Our Readers Recommend

Each week in “Readers Recommend,” the Travel section shares tips on worthwhile lodgings, restaurants, tour guides and other resources on the road. Here is a roundup of recommendations that have been published since our last compilation. Although all information here was correct when it was originally published, some details may have since changed. Please contact the source to confirm prices, hours and other information.

To submit suggestions, write to “Readers Recommend”/Travel section, L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; fax (213) 237-7355, e-mail [email protected]. Please include your name, address and phone number, and also the address, phone number and Internet site of the place or person you are recommending.

California

Bridgeport: Cain House, P.O. Box 428, 93517; (800) 433-2246, https://www.cainhouse.com. “B&B set in beautiful scenery in the Eastern Sierra about 55 miles north of Mammoth, near fishing, hiking, tennis and more. Warm, friendly owner. Restaurant 1881 next door serves gourmet dinners.” Rates: $90-$135 double; dinner entrees $17.50-$28.--Mary Lou Dudley, San Marino

Fallbrook: Rancho del Valle B&B, 435 Rancho del Valle Drive, 92028; (800) 841-4908 or (760) 451-9584, https://www.ranchodelvallebnb.com. “Setting is beautiful, rooms are immaculate and hosts Drew and Joléne Robins are most gracious. Our Northern California guests were delighted.” Rates: $105-$125 double.

--Pat Finot, Fallbrook

Mendocino: Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, P.O. Box 1637, 95460; (800) 731-5525, https://www.schoolhousecreek.com. “Quiet, lovely B&B with cottages and garden, three miles south of Mendocino. Small pets accepted.” Rates: $130-$235, including buffet breakfast; $25-$40 pet fee.--Kris Sullivan, Los Angeles

Oak Glen: Cider Barrel Restaurant, 38490 Oak Glen Road, 92399; (909) 797-7910. “Outstanding food and beautiful setting for breakfast, lunch, dinner. An appealing alternative to coffee shops in the area.” Salads, sandwiches, burgers and other lunch entrees, $5-$9. Steaks, chicken, seafood, pasta and other dinner entrees, $10-$20.--D. Miclet, Panama City Beach, Fla.

Palm Springs: Desert House Inn, 200 S. Cahuilla Road, 92262; (800) 549-9230 or (760) 325-5281, fax (760) 325-6736, https://www.deserthouse inn.com. “Four studios with kitchen, two other guest rooms. Built in 1940s and totally refurbished in Southwest style. Delightful owners.” Winter rates: $95-$175.--Gerry Lamb, Palm Springs

Santa Barbara: John Dunne Gourmet Dining Room at Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Drive, 93109; (805) 965-0581, Ext. 2773. “Excellent food prepared and served by culinary students. Ocean view. Reservations recommended.” Lunch $8.50-$12.50 (Mondays through Fridays); five-course dinner $23.50 (Thursdays, Fridays). Closed holidays, summer, between semesters.--Ajor-Helyn Johnson, Redondo Beach

Sonoma: MacArthur Place, 29 E. MacArthur St., 95476; (800) 722-1866 or (707) 938-2929, fax (707) 933-9833, https://www.macarthurplace.com. “Delightful inn four blocks from town square. Sixty-four lovely rooms and suites in original building dating from 1850s and in surrounding cottages. Delicious buffet breakfast, evening wine and cheese. Restaurant, pool, gardens, spa. Complimentary bicycles.” Rates: $269-$349 for rooms, $375-$775 for suites and cottages; winter Internet specials from $179.--Karen Gray, Malibu

Sugar Pine: All Seasons Sugar Pine Resort, 19958 Middle Camp Road, 95383; (800) 788-5212 or (209) 586-2007, fax (209) 586-2002, https://www.allseasonssugarpineresort.com. “New resort near Sonora in gold country is a work of art with unique themed rooms and suites (five units total). In my favorite, ‘Confidence Mine,’ stone tunnel leads up to room, and inside are murals of miners, slate bathroom, large Jacuzzi tub, steam room, two fireplaces, private deck.” Doubles $125-$325.--Joanne Huguley, Universal City

