AmorielliLuxury stays & rental news Subscribe
A column in every issue · Where to sleep

The Room

Which town, which coast, which kind of place, and what you are really paying for. The column about the bed.

34 columns · newest first

The column, issue by issue

  1. The Cerulean villa at dusk on the slope above the East End shoreline of St. Croix, with its lit pool deck, pergola and arched verandas. St. Croix · Vol. 2 · No. 10 · October 2026 St. Croix: Where To Sleep On St. Croix, the place you stay shapes the days, whether it is a town, a condo resort, or a private villa. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  2. The view at dusk from the first lookout on the Dois Irmãos trail: a lit beachfront, a hillside of lights and mountains beyond.Morro dois irmaos hike view 1 · Sereia apaixonada · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Rio de Janeiro · Vol. 2 · No. 09 · September 2026 Rio: On the Sand or a Street Back Choosing a neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro shapes the entire trip, dictating beach access, quiet, views, and price. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  3. Kāʻanapali Beach on Maui's west coast — a broad run of golden sand backed by resort gardens and shaded cabanas, with blue beach umbrellas, snorkelers offshore, and the neighboring islands low on the horizon.Ka'anapali Beach, Maui, Hawai'i · Rick Obst · CC BY 4.0 · cropped Maui · Vol. 2 · No. 08 · August 2026 Maui Coasts: Where to Sleep Deciding on South Maui or West Maui makes all the difference for a first trip, with options from value condos to full-service resorts. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  4. Villa del Balbianello on its wooded promontory near Lenno, with terraced gardens and a loggia overlooking Lake Como on three sides.Lenno - Villa del Balbianello 0613 · Phyrexian · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Lake Como · Vol. 2 · No. 07 · July 2026 Lake Como: Which Town The choice of your Lake Como base shapes your entire trip, from morning views to evening calm and how easily you move between villages. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  5. A person standing in silhouette at the edge of an infinity pool at dusk, with trees and a pink sky above the sea Bali · Vol. 2 · No. 06 · June 2026 Bali: Coast or Interior Deciding where to sleep in Bali means choosing between the island's green, cultural heart and its varied coastline, each offering a distinct trip. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  6. A single broad cork oak standing in dry golden grassland under a clear blue sky in the Alentejo, PortugalCork oak tree (Quercus suber) next to Menir da Meada, Meada,… · Jules Verne Times Two · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Comporta · Vol. 2 · No. 05 · May 2026 Comporta: Cabana or Villa On the low-built Alentejo coast, the choice between a thatched cabana and a private villa shapes the entire stay. By Rafael Costa · 3 min read · p. 6
  7. Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona, its red sandstone spires rising above green trees along Oak Creek under a clear sky.Cathedral rock sedona arizona 2 · Tomas Castelazo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped Sedona · Vol. 2 · No. 04 · April 2026 Sedona: Which Side of the Y Sedona is spread thin along two highways that meet at the Y; choosing your base there shapes your whole trip. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  8. A wide view across a lake to a tree-lined shore, with snow-capped mountains partially covered by clouds under a blue sky in the background.Lake Wakatipu & Remarkable Mountains · Donaldytong · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped Queenstown · Vol. 2 · No. 03 · March 2026 Sleeping in Queenstown Town or Lodge Central Queenstown offers a walkable, lively stay; a few minutes out, the lake lodges provide water, mountains, and silence. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  9. View over Cape Town's City Bowl and harbor from Signal Hill, with Table Bay beyondCape Town (ZA), Table Mountain, Blick auf City Bowl -- 2024 -… · Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Cape Town · Vol. 2 · No. 02 · February 2026 Cape Town: Beach, Bowl, or Vines Deciding where to base yourself in Cape Town is the single choice that shapes your trip, offering distinct experiences from lively beaches to quiet vineyards. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  10. The weathered log walls of a ruined cabin with an empty doorway, in a grassy mountain valley with a peak behind Aspen · Vol. 2 · No. 01 · January 2026 Aspen: Town or Slopeside Aspen offers a rare choice for skiers: a real town with amenities or direct access to the slopes, each with its own cost and convenience. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  11. Rocky islets rising from the blue sea off a golden dry coast with a few palm trees under a partly cloudy sky St. Barths · Vol. 1 · No. 12 · December 2025 St. Barths: Villa Island Stays Most visitors to this French Caribbean island rent a private villa, a choice that shapes the rhythm of a stay. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  12. Aerial view of a Maldives resort island ringed by overwater villas and a turquoise lagoonAerial shot, Maldives · Dr. Ondřej Havelka (cestovatel) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped The Maldives · Vol. 1 · No. 11 · November 2025 Overwater Or Beach Villa Choice Deciding between an overwater villa and a beach villa in the Maldives shapes a stay more than many first-timers realise, affecting comfort and cost. