Travel with Ben

I stayed at The Westin Peachtree Plaza, and it’s a really solid city hotel—nothing over-the-top, but everything you want is there and done well. Starting with the room—it was clean, well-kept, and super comfortable. The bed is exactly what you’d expect from a Westin (in a good way), and the views are a big plus since the whole building is that tall, cylindrical tower. Waking up and looking out over Atlanta is definitely a nice touch. Amenities are pretty standard, but the hotel itself feels a little more unique because of the building. The glass elevators and the overall design make it feel a bit more memorable than your typical chain hotel. The Sun Dial Restaurant at the top is also a cool feature—even if you just go up for a drink, the views are worth it. Location is a big win. It’s right in downtown Atlanta, so you’re close to a lot—convention center, restaurants, and easy access to other parts of the city. Makes getting around simple, especially if you’re only there for a couple days. This place works well for pretty much anyone—business trips, quick weekend stays, or just needing a reliable, comfortable spot in the city. Service was smooth and easy. Staff were helpful, and everything felt well-run without being overly formal. There aren’t a ton of standout “luxury” touches, but the combination of comfort, views, and location makes it a really easy place to stay. I’d stay here again. It’s one of those dependable hotels where you know exactly what you’re getting—and in a city trip, that’s kind of perfect.

I really enjoyed staying at Hotel Diana Roof Garden—it’s one of those places that feels clean, simple, and just easy the whole time you’re there. Starting with the room—it had a newer, more modern feel compared to a lot of places in Rome. Everything was clean, well-kept, and comfortable. Nothing over-the-top luxurious, but definitely a step above the more dated hotel vibe you sometimes get in the city. The standout here is definitely the rooftop. The terrace views are great, especially around sunset—it’s just a really nice spot to sit, relax, and take in the city. They also serve breakfast up there, which is a nice touch. Speaking of breakfast, it was solid. Nothing amazing, but totally good and convenient—kind of exactly what you want before heading out for a full day in Rome. Location is decent too. It’s near Roma Termini, so it’s super easy for getting around the city or coming in from the airport. Not the most charming area in Rome, but very practical, and you can still walk to a lot of major spots. This is a good fit for travelers who want something clean, modern, and reliable without overcomplicating things—whether that’s couples, friends, or even a quick city stop. Service was smooth and easy. Staff were helpful, check-in was straightforward, and nothing felt difficult. The rooftop really ends up being the thing you remember most—it gives the hotel a little personality and makes it feel more special than just a standard stay. I’d stay here again. Between how clean it felt, the rooftop views, and the overall ease of everything, it’s just a really solid option for Rome.

I stayed at Hotel Croce di Malta in the winter, and overall it was a really solid spot—nothing flashy, but it does a lot of things right. Starting with the room—it’s pretty simple. Not super modern or anything that stands out design-wise, but the beds were really comfortable, which honestly matters more after long days walking around Florence. It was clean, quiet, and did exactly what you needed it to do. One of the best parts of this place is actually the outdoor setup. Even though I didn’t use the pool because of the season, the rooftop and garden pool area are really nice. You can tell in warmer months that would be a huge plus—definitely a spot you’d want to hang out. Breakfast was another highlight. It was actually really good—plenty of options, fresh, and a great way to start the day before heading out. Not just a quick grab-and-go type setup, but something you actually look forward to. Location is a big win too. It’s right near Santa Maria Novella, so you’re in a super convenient area. Easy walk to pretty much everything—Duomo, shops, restaurants—but still tucked away enough that it doesn’t feel chaotic. This place is great for travelers who want a comfortable, well-located hotel without overpaying for something overly luxurious. Works for couples, friends, or really anyone exploring the city. Service was good—staff were helpful and everything ran smoothly. Nothing over the top, but definitely reliable. There aren’t a ton of standout “wow” moments here, but between the comfortable beds, great breakfast, and that rooftop/pool setup, it ends up being a really enjoyable stay. I’d stay here again, especially in warmer weather when you can actually take advantage of the outdoor space—that’s probably what would take it to the next level.