby if you don't have a car.

Rooms: We stayed in the Blues Room with Langston Hughes poetry stenciled on the blue-trimmed walls. Our son loved the entryway lined with chalkboards, and we dug the comfortable bed and huge windows.

Food: The Kennedy School is way more than just a hotel. The school cafeteria is now home to the Courtyard Restaurant, which serves up good comfort food and a wide selection of home-brewed beers. If you are still thirsty after dinner, you can head to one of the five other bars on site, such as the detention bar or the honors bar.

Vibe: The Kennedy School excels at being both cool and family-friendly. All three of us had an excellent time at the free, all ages, Freak Mountain Ramblers show in the old gym. Throughout or stay, we found the front desk staff to be both friendly and helpful.

Things to Keep in Mind: The hallways are dimly lit, and you might run into a few bar-hoppers late at night.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Penn's View Hotel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nominated By: Shelley Seale, Austin, Texas, USA, June '10

Price Range: US$119-$254 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 51 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Penn's View Hotel so Darn Good? You arrive at a charming block of buildings, facing cobblestoned Front Street and the Delaware River, overlooking Penn's Landing. The 1828 building that houses Penn's View Hotel was originally built as a shipping warehouse for the port; it later served as a hardware store and coffee house. After the 1950s the building sat vacant for many years, until the Sena family bought and renovated it, and Penn's View Hotel opened in 1990.

Location: One of the big drawing points of the Penn's View Hotel is its incredible, unmatched location only steps away from historic Philadelphia's most interesting spots, including Independence Hall, Benjamin Franklin’s gravesite, and the Betsy Ross house. Located just off Front and Market Streets, and a block from the SEPTA train, there is no better spot for a visit to the birthplace of the nation.

Rooms: Each of the 51 guest rooms are finely appointed, with queen or king beds. Some include working fireplaces or terrace balconies with views of the river and Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and premium rooms have Jacuzzi bathtubs. Other on-site facilities and features include wireless internet throughout the hotel and guest rooms (no additional charge), and guest access to the fitness room. Complimentary, European-style continental breakfast and the morning newspaper are included with each stay. Several function rooms are available for meetings and private parties.

Food: The hotel’s Ristorante Panorama is an award-winning Italian Restaurant and wine bar, and holds the distinction of having the world's largest wine preservation system. Serving more than 120 wines by the glass, the Il Bar offers wine flights and special tasting nights and has won acclaim from Wine Spectator and Food & Wine. The New York Times called it "the mother of all wine bars."

Vibe: Penn's View Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Sena family's loving restoration resulted in an architectural award in 1995 from the city of Philadelphia. Owner and family patriarch Luca Sena is a native of Napoli, Italy, arriving in the U.S. in 1967 with his father Carlo, a Master Chef. Luca's son, Carlo A. Sena, manages the hotel and continues his family's tradition of hospitality.

Keep in Mind: One side of the hotel faces the highway, so if you are sensitive to background noise, you might want to request a room on a different side.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Inn at Lucky Mud, Skamokawa, Washington
Nominated By: A traveler, Olympia, Washington, USA, March '09

Price Range: US$110-$120 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Inn at Lucky Mud so Darn Good? The owners! Jessica and Sunrise are both professional musicians with a wealth of knowledge and stories to share, and from the moment they greeted us we knew we were some place magical. They have lovingly designed Lucky Mud to showcase the local environment - the pond is visible from every room, blacktail deer graze mere feet from your window, and bald eagles soar overhead. Even the local elk herd has been known to show up!

Location: Lucky Mud is in 'the outback of bohemia'* and we love it! Complete with hiking trails and an 18-hole championship disc golf course, the inn sits on forty acres of gorgeous Pacific Northwest forest in the Willapa Hills of southwest Washington. Wildlife wanders the property and so will you.
*song by Steve & Kristi Nebel

Rooms: Lucky Mud has four inviting and aptly-named rooms, Fern, Cedar, Pond, and Audubon, each with a queen size bed and private bath. All rooms have porches overlooking the grounds and pond, so you can enjoy your morning coffee while watching the deer browse.

Food: Fresh, well prepared local food abounds with homemade breads and jams, vegetables from the organic garden, eggs from neighbors' chickens, and meat from local farms. Breakfast includes a lovely serenade from Sunrise and Jessica, and dinners are available on request. In addition, a small kitchen is located in the downstairs common area.

Vibe: Relaxed, relaxed, relaxed. Kick off your shoes at the door, gaze at the pond outside your room, and enjoy being in the middle of nowhere.

Things to Keep in Mind: Remember to bring good, comfortable shoes for hiking and disc golf.

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