Jane Long

The birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Memphis is celebrated as the musical capital of the USA. Cough, cough, Elvis Presley, anyone? From the iconic Beale Street to Graceland, you’ll hear the constant hum of the King of Rock and Roll (and blues and soul) at every turn. Such vibes. The city is also the birthplace of the modern franchise motel – the first Holiday Inn was conceived here in 1952. That particular establishment is long gone, but big American hotel chains still tend to dominate. However, there are plenty more unique (and cooler) options to be found – take your pick from quirky-themed lodgings, historical delights, and a handful of high-end boutique hotels that have popped up this millennium.  RECOMMENDED:📸 Discover the best things to do in Memphis 🍽️ Eat your way around the city at top Memphis restaurants🎸 Embrace the music with a trip to Nashville 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.

Cincinnati is a history-steeped escape that’s beloved for its good manners, European-style neighborhoods, and rich architecture. Where else will you see Frank Gehry and Cesar Pelli in Ohio? Nowhere! Artsy and prosperous, this city has a wealth of theaters, art museums and music halls, along with a booming culinary scene that you simply have to make the most of while you’re visiting. There's something for everyone, as you can already gather.  A recent renaissance in downtown and beyond means bars, coffee shops, and boutique hotels are always popping up in formerly downtrodden areas such as Over-the-Rhine and Northside. While anonymous conference hotels still tend to dominate (albeit often in beautiful Art Deco buildings and former banks), a cluster of alternatives takes in a hip hotel in a former department store, a boutique spot that doubles as an art gallery, and a music-themed mansion. A word of caution though, accommodation doesn’t come cheap. In fact, the city’s hotels have been ranked the most expensive in the Midwest. But you know, it is a beautiful and wonderful place to visit. Nevertheless, here’s our list of the very best places to stay in Cincinnati, and we've covered the majority of budgets too.  Looking for some more inspiration? 🏙️ Here are the best things to do in Cincinnati🍽️ Check out Cincinnati's best restaurants🏠 Discover the best Airbnbs in Cincinnati Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top re

Definitely the hippest spot on Bali, Seminyak draws creative expats from around the world, who’ve chosen to escape the daily grind to run quirky independent boutiques, organic cafes and yoga studios. As a result, the area has a Westernised feel, and tends to attract a more sophisticated and moneyed crowd than its hard-partying neighbour Kuta. It’s the epitome of hippie luxe – think acai bowls, designer kaftans and an impressive number of great-quality spas and outdoorsy things to do, plus a buzzy, ever-changing bar and dining scene. When it comes to places to stay, you’re far more likely to find smaller boutique establishments than big name chains here, with luxury and design taking the place of the all-too-often drab, beige, identikit hotel rooms found in such places. And unlike some other parts of the island, you can still find plenty of more affordable options to choose from too. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Bali🏖 The best beaches in Bali🌳 The best things to do in Seminyak🌴 The best things to do in Ubud

Bali’s upmarket resort town of Nusa Dua was purpose-built for high-end tourism in the 1970s. Since then, nearly every luxury hotel and spa brand has put down roots in the area – so much so that Nusa Dua Beach is now home to more five-star hotels than Park Lane. Packed full of gated resorts, the area feels moneyed, with golf, glitzy shopping and haute cuisine all big business. But with its gleaming white sands and calm surf, it also ranks as one of the most relaxing places in the world, as well as a popular spot for those with kids. Nusa Dua hotels all share an emphasis on opulence, top-end services and plentiful amenities, which can make choosing one tricky – with so many five-star establishments to pick from and a spa/fine-dining/infinity pool/glorious views in seemingly every one of them, how do you know which to plump for? By carefully making your choice from our carefully selected list, that’s how. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Bali🏖 The best beaches in Bali🌳 The best things to do in Seminyak🌴 The best things to do in Ubud

A firm favourite with Brits abroad for half a century, Benalmádena lies in the middle of a built-up coastal sprawl that starts in Malaga and spreads 30 miles west of it along the Costa del Sol. The town’s extraordinary tourist development kicked off in the 1960s and shows no sign of abating, particularly in Benalmádena Costa – the central resort area, dominated by leisure complexes, timeshares and apartment blocks. Some respite can still be found though, particularly in the relatively tranquil original mountain village of Benalmádena Pueblo. The town is largely aimed at families, but there are still plenty of resorts, boutique hotels and B&Bs to choose from, including more romantic, intimate options away from the coast. Whether your holiday hotel fancies turn to a traditional Andalusian town house, a five-star bijou boutique bolthole or a sleek and tranquil adults-only resort, our selection of the best accommodation in Benalmádena should help.

The clue’s in the nickname: Mountain State. West Virginia’s weather-beaten landscape is almost entirely mountainous and we're here for it. Lovers of the outdoors are drawn to the area for the wide array of adventurous activities it offers, from white-water rafting and skiing to hiking, rock-climbing and caving—all within an unspoilt slice of nature. Traditionally coal country, the state is full of small Appalachian towns brimming with culture. And, although techniclly part of the South, Washington D.C. and Baltimore are less than a 90 minute car drive away. Some of that nearby urban edge is definitely rubbing off: capital Charleston is a frontier town turned affluent and dapper city, with a thriving bar and dining scene. Enjoy the very best things to do in West Virginia. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

Chicago dominates the Prairie State, with its unmatchable skyline, world-class museums and art galleries, beautiful parks and flourishing bar and dining scene. But there’s much more to Illinois than the Second City. Venture further afield to discover charming small towns seemingly frozen in time, historical monuments by the dozen and plenty of awe-inspiring wilderness. The Midwest is notorious for its extreme seasons, but you’ll find a plethora of options for all weathers, whether you’re exploring the history of the "land of Lincoln’" or getting your adventure on in the great outdoors. Here are the very best things to do in Illinois. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.