Alex Floyd-Douglass joined Time Out in October 2022, after eight years freelancing as a travel writer, photographer and content creator. Starting out life in England, Alex has travelled to many corners of the world and spent the past decade living and working in Cape Town after rediscovering her South African roots in 2013.

Alex enjoys writing about all things travel and lifestyle, shooting film and watching rugby, especially when it’s South Africa vs England – or with the kids at her non-profit organisation, Mzansi's Rugby Academy.

Contact Alex at hello@theafricanrose.com or follow her journey on African Rose Adventures

Alex Floyd-Douglass

Alex Floyd-Douglass

Freelance Travel Copywriter

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Articles (423)

The 14 best hotels in Santa Barbara walking distance to the beach

The 14 best hotels in Santa Barbara walking distance to the beach

Choosing the best Santa Barbara hotel isn't the easiest thing. After all, there are so many options, each with a different vibe and aesthetic. Do you want to hang by the beach or opt for a hidden gem nestled up in the hills? Sleep beside the nightlife or doze without a party in sight? Is a pool non-negotiable? And what about entertainment for the kids? Surely you want to be right by the city’s best attractions (don't miss Old Mission Santa Barbara!), tastiest restaurants, and top wineries? See, there's a lot to consider. This central coast hot spot attracts tourists year-round, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s all year long, and an easily accessible location just 90 miles north of Los Angeles. Naturally, that means there's a hotel to cater for all preferences and budgets, but whatever yours are, you can bet we've got a spot for you. We’ve scrolled through Santa Barbara's many hotels and whittled them down to the cream of the crop. All you have to do is pick the right place for your perfect stay.  Updated for January 2025: We've added a newbie, in the form of a Mediterranean-style inn that's right on the beach – if that sounds like something you'd be interested in (we know it is).  🎭 The best things to do in Santa Barbara🛏 The best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara This guide was written by a US correspondent for Time Out, Kai Oliver-Kurtin. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our 
The 8 best hotels on Catalina Island, for a weekend of paradise

The 8 best hotels on Catalina Island, for a weekend of paradise

If you're after an idyllic SoCal vacation destination, look no further than Santa Catalina Island. With its vibrant wildlife, charming coastal towns, and amazing beaches, it's no wonder the Island is highly sought after. And a trip away to the island has to include a stay in one of the best hotels, ranging from stunning beachside luxury to hilltop charm. Located just 22 miles off the California coast, Catalina is easily accessible by ferry or helicopter. Most opt to take the Catalina Express ferry round-trip (out of Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point), which takes about an hour and offers up to 30 departures daily to Avalon and Two Harbors. Since there's a fair amount of schlepping involved with traveling to (and around) Catalina, you'd be well-advised to pack light and bring some snacks.  Once in Catalina, you can choose between being nestled in the hills or overlooking the sand along one of the best beaches in California. Here, we've outlined the Catalina hotels that best encompass this little island's vibrancy and warmth. March 2025 update: We've added two super hotels to the list: the Aurora Hotel and the Catalina Canyon Hotel. See what you think! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do on Catalina IslandRECOMMENDED: The best bars and restaurants on Catalina IslandRECOMMENDED: Everything you need to know about the Catalina Island ferry Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the
The 12 best cheap hotels in Las Vegas, for a budget-friendly stay

The 12 best cheap hotels in Las Vegas, for a budget-friendly stay

Despite the glitz and glamor, there are ways to explore Sin City on a budget (and in style). Veteran Vegas penny pinchers know it’s wise to save your money for the slots, shows and other attractions by booking a room in one of the best cheap hotels in Las Vegas. For the uninitiated, finding overnight accommodations in Las Vegas ain't for the faint of heart or the light of wallet. (If money is no object, check out our guide to the very best hotels in Las Vegas). It can be an expensive town to visit, especially on peak weekends and during major events, but bargains can be found – it just requires some sleuthing. These budget-friendly options offer all the amenities you need in the location you want, at a fraction of the prices charged by the Strip’s big-ticket hotels. Choose cheap lodgings and you’ll save enough cash to dine at the best restaurants and sip at the best bars in Vegas. That's a win-win! We’ve scoured the local landscape for the most affordable Las Vegas hotels, each providing easy access to the city so you can hit the casinos knowing you’re in the black by already saving hundreds on your stay.  RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Las Vegas This article was written by travel writer and Las Vegas expert, Sarah Feldberg. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
The 7 best hotels in Joshua Tree