Other States

ARIZONA

Ajo: Guest House Inn, 700 Guest House Road, 85321; (520) 387- 6133, https://www.wgn.net/˜morris/ajo. “Outstanding B&B with four guest rooms with private baths and a fabulous breakfast. About 35 minutes north of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.” Rates: $79-$89 double.--Eric E. Schott, Rolling Hills Estates

Flagstaff: Jeanette’s Bed and Breakfast, 3380 E. Lockett Road, 86004; (800) 752-1912 or (928) 527-1912, https://www.jeanettesbb.com. “Wonderful Victorian-style B&B. Jeanette and Ray West provide comfortable beds and gourmet breakfasts as well as thorough knowledge of sights in the region.” Rates: $115-$145 double.--Peter and Janice Sutherland, Fullerton

ARKANSAS

Hot Springs: Mrs. Miller’s Chicken & Steak House, 4723 Central Ave., 71901; (501) 525-8861. “A very homey restaurant in an old, beautiful converted house. My husband and I had a meal with wonderful biscuits and homemade jams. Like the town, the restaurant is a jewel worth discovering.” Complete dinners $9-$19.--Roberta Plumley, Bakersfield

GEORGIA

Savannah: “Personalized Tours of Savannah, 521 E. York St., 31401; (912) 234-0014, https://www.savannah sites.com. “Savannah native Harriet Meyerhoff arranged a marvelous custom tour--a wonderful way to experience the charm and history of the South.” Rates: Vary by tour and group size; $80 for 21/2-hour walking tour for two, $100 total for four.--Barbara Goldberg, Rolling Hills Estates

HAWAII

Maui: Blue Horizons Bed & Breakfast Maui, 3894 Mahinahina St., Lahaina 96761; (800) 669-1948, https://www.bluehorizonsmaui.com. “Four-room Maui B&B, with private baths, in quiet neighborhood. Owner Beverly Spence was helpful.” Rates: $99-$119 double, including breakfast every day except Sunday.--Don Roth, Yucaipa

Oahu: House of McShane, 1212 Mokulua Drive, Kailua 96734; (808) 261-5462. “Quiet B&B sits right on Lanikai Beach. Built as a beach house in 1927 and converted into two guest rooms; both have full ocean views from private deck. Not fancy but clean and charming. About 35 minutes from Waikiki.” Rates: $85 double, breakfast included.--Nate and Marsha Winer, Palos Verdes Estates

IDAHO

Post Falls: River Cove Waterfront B&B, 212 Parkwood Place, 83854; (877) 773-9190, https://www.theriver cove.com. “Six elegant rooms, each with private bath, plus a suite on a boat on the Spokane River. In a quiet residential area, about five miles west of Coeur d’Alene.” Rates: $129-$249 double; multi-night discounts.--Rick and Judi Olsen, West Hills

KENTUCKY

Bardstown: The Homestead, 3944 Bloomfield Road, 40004; (502) 349-1777, https://www.bbonline.com/ky/homestead. “Outstanding two-room B&B in an 18th century log cabin that also houses a crafts shop with great buys on authentic folk art. Owner Joanne Hobbs gives tours to visit local artists in their homes ($40 per day).” Rates: $95-$125 double.--Francie Hansen, Newport Beach

NEW MEXICO

Taos: Casa de las Chimeneas, 405 Cordoba Road, 5303 NDCBU, 87571; (877) 758-4777, https://www.visit taos.com. “B&B in beautiful Spanish colonial building surrounding a courtyard. Gracious innkeeper Susan Vernon is an outstanding cook.” Rates: $150-$325 double, including breakfast and buffet dinner.--Richard J. Smith, San Clemente