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  13. Highway 1 curving along the cliffs of the Big Sur coast above the PacificPacific Coast Highway (123394187) · Terry Lucas · CC BY 3.0 · cropped Big Sur · Vol. 1 · No. 10 · October 2025 Big Sur Stays: On the Coast or in Carmel Choosing where to sleep in Big Sur means deciding between scarce coastal inns or a Carmel base, with October rooms booking months ahead. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  14. An interior view of a brick-vaulted room with multiple arches, a stone-paved floor, a large black cross, and a framed painting.Monte oliveto maggiore, abitazioni dei fattori, 01 · Sailko · CC BY 3.0 · cropped Tuscany · Vol. 1 · No. 09 · September 2025 Tuscan Stays: Estate or Farm Choosing between a grand restored estate and a working agriturismo shapes the character and cost of a Tuscan stay among the vines, especially during harvest. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  15. The whitewashed waterfront houses of Little Venice in Mykonos Town with balconies over the sea, seen across the waterLittle Venice 6 - Mykonos · Zigomitros Athanasios - Thor4bp · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Mykonos · Vol. 1 · No. 08 · August 2025 Mykonos Base: Town or Sand Choosing where to sleep on Mykonos defines the trip, especially in August. Decide if you want the town’s lanes or a beach at your doorstep. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  16. White cliffside houses and blue-domed churches in Oia above the Santorini caldera at duskOia - Santorini 2019 · User:Anna.Tsolidou · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Santorini · Vol. 1 · No. 07 · July 2025 Santorini: On the Rim or Off The famous caldera view defines Santorini's top prices and crowds; consider Imerovigli for calm or the island's quieter side for better value. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  17. The gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello with an umbrella pine and the sea far belowRavello. Villa Rufolo. 33 · Miguel Hermoso Cuesta · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped The Amalfi Coast · Vol. 1 · No. 06 · June 2025 Positano or Ravello The Amalfi Coast offers two distinct experiences, and choosing between its vertical, glossy towns and its quiet, high-perched villages sets the tone for your entire trip. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  18. A cliff of orange and red ochre rock above green woodland at the start of the ochre trail in Roussillon, under a blue skyRoussillon sentier ocres1 · Jacques Le Letty · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Provence · Vol. 1 · No. 05 · May 2025 Your Mas in Provence A restored farmhouse with a pool and a view is the classic Provence stay, offering independence and a base for exploring the Luberon. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  19. A stone-paved lane in Gion at night, lit by lanterns under trees, with a red lacquered fence on the left and wooden buildings on the right Kyoto · Vol. 1 · No. 04 · April 2025 Kyoto: Ryokan or Hotel Choice Choosing between Kyoto's traditional inns and modern hotels means weighing an immersive experience against practical comfort and convenience. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  20. The white marble Taj Lake Palace appearing to float on Lake Pichola, with the Aravalli hills behindUdaipur, India, Lake Palace on Lake Pichola · Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0 · cropped Udaipur · Vol. 1 · No. 03 · March 2025 On the Lake in Udaipur Udaipur’s island palace and its spacious lakeside alternative offer distinct experiences, each with its own trade-offs and charm. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  21. A courtyard paved in blue and white tile with a central fountain, surrounded by arcades with painted ceilings under a bright blue skyBahia Palace large court · Val Traveler · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Marrakech · Vol. 1 · No. 02 · February 2025 Marrakech Riad Location Guide A traditional courtyard house offers atmosphere and quiet, but its location within Marrakech's old city dictates convenience and the overall feel of your trip. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  22. The tower and facade of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel above the town of St. Moritz, with mountains and the lake behindSt. Moritz 20220724 – 1 · VynedJ · CC BY 4.0 · cropped St. Moritz · Vol. 1 · No. 01 · January 2025 The Tower Rooms at Badrutt's Palace The iconic St. Moritz hotel, with its fairy-tale tower, offers specific rooms that define the classic winter experience on the lake. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 4