The 7 best hotels in Joshua Tree

There are a few things to know right off the bat about Joshua Tree hotels—there aren't many luxury options. If you're looking for a swanky stay, you may have to make the schlep from Palm Springs or Desert Hot Springs. Most folks staying here are either camping in Joshua Tree National Park or at least spending most of their time there, so proximity to the area's trails and other outdoor activities is priority number one.  Spring and fall are typically the best times of year to visit since average temperatures during the summer hover around 100 degrees. The park is open year-round, attracting many during spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. But don't worry, there are always plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the namesake trees.  In Joshua Tree, you can expect gorgeous scenery, hiking, camping, and an eclectic arts scene—so you won't want for things to do either. You don't need to stay at a sub-par chain motel either, the local area has a handful of eclectic lodging options with way more charm than your average Best Western. We should know, we've rounded up the spots that are most unique, affordable, fun and close to the park. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful National Parks in California Updated march 2025: We've updated the list with a set of swoon-worthy bungalows to stay in, plus a one-off home with the pool of your dreams. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination
The 15 best hotels in Milan, curated by a local expert

The 15 best hotels in Milan, curated by a local expert

Once seen as an understated business city or merely a strategic place for a layover on the way to other Italian destinations, Milan is having a moment of its own. Not only is it an international fashion and shopping mecca, it is the centre of media and commerce in Italy, and is incredibly rich in history even if it its treasures are less in-your-face compared to, say, Rome or Florence. The city has been undergoing quite the transformation in recent years and with the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon (to be hosted in tandem with Cortina d’Ampezzo), it is certainly worth a visit. Thankfully, there are accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes in Milan.   March 2025 update: We've added two new hotels that are sure to pique your interest: affordable boutique chains Aethos and Nhow.  RECOMMENDED:🍝 How to eat like a local in Milan🛍️ Milan's best shopping locations🏠 The best Airbnbs in Milan💰 The best cheap hotels in Milan 🏡 Where to stay in Milan This guide was recently updated by Milan-based writer Michelle Schoenung. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 21 best hotels in Las Vegas, for a once-in-a-lifetime trip

The 21 best hotels in Las Vegas, for a once-in-a-lifetime trip

When it comes to Sin City, hotels are much more than a mere collection of rentable rooms or suites. So much more. In fact, the best Las Vegas hotels (which happen to double up as some of the best Las Vegas casinos too, btw) are shopping malls, dining destinations and nightlife meccas all rolled into one. Believe it or not, even the best Las Vegas shows call these hotels their stage. To be perfectly honest, you can book in at one of these Las Vegas hotels and barely leave the foyer and you'll pack more fun in than you could find in most cities around the world. All you need to do is remember you're in Las Vegas! Its whole vibe is to serve up some of the most incredible things to do this planet has to offer, so make sure you check out as much of it as you can. And whether you're yet to discover this fascinating place, or you're a seasoned pro heading back for even more, you're going to have a blast. So you better make sure you book the best hotel, right? Well, we're here to help. Oh, a quick word of advice: sometimes all those incredible indoor activities can prove to be a bit claustrophobic, so we thought our list of the best Las Vegas parks might be helpful for your staycation or vacation. After all, it's nice to get some air sometimes, you know? March 2025 update: We've expanded our write-ups on the Green Valley Ranch Resort and the Four Seasons. Enjoy! Looking for more options? Check out our pick of the coolest Las Vegas Airbnbs or our guide to the best cheap hotels in Las
The 12 best hotels in the Marais, Paris