OREGON

Vida: Eagle Rock Lodge Bed & Breakfast, 49198 McKenzie Highway, 97488; (541) 822-3630, https://www.eaglerocklodging.com. “The breakfasts--oatmeal pancakes and caramelized bacon--are to die for, and the service is outstanding. Fishing, rafting, hiking, golf and more.” Eight rooms, all with private bath. Rates: $75-$195 double.--Dick and Rose Cesaroni, Santa Clarita

TENNESSEE

Chattanooga: Bridge View Inn, 117 Forest Ave., 37405; (423) 267-8439, https://www.bridgeviewinn.com. “Casual yet elegant B&B downtown. Three bedrooms, private baths. Deck overlooks town, Tennessee River and mountains.” Rates: $100-$150 double, with full breakfast, afternoon wine and cheese.--Jan Ouellette, Valencia

UTAH

Moab: Western Spirit Cycling, 478 Mill Creek Drive, 84532; (800) 845-2453, https://www.westernspirit.com. “We took an amazing five-day family mountain bike trip near Utah’s Canyonlands National Park. Guides were skilled, fun and great with kids; incredible food.” Cost: $845 per adult; $775 ages 14 and under. (Air fare, bike rental and camping gear are extra.)--Jerry Kurland, Tarzana

VIRGINIA

Strasburg: Hotel Strasburg, 213 S. Holliday St., 22657; (800) 348-8327, https://www.hotelstrasburg.com. “Historic country inn in the Shenandoah Valley. Twenty-nine rooms, all furnished with antiques.” Rates: $79-$175.--Sophia Wong, Los Angeles

WYOMING

Minnies Gap: Spring Creek Ranch B&B, mailing address P.O. Box 199, Dutch John, UT 84023; (307) 350- 3005, https://www.quickbyte.com/springcreek. “B&B that offers a glimpse into a working 50,000-acre ranch.” Rates: $70 double, $95 for cabin.--George Fogelson, Redondo Beach

International

AUSTRALIA

American River: Wanderers Rest, P.O. Box 34, South Australia 5221; 011-61-8-8553-7140, fax 011-61-8- 8553-7282, https://www.wanderersrest.com.au. “Nine-room country inn with a bay view on Kangaroo Island. It has a first-class restaurant.” Rate: about $92 double.--Roz Salzman, Los Angeles

https://Hobart: Montgomery’s Private Hotel, 9 Argyle St., Tasmania 7000; 011-613-6234-4790, fax 011-613-6234-4450, https://www.yha.com.au (click on Tasmania). “Recently remodeled hotel 100 yards from the harbor, across the street from two major museums and a short stroll from vibrant Salamanca Place’s market and cafes. Communal kitchen.” Rates: about $34 for double with shared bath, $46 for double with private bath, $10 per person in six-bed dorm rooms.--Midi Cox, San Diego

Kiama: Terralong Terrace apartments, 129 Terralong St., New South Wales 2533; 011-612-4232- 3711, fax 011-612-4232-3811, https://www.terralong.com.au. “Ninety minutes south of Sydney on coastal route to Canberra. Modern luxury apartments with one, two or three bedrooms, housekeeping service available. Large balconies; most units have spas. Complex has two saltwater pools and a barbecue area and is near market and restaurants.” About $59-$240 per night, from $321 per week.--Barbara Broide, Los Angeles

CANADA

Grand-Métis: Reford Gardens, 200 Route 132, Quebec GJ1Z0; (418) 775-2221, https://www.jardinsmetis.com. “Forty-acre garden in a remote but civilized area about four hours north of Quebec City. Its annual International Garden Festival is unique.” Admission: about $8 adults, $2 ages 6-13, free under 6 during festival.--Diana Jue, Rolling Hills Estates

Jasper: Amanda’s Guest House, P.O. Box 2201, Alberta T0E 1E0; (780) 852-5627, fax (780) 852-5637, https://www.bbcanada.com/amandas. “Excellent new accommodation in the center of Jasper. Wonderful, friendly owners.” Rates: about $37-$50 double.--Brian O’Malley, Santa Monica

