Jennifer Banful joined Time Out as an Affiliate Content Writer in 2023, a column where she essentially recommends all the best places to stay, eat and drink for your next travel endeavours. She's a born and bred Londoner, with over two years' experience in writing e-commerce and lifestyle content, a bit obsessed with steamed dumplings, is always down for a cosy wine bar, and never leaves the house without a book for her commute or lip balm (if you know, you know).  

Jennifer Banful

Jennifer Banful

Affiliate Content Writer

Articles (236)

The 12 best hotels in Bali from luxury resorts to affordable stays

The 12 best hotels in Bali from luxury resorts to affordable stays

Bali is bustling with hotel options - seriously, it’s kind of overwhelming. From luxurious beachside resorts, perfect for honeymoon escapes, to secluded hilltop retreats with all the necessities for a solo traveller, the options are as diverse as the island itself. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could book multiple Bali hotels and explore different vibes throughout your stay. Sure, it takes a bit of planning, but trust us, it’s worth it.  Basically, what we’re trying to say is that no matter where you land, Bali’s got you covered with stunning rice terraces, wild jungle escapades, and those Instagram-worthy white sandy beaches. The only thing that might outnumber the amazing hotels here is the list of fantastic things to do. To help you plan the perfect adventure, we’ve handpicked our top Bali hotels. Whether you’re eyeing the surfers’ paradise, Canggu, discovering tranquillity in Ubud, or diving into Seminyak’s vibrant scene, we’ve narrowed down the choices to save you valuable time. So, pack your bags, soak up the sun, and get ready to experience the unique blend of natural beauty and culture that Bali offers.  RECOMMENDED: ☀️ Click here to learn the 19 best things to do in Bali🏠 Check out the best Airbnbs in Bali🌴 Discover the best hotels in Ubud🏖️ Explore the best hotels in Seminyak Where to stay in Bali 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 arti
The 12 best hotels in Chelsea

The 12 best hotels in Chelsea

If you want to be beside countless fantastic Manhattan neighborhoods, then you need to stay at one of the best hotels in Chelsea. Like most other New York 'hoods, Chelsea was once industrial and more than a little rough around the edges (aren't we all?). Then came the galleries and the gay scene to the rescue, followed by the elevated High Line. Now the buzzy area is packed with nightlife, tourists, shopping, and art galore. And don’t forget to sample some (or several) of the best Chelsea restaurants while you're exploring. Food is, after all, the way to many of our hearts. Plus it’s within walking distance of the clubby Meatpacking District, charming West Village, bustle of Midtown, and at the heart of all the Chelsea girls. From the height of luxury to unique boutiques and intimate charmers, there's something for everyone amid the best hotels in Chelsea. Luckily for you, we've done our research and come up with the top trumps for you to pick from, you know, to make your life easier.  RECOMMENDED: 🏨See our full guide to the best hotels in NYC🍾Stay in one of NYC's best luxury hotels🪵Or take your pick of the best Airbnbs in Hudson Valley 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 cont
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 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.
14 Best London wine tasting tours

14 Best London wine tasting tours

Let’s be honest: the world of wine can seem pretty damn confusing from a layperson’s perspective. When confronted with all those endless bottles in the supermarket or at London's best bars, it can be tricky to even know where to start. And even harder, can be poring over the wine list in a posh restaurant and convincing the sommelier – or your date – that you have any clue what you’re talking about. So, if you really want to tell your merlots from your malbecs and your rieslings from your riojas, then we suggest taking a look through our list of London wine tasting classes and tours. There’s a diverse mix here, but we guarantee you’ll be dazzling your dinner party guests with your wine chat in no time. Vino you want to, ahem. Bottoms up!
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 13 most unique Airbnbs in the U.S.

The 13 most unique Airbnbs in the U.S.

Ahh, the United States of America. What a place to explore. With so many different cities, landscapes, and vibes, there's something for everyone on their travels to the country. Whether you take the summer to try out the best attractions in the USA, the most bizarre landmarks in the USA, or the best national parks in the U.S., there’s bound to be an interesting Airbnb nearby. And for a place as diverse as America, you need to stay somewhere that truly captures the country's essence. And no doubt, there's an Airbnb to match the vibe. We've got the strangest, most quirky Airbnbs across the U.S. From a Hobbit hole to a spaceship, you're going to question everything you know and have to book one to see it for yourself. Updated March 2025: We constantly scour Airbnb to find you some of the most exceptional (and whackiest) stays money can get you and on this occasion, we've found a farmstay in a potato (no joke) and a spaceship-like property in Texas. RECOMMENDED: 🌲The most jaw-dropping secluded Airbnbs in the U.S.👻The most haunted Airbnbs in the U.S. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb 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 10 best hotels in Copenhagen for a design-conscious stay