The 12 best hotels in the Marais, Paris

If your dream Parisian trip involves swoon-worthy architecture, savings-emptying shopping, and waistband-expanding eating, then look no further than the Marais. This centrally-located neighbourhood in the 4th arrondissement combines its multifaceted history – which includes being Paris’s former Jewish quarter – with the type of constant reinvention needed to keep it feeling like a genuinely great place to spend time. Stay here and you’re surrounded by the city’s best galleries, museums, restaurants, and a host of LGBTQ+-friendly venues (plus some excellent falafel and kosher bakeries). Perhaps unsurprisingly, the hotels around here live up to the same levels of design-led, hipster chic as the area itself. We’ve picked our favourites, including a contender for ‘Paris’s sexiest hotel’ and – naturally – a hotel named after a Truffaut film. Enjoy! Updated March 2025: Because Paris is the gift that keeps on giving we've chimed in with yet another hotel that should be on your list, the very button-cute Maison Saintonge. Looking for more options? 🛏 Check out the best Paris Airbnbs🏨 or stay in the best hotels in Paris🇫🇷 Take your pick of these Paris walking tours Another fabulous district to stay in? These are the best hotels in Opéra Garnier. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial
The 16 best hotels in Rome for an idyllic European getaway

The 16 best hotels in Rome for an idyllic European getaway

A city that has seen travelers pass through for millennia, you could say Rome has mastered its sense of hospitality over the ages. Italians are passionate people eager to break bread with you at the table, welcome you into their home and help you discover the wonders of their country. So it’s no surprise that the Eternal City is filled with hotels that transmit their warm spirit and elevate it with friendly service, style and classic Italian flair. If you’re looking for a place to stay, look no further. With handpicked the best hotels in Rome flaunting local charm, excellent amenities and ideal locations for exploring the city. Whether you opt for a quirky boutique hotel in the heart of Monti, a historic palazzo near the Trevi Fountain or a palatial resort with views of the Vatican, this list has you covered. Looking for more inspiration? 🍝 Here are the best restaurants in Rome🍷 Get acquainted with Rome's best bars📸 Discover the best things to do in Rome🏠 Stay in the best Airbnbs in Rome📍 The best places to stay in Rome This guide was recently updated by Rome-based writer Livia Hengel. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. Fo
The 14 best hotels in Stockholm that should be on your radar

The 14 best hotels in Stockholm that should be on your radar

Fed up with impersonal hotel chains? They’re easily avoided in the artsy Swedish capital. Whether you’re looking for somewhere cheap so you can enjoy Sweden's nightlife, an uber-chic boutique for elevated comfort, or special-occasion luxe for when its time to go all out, the very best hotels in Stockholm can all offer bang for your krona. Plenty of the top boltholes are centrally located. And a third plus: here as in few other cities, you’ll most likely get a side order of swish Nordic style in your room. Some hotels boast incredible architecture and interiors, many are steeped in fascinating local history, and others are also home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. Whatever your budget, you’ll find something apt in our pick of Stockholm’s best hotels. Updated March 2025: Get your time in the spa with a visit to Villa Dahlia or the Elite Palace Hotel & Spa.  RECOMMENDED: 🇸🇪 Check out the best Airbnbs in Stockholm🍷 Plan your next adventure in Stockholm🚲 Here's Where to stay in Stockholm Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 23 best hotels in Lisbon for beauty, relaxation and a whole lot of fun

The 23 best hotels in Lisbon for beauty, relaxation and a whole lot of fun

Lisbon is the city for aesthetes. Or rather, it’s the city for anyone who has ever accidentally walked into a lamppost, fallen down the curb or tripped over thin air trying to take the perfect shot of urban beauty. From massive monasteries to those gorgeous rambling streets and – oh! – the interiors of the churches, this city is a visual feast and then some. So where better to find somewhere equally lavish and artfully decked out to stay in than the Portuguese capital? When so many of a city’s hotels are, quite literally, named after palaces, you know you’re onto a winner when it comes to luxury accommodation options. We’ve rounded up a long-ish list of our favourites, including some longtime faves and a few characterful newbies. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. Updated March 2025: We've updated our list with two five-star hotels: the well-named EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel and the literary-loving Books & Wine boutique hotel.  RECOMMENDED:The best things to do in LisbonThe best Airbnbs in LisbonThe best boutique hotels in Lisbon Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 14 best Airbnbs in Miami

