Winston Aldworth overnights at a classic central city hotel.

Hilton Worldwide hotel guests will soon be able to use their smartphones to select specific rooms, make special requests, check in and out, and even unlock their room doors.

Anne Gibson takes in the luxurious accommodation and dramatic surroundings at a Palliser Bay lodge that's hosted royalty.

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.

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

Peace, quiet, breathtaking views and a top golf course await guests at Cape Kidnappers, writes Rob Cox.

Elisabeth Easther visited Blue Duck Station with her son and found the perfect spot.

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.

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.

During its heyday from 1960 to 1963, the Cal Neva hosted stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio and became one of the most famous resorts in the USA.

Long isolated, Perth's evolving cityscape and beautiful surrounds are an increasingly alluring destination for well-heeled visitors, writes Lydia Bell.

Greg Dixon finds fine food, wonderful views and rusticating luxury at one of New Zealand newest luxury destinations.

Some holidays are hard work, but, as Danielle Wright finds out, that can be the point.

Danielle Wright takes her family to a Northland town so good they named it twice.

Planning your next holiday already? These websites may come in handy.

From an 1870s kauri shearing shed to a 100-year-old post office, Danielle Wright discovers quaint and quirky accommodation options for your next getaway.

Accommodation website Airbnb is gaining traction with holidaymakers who want to stay off the beaten tourist track.