  23. Crowds at the lit stalls of a Christmas market in front of the yellow facade of Schönbrunn Palace at night, with a large Christmas treeSchoenbrunn Christmas market 2018 · Montanabw · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Vienna · Vol. 0 · No. 12 · December 2024 Vienna: Ring Road or Neubau For a December stay in Vienna, the choice between a grand hotel inside the Ring or a townhouse in Neubau hinges on proximity to the U-Bahn and included breakfast. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  24. Two yellow buildings with tiled roofs stand beside a dirt path that leads to a paved area with trees and distant people, under a cloudy sky.Mattancherry Palace DSC 0899 · Ranjith Siji · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Kerala · Vol. 0 · No. 11 · November 2024 Backwater Choices on Vembanad Choosing between a night afloat on a kettuvallam and a still stay at a lake resort on Kerala’s central backwaters depends on the experience sought. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  25. A large, multi-story traditional Bhutanese building with a golden roof ornament, intricate wooden windows, and painted murals, set in a paved courtyard.Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan 06 · Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Bhutan · Vol. 0 · No. 10 · October 2024 Bhutan Lodges, Hotels, Farmhouses Choosing accommodation in Bhutan involves three distinct types, each with its own character and price, all impacted by the country's daily Sustainable Development Fee. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  26. An ornate, gold-patterned ceiling extends over a series of arches and columns, with decorated walls visible below.Exterior of the Audience Chamber-Topkapı Palace · Joseolgon · CC BY 4.0 · cropped Istanbul · Vol. 0 · No. 09 · September 2024 Istanbul Stays: View or Base Choosing a room in Istanbul means deciding between a Bosphorus outlook and proximity to monuments, a choice that shapes your daily experience. By Rafael Costa · 3 min read · p. 6
  27. A wide high-altitude meadow rolling toward pale rock towers, with scattered wooden huts and grazing pasture.Seiser Alm 04 · H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped The Dolomites · Vol. 0 · No. 08 · August 2024 Four Kinds of Dolomite Bed Choosing where to sleep in the Dolomites means understanding four distinct hotel types, each suited to a different trip and budget. By Rafael Costa · 3 min read · p. 6
  28. A red-banded white lighthouse with a black lantern on a grassy headland behind a split-rail fence, under dark cloudsSankatyLightNantucket 87002028 HopeLourieKillcoyne · Hope Lourie Killcoyne · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Nantucket · Vol. 0 · No. 07 · July 2024 Nantucket Beds: Four Ways to Sleep The Grey Lady’s accommodation sorts into four categories, each with its own trade-off of location, price, and character. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  29. Blue and white icebergs floating on a still lagoon below a glacier tongue.021 Wild smiling harbor seal at Jökulsárlón (Iceland) Photo b… · Giles Laurent · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Iceland · Vol. 0 · No. 06 · June 2024 The Curtain Test in Iceland In June, Iceland's near-constant daylight means blackout blinds matter more than any view. Farm stays often provide better rest than city hotels. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  30. A river flowing past a row of stone buildings, including a hotel with two turrets, with a bridge beyond and daffodils on the bankInverness - Inverness, Ness Walk, Palace Hotel - 20140424175448 · Enric · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped The Scottish Highlands · Vol. 0 · No. 05 · May 2024 The Highland Lodge and Inn Understanding the distinct character of Highland lodges, inns, and B&Bs helps match the right bed to the rhythm of a trip. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  31. The tiled courtyards and clipped hedges of the gardens at the Real Alcázar in Seville. Seville · Vol. 0 · No. 04 · April 2024 Seville’s Courtyard Rooms In Seville, the best rooms are found in old family houses built around cooling central courtyards, but timing and booking are everything. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  32. A narrow, high-walled sandstone gorge with a pale floor curving between towering red and pink striped rock facesCanyon in Petra · Boris Debic · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Petra & Wadi Rum · Vol. 0 · No. 03 · March 2024 Wadi Rum Domes Or Tents Choosing where to sleep in Wadi Rum means deciding between air-conditioned pods and traditional tents, with the best nights depending on the camp’s hosts. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  33. Bronze statues of figures with raised fists and a standing man in a brick-paved plaza in front of yellow and blue painted houses with a muralStatues in Plaza de la Trinidad · Jami430 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped Cartagena · Vol. 0 · No. 02 · February 2024 The Courtyard Casa in Cartagena Cartagena's defining room is the colonial house turned inward around a courtyard; here's what to look for in a properly restored casa. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
  34. Tall walls and towers of white snow and ice at the Kemi SnowCastle under a clear blue winter sky, with pine trees behind Finnish Lapland · Vol. 0 · No. 01 · January 2024 Aurora Nights Under Glass Heated glass cabins in Lapland offer aurora views. Understand costs, why more than one night is sensible, and how lodge cabins often give better value. By Rafael Costa · 2 min read · p. 6
The Amorielli newsletter

The columns, every month.

One considered letter when a new issue lands: the cover story, the four columns, and the month's news.

Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.