Whistler: Chef Bernard’s Cafe, 1-4573 Chateau Blvd., British Columbia V0N 1B4; (604) 932-7051, fax (604) 932-9794. “A small, bustling, gourmet restaurant across the street from Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all superb. Dinner menu changes weekly.” Salads and sandwiches about $4-$7. Dinner entrees about $11-$13.--Judy Rubin, Los Angeles

COSTA RICA

Puerto Jiménez de Golfito: Caña Blanca Beach and Rainforest Lodge, Apartado 48-8203; 011-506-383-5707, e-mail [email protected]. “Small, secluded lodge in the middle of a rain forest. Gourmet meals. Hiking, fishing, kayaking available.” Rates: from $125 per person, double, including all meals and a daily guided tour.--Norm Carter, Orange

CROATIA

Dubrovnik: Short-term apartment rentals, 1 Bandureva; 011-385-20-411-206, e-mail [email protected]. “In a perfect location near Rector’s Palace museum. A historic building but clean, tasteful and modern. Two apartments and a studio. They even did our laundry for us.” Rates: about $40-$60 double.--Hedy Williamson, Laguna Beach

CZECH REPUBLIC

Lysolaje: Pension BoB, 2 Kovarenska, 165 00 Praha 6; 011-42-2-2092-0718, fax 011-42-2-2092-3153, https://web.telecom.cz/PensionBoB. “Modern pension, 15 minutes from central Prague by public transit. Generous breakfast included. English-speaking owners.” Rates: about $33-$42 double, depending on season.--Luis Varga, Lake Forest

DENMARK

Copenhagen: City Safari tours, 19A Viktoriagade 1th, 1655 V; 011-45-3323-9490, fax 011-45-3254-5010, https://www.citysafari.dk. “Wonderful bike tour of Copenhagen with intelligent, interesting guide, Steen Birkelund Pedersen. Offered May-September.” Rates: about $18-$40 per person.--Carol Newcomb, Los Angeles

ENGLAND

London: El Miño, 25 Sale Place, W2 1PU; 011-44-20-7402-7722. “The food--Spanish, Italian--is delicious, the portions ample. A find.” Open noon-3 p.m. and 6-11:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 6-11:30 p.m. Saturday. Cost: about $14 for fixed-price dinner.--Gladys Boehm, Los Angeles

St. Trudy: Polrode Mill Cottage, Allen Valley, St. Trudy, near Bodmin in Cornwall, PL30 3NS; 011-44-1208-850-203, https://www.cornwall-online.co.uk/polrode-mill. “B&B in a great location. Five guest rooms, all with private baths. Deborah Hilborne and David Edwards are wonderful hosts. He’s also a gourmet cook who will fix dinner if you reserve.” Rates: about $90-$112 double. Dinner: from $29 per person.--Roz Ritter, Pacific Palisades

West Looe: Little Harbour Guest House, Church Street, Cornwall, PL13 2EX; 011-44-1503-262-474. “In a fishing town, a cozy harbor-side bed-and-breakfast owned and operated by Dave and Gilly Sibley, among the friendliest people in southwest England. Full English breakfast, prepared by Gilly. Seven rooms, three with private bath.” Rates: about $50-$56 double.--Pete Kohl, Hemet

Wetherby: Broadley’s B&B, 39 North St., West Yorkshire, LS22 6NU; 011-44-1937-585-866. “Outstanding B&B with just two rooms, with private baths, in a quaint market town about 15 miles from York. Friendly, delightful husband-and-wife owners.” Rate: about $72 double.--Alex and Helen Bender, Sylmar