The 14 best Airbnbs in Miami

Your search for the best Miami Airbnb is important. Because after you’re done finding the best Cuban sandwich, drinking your way through the best bars in Miami, and—finally—grabbing some of the best drunk food in Miami, you’ll need a comfortable spot to rest. But the right accommodation can be so much more than just a place to crash at night. Just look at some of the ridiculously awesome Airbnbs we’ve found in this coastal city. We have a treehouse with goats (seriously), private guesthouses with pools, and Wynwood warehouses with eye-popping visuals. So don’t settle for the first hotel that comes up on Google – see Miami like a local, from the Art Deco buildings of South Beach to the lively music scene in Little Havana.  RECOMMENDED:🚤 Explore the best boat rentals in Miami🏨 Find the best hotels in Miami📌 Check out the best things to do in Miami This guide was written by Time Out Miami's associate editor, Ryan Pfeffer. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 14 best Airbnbs in New Orleans

The 14 best Airbnbs in New Orleans

It's time to get funky in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans. Explore the multitude of streets that burst with charm and character – from the French Quarter to the cafe-heavy neighborhoods of Treme and Bywater – and sample tasty cuisine like boiled crawfish (hello, it's the seafood capital after all) and po' boy baguettes. There's more than just Bourbon Street to explore, with Mid City properties putting travellers right in the middle of New Orleans' latest hotspots.  Lucky for you, New Orleans is bursting at the seams with unique Airbnbs, from enormous penthouses (with pools) to cute little library rooms full of worn-out classics. So whether you’re there to sample the fabulous bars and restaurants or headed up there for a Gardi Gras or different festival that celebrates the city's like-no-other culture, these are Time Out's top picks for the best Airbnbs in New Orleans. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in New Orleans🏨 The best hotels in New Orleans💰 The best cheap hotels in New Orleans Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Listings and reviews (2)

Lime Tree Hotel

Lime Tree Hotel

5 out of 5 stars
The Lime Tree Hotel serves an eclectic slice of the English countryside to the heart of London. Nestled just off the ‘prettiest street in London’ – otherwise known as Elizabeth Street – the 26-room Georgian boutique hotel offers a diverse mix of old-school accents, abstract art and wallpapers seeking a whole lot of attention. Inside the Generous Double, you’ll find tapestry curtains and dial-up radios juxtaposed with modern amenities such as a SmartTV, mood lighting and crisp white sheets on the well-sized double bed. Upon first glance, it’s easy to forget this is an ensuite until you discover the doorknob hidden among the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf wallpaper – yep, it’s pretty bold. While the bathroom is petite in size, the design is clean, modern and ideal for a quick refresh in the morning before devouring one of the on-site eatery’s divine breakfasts: go for the salmon and scrambled eggs with a side of avo – it's spectacular. The Buttery is fast becoming the go-to brunch spot in Belgravia and its not-so-secret-but-equally-magical garden is everything you could want from a sunny spot for clinking mimosas at noon. The Limetree is your very own low-cost London oasis – take full advantage. Neighbourhood: Situated in sloaney Belgravia, it’s pretty surprising to learn that this cosy bolthole is a five-minute walk from the wilderness that is Victoria Station on a Monday morning. Grab a coffee at TomTom and watch the array of locals – from families and pushchairs to suits on Bori
Treehouse Hotel