The 10 best hotels in Copenhagen for a design-conscious stay

Whether you’re heading to the Danish capital for the cosy wintry vibes of Tivoli, or you’re after a low-key weekend getaway during summer and outdoor spa experience, Copenhagen is always up for the adventure, even if it means emptying your piggy bank a little, or a lot in our case. Beautiful contemporary and historic architecture by the boatload, cute open-air markets, always a new bakery and coffee house to discover around every corner – serving those open-faced sandwiches you’ll soon be obsessed with - riverside restaurants and laid-back wine bars like Pompette, this chic cosmopolitan doesn’t just invite curiosity it demands it. And where to stay, is the best and worst task on your hands because everywhere is pretty cool. Here to help get the ball is our handpicked selection of the best hotels in Copenhagen. Updated January 2025: We always think we've found the one until something better comes along - that's the trouble with this cosy capital. But perhaps when you see Hotel Ottilia and Villa Copenhagen you won't have much to complain about... RECOMMENDED:📍Check off all the best things to do in Copenhagen🍷Avoid FOMO at these best restaurants in Copenhagen🏠Or book a stay at one of the best Airbnbs in Copenhagen 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 in
The 15 best hotels in Prague: from high style to budget friendly

The 15 best hotels in Prague: from high style to budget friendly

Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, much of the residential property in and around Prague’s historic centre was swiftly converted into hotels. That means there’s no shortage of decent accommodation all over the city, from luxury boutique spots near major attractions like the beautiful Old Town Square, to more budget boltholes slightly further out. The abundance of choice can make choosing your ideal hideaway a little difficult. But whether you go for glam suites with jaw-dropping views, converted former farmhouses replete with period features, or sleek design spots with easy access to the Czech capital’s finest restaurants and things to do, our pick of the best hotels in Prague should help. See you at breakfast! We've recently added some very on-trend new gems to this list as we believe they're not ones to miss.  Updated march 2025: We've spruced up the list with a 14th century former brewery and a Parisian wonder transplanted to Prague. RECOMMENDED: 🖼️ The best museums in Prague 🕺 Your all-inclusive guide to nightlife in Prague⭐ The best attractions in Prague📍 Where to stay in Prague 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 guide
The 20 best Airbnbs in Nashville: featuring large group rentals and couples' stays

The 20 best Airbnbs in Nashville: featuring large group rentals and couples' stays

Nashville is not just the home of delicious and juicy hot chicken, sandwiched between thick slices of fluffy white bread. Anyone else drooling right now? Nashville has a whole lot more going for it, from a seriously poppin’ music scene to some really brilliant art. Check out honky-tonk at Lower Broad, watch live comedy at Doyle and Debbie, or sample good ol’ Tennessee whiskey on a local distillery tour. Bottom's up! But whether you’re there for nightlife, music, or restaurants, or you are just in the running for seriously good hot chicken, make sure you pick the right place to stay. You need to continue the Nashville vibes from morning to night. And what better place to look for accommodation than Airbnb? Luckily for you, we've found some cracking places to lay your head, for quite literally any occasion. Here are the very best Airbnbs in Nashville, handpicked by us. Thank us later. November 2024 update: We've added a spectacular couple of new Airbnbs, including Skyline Splendor. Grab your pals and come on down to Nashville for a honkin' tonkin' time! RECOMMENDED: 🇺🇸 Check out the 19 best things to do in Nashville🎸Here's Where to stay in Nashville🎉On a girls' trip to Nashville? Here's the only guide you'll need.  Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb 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 art
The best hotels in London, curated by Time Out travel experts

The best hotels in London, curated by Time Out travel experts

Need a place to stay in London? We’re here to make it easy for you. Every year, a wealth of new hotels open in the capital which is a testament to the fact that London remains one of the most desirable places to visit in the world. However, that can make it tricky to decide which hotel to choose. But worry not because we have slept our way across the city and hand-picked our favourites for the ultimate list of London hotels, which covers locations right across the city, and every category from blowout luxury (including having your own butler, might we add) to budget basic and brilliant. In this mega list, we've listed everything from our favourite five-star hotels in Mayfair to more affordable hotels outside of zone 1. Plus you’ll be able to check out one or two of the capital's many Michelin-starred restaurants because yep, loads of them call London hotels their home. But if spending a small fortune on food isn’t your bag? There’s also an ever-increasing number of good-value food options for budgeteers, too. Throw great design and architecture into the mix, plus superb bars, world-class hospitality and the opportunity to have a home-from-home in the best city in the world and, well, you’re laughing.  Which area is best to stay in London? It's not just the range of hotels that's so impressive – you're also spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a neighbourhood to stay in London. The city is made up of a sprawling network of dynamic neighbourhoods, all with their own uniqu

Listings and reviews (4)