FIJI

Lautoka: Blue Lagoon Cruises Fiji, 183 Vitogo Parade, P.O. Box 130, Fiji Islands; 011-679-663-938, fax 011-679-664-098, https://www.bluelagooncruises.com. “Three-, four- and seven-day cruises that I cannot recommend enough. The hospitality was the finest, and the manners and warmth of the crew were splendid. Our seven-day sailing put in at a different bay or lagoon every morning and night.” Rates: about $344-$1,212 per person double.--Phyllis Akerberg, Pasadena

FRANCE

Aix-en-Provence: Café Central, 11 Rue Granet; 011-33-4-4221-1000. “Small, wonderful neighborhood restaurant. Breads, desserts made in house (try the fondant au chocolat). My lunch, with a quarter-liter of wine, was $16. Music at night.”--Reed Hanks, Oceanside

Capdenac: Hotel Auberge la Diège, St. Julien d’Empare, 12 700; 011-33-565-647-054, fax 011-33-565-808-158, https://www.diege.com. “Hotel in country outside Figeac run by lovely, welcoming family. First-class dining room. Most guests were French, but owners spoke excellent English.” Rates: Doubles start at about $40.--Pauline Craig, Irvine

Normandy: Guide, Oliver Warman, 011-33-233-397-487, fax 011-33-233-397-956, e-mail [email protected] (note different spelling). “Our 16-year-old son, Michael, was mesmerized during a private tour of Normandy invasion sights conducted by retired British army colonel. He took us to beaches, cemeteries, battlegrounds.” Rate: $290 per day for up to four people.--Bill Nelson, Lake Arrowhead

Paris: Nature Pressée, 25 Boulevard du Temple, 75003; 011-33-673-478-303, e-mail [email protected]. “A wonderful place to have lunch in Paris when you’re missing authentic Mexican questadillas, tortas and good tropical juices. Great service by charming proprietor. Nice location in Place de la République neighborhood.” Entrees from about $3, meals from about $7.--Val Norman and Carlo Ramirez, Los Angeles

Villeneuve-lès-Avignon: Aubertin restaurant, 1 Rue de l’Hôpital; 011-334-9025-9484. “Across Rhône River from Avignon. Compares favorably with many Michelin one-star restaurants in the south of France. Warm and inviting; light and inventive tastes of Provence in an intimate space. Deserves one Michelin star if not more.” Lunch, dinner Tuesday-Saturday, about $30-$40 without wine.--Myrna Friedman and Marti Haymaker, Los Angeles

FRENCH WEST INDIES

Lorient: Le Manoir de Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Barthélemy 97133; 011-590-277-927, fax 011-590-276575, https://www.lemanoir-st-barth.com. “Reconstructed 17th century Norman manor, plus cottages, in secluded garden setting about 50 yards from the beach. Delicious traditional French breakfast.” Rates: about $59-$190.--Jim Hester, Sierra Madre

GERMANY

Berlin: Hotel Hansablick, Flotowstrasse 6, 10555; 011-49-30-390-4800, fax 011-49-30-392-6937, https://www.hotel-hansablick.de. “A delightful small hotel near the Tiergarten (zoo). Sits on the Spree River in a quiet residential neighborhood. Spacious rooms, gracious staff, special touches like original art on the walls and a cozy bar. Private parking lot. The buffet breakfast is outstanding.” Rates: about $86-$106 double.--Laurie Trainor, Los Angeles

Seesen: Montana-Hotel Rhüden, Am Zainer Berg 3, 38723, Harz; 011-49-5384-96960, fax 011-49-5384-969696, https://www.hotel-montana.de. “Near the Harz Mountains, a hotel belonging to a northern German chain. Nice, clean, moderately priced rooms.” Rates: $47 double; breakfast buffet $5.--Richard Beigel, Long Beach

Schonfeld: Krause pension and restaurant, Am Schloss Freie Scholle 4, D-01561; 011-4935-2488-1244, fax 011-4935-2488-1555. “A beautiful, modern pension 15 minutes from Dresden. We stumbled upon this treasure late at night coming from Berlin. Three single rooms, six double rooms, all with private shower and phone. Sumptuous breakfast.” Rates: about $30 single, $45 double.--Gretel Talarowski, Mission Viejo