Treehouse Hotel

5 out of 5 stars
The Treehouse Hotel is everything you could want from a sustainable yet high-end (two words not often used together) hotel in London’s busiest district. Just steps away from Regent Street and the chaos that is Oxford Circus, this 95-room treehouse-come-hotel is covered head-to-toe in recycled wood, hanging plants and plastic-free interiors throughout. From the quirky room additions – think magic 8 balls, cuckoo clocks and Paddington Bears – to the earthy perks like birdie bed throws and tree branches in the otherwise uber-modern ensuite, the Treehouse knows how to bring a vibe. And if you’re looking to dine and drink with minimal effort, there are three fantastic choices on-site. For dinner, head to Pizzeria Mozza on the ground floor for authentic Italian fare with a flair: try the cauliflower fritti from the antipasti menu. It’s next level. Wind down with a nightcap at the rooftop bar, The Nest – complete with 360-degree city views and the kind of lighting to make your Christmas tree weep. Rise and shine from your super comfy bed the next morning, and enjoy a full English with a Mexican twist at Madera; the all-day restaurant serving anything from macchiatos to mezcals. Thoughtful comforts throughout the hotel include filtered water stations on each floor, personalised messages on your in-room SmartTV, complimentary sweet treats delivered room-service style and a distinct aroma flowing through the halls reminiscent of Abercrombie&Fitch back in 2010 – in a good way. It’s wort

News (2)

Airbnb has added some cool new filters to really whip up that winter wanderlust

Airbnb has added some cool new filters to really whip up that winter wanderlust

You might have seen that back in June, Airbnb added a few interesting filters to their search function, meaning users can now find a rental based on categories rather than just the location. It’s pretty neat, and it means that if the only place you’re really willing to stay in is a beachfront treehouse with a grand piano and a chef’s kitchen, you can totally search for exactly that.  And now they’ve just added a few more options for you to explore. You can now hunt down homes that are 10,000 feet above sea level, brand-new listings, ‘hanoks’ (traditional Korean homes made with natural materials), homes adapted for people with disabilities, and ‘play’ properties with things like basketball courts, games rooms and even water slides. As we say, pretty neat. But the search we’re finding especially interesting right now is ‘trending’ homes. These are the most viewed listings on Airbnb and we have to say it proves there actually is wisdom in the masses, on occasion. Don’t believe us? Check out these awesome pads.    The Baldy Mountain chalet overlooking Ten Mile Range, Colorado Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The oceanfront beach house in Summerland, California Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Big Blue Trace in Breckenridge, Colorado Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Mountainview Barn House, Woodstock, New York State Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The lakefront mansion in Indio, California   Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The log cabin near Dollywood, Tennessee Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb
Airbnb just added some cool new categories – check out these high-altitude homes

Airbnb just added some cool new categories – check out these high-altitude homes

You might have seen that back in June, Airbnb added a selection of new filters to their search function, meaning users can now find a rental based on some pretty niche categories rather than just location and date range. So if the only place you’re willing to stay in is a beachfront treehouse with a grand piano and a chef’s kitchen, you can now search for exactly that. Pretty cool, eh? Well, they’ve just added even more options for you to explore. You can now hunt down the latest ‘trending’ homes and brand-new listings, as well as ‘hanoks’ (traditional Korean homes made with natural materials), homes adapted for people with disabilities, and properties with a ‘play’ element, like basketball courts, games rooms and even water slides.  But the new category we’re loving most? The ‘top of the world’ filter, which shows homes that are at least 10,000 feet above sea level. To give you a flavour of what’s on offer, we’ve picked some of our favourite sky-high rentals. See you halfway up the Himalayas? This architectural masterpiece in Breckenridge, Colorado Photograph: courtesy Airbnb A geocentric dome in the mountains between Cusco and Machu Picchu Photograph: courtesy Airbnb This lush home on the highest coastal mountain range in the world Photograph: courtesy Airbnb A nature lodge in Nepal, with views of the Everest Region Photograph: courtesy Airbnb This spectacular villa above the clouds in Quito, Ecuador Photograph: courtesy Airbnb Pretty spectacular, right? Next thi