Here in County Donegal surfing rules the waves and the charming Sandhouse Hotel is headquarters for those who love to ride the choppy surf churned up in Donegal Bay. Ireland can actually thank a couple of forgetful Australians for its surfing legacy.

There's lots to occupy your day at this beautiful country house where you are made to feel at home by owners Joe and Kay O'Flynn and their friendly staff. Guests even get a menu in their one-of-a-kind room outlining the "102 things to do and places to visit" while staying at Rathsallagh.Or, you can do nothing, except enjoy Rathsallagh's peaceful parkland setting while strolling its manicured gardens; introduce yourself to some of the horses lazily grazing in the nearby past...

Hotel offers great views of Loch Corrib. Pullman Restaurant is made up of historic rail cars used in the movie Murder on the Orient Express, based on the Agatha Christie novel. The two most famous cars are named Linda and Leona. One of them also carried the body of Sir Winston Churchill back to its final resting place. The public areas are crammed with Irish antiques and great works of art.

BERLIN, GERMANY- The door to Room 410 swings open and instantly my eyes are drawn to a large panelled window on the opposite side of the palatial suite where Germany’s national icon, the Brandenburg Gate, is framed in glorious splendour.

Voted Vienna’s best hotel.

If Italy still had a royal family, Il Palazzo would be their Buckingham Palace. The fact Italy has no monarchy, though, means simple subjects like us get to be treated like kings and queens at Il Palazzo - one of two Venetian properties that have been joined together to make one great hotel - the Bauer. Public area rooms in the historic Il Palazzo portion of the hotel are lined with 18th-century Venetian lacquered panels adorned with Chinese motifs and priceless works of art. By contrast, the ne...

The Neo Classical-style hotel wraps guests in warm colors that are complemented with classical antique furniture that all adds up to five-star comfort.