The capital of the Netherlands is home to some of Europe's most stylish hotels. Here are five of the best.

Gayle Dickson stays in a luxurious overwater fale.

P.K. Stowers stays at a 700-year-old Spanish castle.

This 700-year-old Spanish castle will appeal to amateur historians, hikers and those who enjoy fine dining.

Whether you're on a tight budget or splashing out, the islands have it all.

Anne Gibson luxuriates on the 12th floor of this stylish Gold Coast hotel.

Winston Aldworth stays in a Mighty Deuce 2Y campervan in Waipara.

Eveline Harvey stays at a largely quiet spot alongside a picturesque Queensland river.

Winston Aldworth overnights at a classic central city hotel.

The astonishingly wild setting of this Palliser Bay lodge belies the extreme luxury of its accommodation spaces.

For further information see: wharekauhau.co.nz.

Tristram Clayton finds a warm welcome and cold craft beers at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.

Ewan McDonald stays at the Malmaison, a former "house of negotiable affection" in Edinburgh.

Zoe Walker checks into a 'Baby Grand' hotel in The Big Apple.

This boutique hotel offers a cosy and elegant place to stay, with a popular restaurant and busy cocktail and espresso bars onsite.

For further information see: marltonhotel.com.

From igloos to heli lodges in the Canadian wilderness, Jennifer Ennion looks at three of the Northern Hemisphere's top snow hotels.

This coastal hotel in the suburb of Scarborough offers all the modern comforts and sea views aplenty.

For further information see: tfehotels.com.

Elisabeth Easther stays at a coastal hotel in Western Australia.

Penny Lewis gets a taste of the sort of luxury usually reserved for tourists.

Airbnb is a site that lets people list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world, including New Zealand. Here are 10 of the best options available.

The original French Alpine retreat has much appeal for the modern snowboard and ski traveller, writes Adam Ruck.

Do your research before you commit to that hotel room, writes Megan Singleton.

A Queenstown hotel treats its guests to epicurean delights sourced on its doorstep, finds Morgan Tait.

Justine Tyerman saves on the international airfares and finds luxury accommodation just 45 minutes' drive from Auckland for a family reunion.

Two New Zealand hotels have been named among the top 10 in the world for service and good value by travel website TripAdvisor.

Sheriden Rhodes checks out some of the best spa-cations across Asia and Australia.

Looking for an unusual place to lay your head on your next holiday? From a trailer park to a school, something on this list should take your fancy.

Fine food is a feature of a trip to Queensland's hinterland, as Patrice Gaffaney discovers.

Fiji has a resort to suit every budget. To make choosing easier, Jennifer Ennion looks at the pros and cons of three.

Live like the royals did - if only for a night. Lynn O'Rourke Hayes scopes out cool castles.

Palm Springs is party-town again, writes Leena Tailor.