Rebel Rebel Flowers, Hackney

Rebel Rebel Flowers, Hackney

4 out of 5 stars
If Rebel Rebel were a personality they would be the extroverted cool kid. Situated on the corner of Westgate Street, this Hackney-based florist is known for their edgy and expressive blooms. I for one love their punky, off-beat approach to hand-tied bouquets, so I was pleased to be invited over to see the flower power in action for myself. When I got to their vibey Mare Street Market unit, I was immediately drawn to the blue tile display that sits bang in the middle of the shop floor, brimming with vibrant flowers from top to bottom. Their speciality? Well, not that they need any street cred from us, but their long-stemmed hand-tied bouquets are doozies. Run by Athena and Mairead, the team here source the majority of their blooms from both Covent Garden Flower Market and their very own flower farm in Norfolk. They’ve got a passion for showcasing the best of British flowers when growing season allows (if it's out of season, they simply don't sell it). That's how you know you'll always get the best quality when you buy here. And if you can't pay the store a visit, you'll find a beautiful selection of bouquets available to order online, including wedding flowers.  What's the price point? Bouquets start from £60. Best for: The tasselled and undone look. Time Out tip: Rebel Rebel occasionally team up with Dusty Knuckle in Dalston to host flower workshops. This is your chance to learn all the tips and tricks of arranging a bouquet from start to finish. 
Grace & Thorn

Grace & Thorn

Just a tote-bag swing from London Fields station, Grace & Thorn recently bid adieu to their Hackney Road shop, moving production into this cosy basement workshop tucked away on the corner of Mentmore Terrace. (PSA: it’s more or less opposite the E5 Bakehouse, in case you're looking for a very good sourdough loaf.) Go down the steps and you'll find an airy, light-filled workshop with the chill vibes of a coffee shop, and walls lined with fine art and pickle jar vases filled with seasonal blooms and foliage in pastel shades. It's like an English garden in a basement – it doesn't get much more Hackney than that.  On my first time visiting Grace & Thorn, I loved the delicacy and artistry that goes into the creation of each bouquet. It's really a celebration of the flower itself. There’s a focus on composition and texture, with bouquets that go big on that undone, tasselled look that Grace & Thorn is known for. Seeing florist Silvijas's handiwork in person, I was blown away by the levels of intricacy and artistry. Really impressive stuff.  @ordinaryjen_ Here’s a little something I filmed for a local flower shop in Hackney. They’re called Grace and Thorn and their team are the sweetest. If you’re ever in London Fields, you should totally swing by 😉🌹#localbusiness #londonflowers #londonlife ♬ flower day - jeanie What's the price point? Bouquets start from £65. Pretty decent for a bespoke bunch. Best for: Rustic, asymmetrical, one-of-a-kind floral bouquets. Time Out tip: In yo
The Zetter Clerkenwell

The Zetter Clerkenwell

4 out of 5 stars
When this place opened, back in 2004, it was billed as ‘London’s first boutique hotel’. That means you can probably guess the vibe, but if pushed? I’d describe it as ‘classy vintage’, which means stag heads, luxe red wallpaper, staff kitted out in braces and waistcoats, that kind of thing. I felt like I’d entered the pages of a Victorian mystery. I liked it.  But first things first – this place isn’t easy to find. You might need to Google-map your way through its secluded blue door on St John Square, but it’s totally worth the hunt. That’s not to say it’s not without its faults. Keen for a view, I picked a spot by the window for my (excellent) small-plates dinner, and got to spend the evening gazing out at some scaffolding. Still, that’s hardly their fault, and you can’t have everything, right? And everything else really was pretty fine. My room was big for a boutique hotel, with a canopied queen bed (I loved the sheets and ridiculously soft mattress) and some of the nicest reading lamps, I’ve ever used. It’s all very cosy and homely, and I really liked the hot water bottle and the corded telephone, even if the rotary dial was just a prop (probably best – they always were a pain in the arse).  To be honest, the whole place was well thought-out and elegant, with exceptional service from people that clearly care about what they do. Special mention, though, to the gorgeous bath – I could definitely get used to regular soaks in that – a blissful element of a really rather lovely
TRIBE Canary Wharf

TRIBE Canary Wharf

4 out of 5 stars
Did you think Canary Wharf was all soulless glass office buildings and city suits? Times have changed, and this TRIBE hotel – the first UK location from a group with hotels across the globe – is a good example of the fact that Canary Wharf’s is actually well worth a look these days. It’s a welcoming place a short walk from the station, with a striking redbrick exterior that’s clearly taken its cue from a Brooklyn apartment block. And that’s a good thing. Inside it’s kitted out in inviting hues: pastel pinks, coppery reds and light grey booths, coupled with Art Deco prints, tropical plants and a groovy lamp in – I think? – every corner. I liked it. The rooms are a solid mix of form and function; the bed’s a doozy and the fact you can order room service via a QR code on your flatscreen TV is a nice touch (be gone, phoning down!). But what I actually loved most were the spectacular floor-to-ceiling views overlooking the Thames Waterway. It’s a really lovely look, especially when night falls. Fun fact for fitness freaks: visitors also get an exclusive pass to the (excellent) Third Space gym a five-minute walk from the hotel – and there are plans to bring one in-house at some point, too.  Neighbourhood:You’re in Wood Wharf, a quiet residential neighbourhood (yes, they exist around here) about an eight-minute walk from Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, and the DLR. Those transport links means it works well as a base for exploring London, though you’re pretty well served if you want to s