GREECE

Sporades Tours: 13101 Laurinda Way, Santa Ana, CA 92705; (714) 744-9188, https://www.sporadestours.com. “We recently returned from a marvelous four-week tour of Greece. Much of the credit goes to our guide, Dick Caldwell, a retired classics professor who made the sites and artifacts come alive.” Rate: $3,500, not including air fare.--Harold and Richard Plon, Irvine

HUNGARY

Budapest: Burg Hotel, H-1014, Szentharomsag ter; 011-361-212-0269, fax 011-361-212-3970, https://www.burghotelbudapest.com. “A real find because of its location in the Castle District, right on the main square overlooking Matthias Church. New, small. Helpful staff speaks English.” Rate: about $100 per night, double, including breakfast.--Steve Lane, Irvine

ICELAND

Reykjavik: Flybus, Reykjavik Airport, 101; 011-354-562-1011, https://www.re.is. “The bus takes you from the airport to the downtown terminal and several hotels in the capital for about $10 one way. The taxi fare is about $100.”--Carol Hoagland, Palos Verdes Estates

INDIA

Jaipur: Jasvilas Hotel, C-9 Jasvilas, SJS Highway, Bani Park; 011-91-141-204-638, https://www.jasvilas.com. “Charming, intimate, clean. The five guest rooms are nicely furnished. Owners used to live in U.S., and bathrooms have comforts Americans usually expect. Outstanding Rajasthani breakfast and dinner served.” Rate: about $29 double.--Kanani Fong, Fullerton

IRELAND

Bunratty Village: The Courtyard, County Clare; 011-353-61-361-444, 011-353-61-364-498, https://www.bunrattycourtyard.com. “B&B with full Irish breakfast. About 15 minutes from Shannon airport; near Bunratty’s castle and Durty Nellie’s Pub, which serves terrific food.” Rates: about $28-$39 per person double, $33 per person single.--Dorothy Hoffman, El Segundo

Donegal Town: Stonecroft Bed & Breakfast, Drumcliff, County Donegal; 011-353-73-23468. “New stone house secluded at the end of a lane, a five-minute walk from Castle Donegal. Children welcome.” Rate: about $22 per person.--Dorothy Rozzi Belknap, San Diego

Dublin: Clarion Stephen’s Hall Hotel & Suites, 14/17 Lower Leeson St., 2; 011-353-1-638-1111, fax 011-353-1-638-1122, https://www.premgroup.com. “A real gem. Small, all-suite hotel, a stop on the airport bus route, centrally located near Stephen’s Green. Spacious suites with bedroom, living room, bath and kitchenette.” Rates: $151-$215 double.--Doug and Julie Disney, Rolling Hills Estates

ITALY

Florence: Buca dell’Orafo restaurant, 28r Volta de Girolami; 011-39-55-213-619. “You really have to look for this tiny restaurant near the Uffizi Gallery. I grew up in an Italian family, and this is the best food I have ever eaten. Fabulous homemade pasta; large portions.” Cost: about $23-$33 for three-course dinner, without wine. Closed Sunday, Monday.--Judi Hills, Valencia

Greve in Chianti: La Casa del Sole, 21 Via Dudda; 011-3905-5854-9085, fax 011-3905-5854-9080, https://www.lacasadelsole.it. “Idyllic B&B in Tuscan wine country between Florence and Siena. Beautiful rooms overlooking vineyard. Gracious hospitality. English spoken.” Rates: $74-$111 double.--Ernie and Gina Blanchette, Redondo Beach

Merone: Il Corazziere Ristorante Hotel, 17 Via Cesare Battisti, Lake Como, 21046; hotel 011-39-031-617-181, fax 011-39-031-617-217, restaurant 011-39-031-650-141. “Outstanding hotel minutes north of Milan. Knowledgeable, English-speaking staff. Restaurant offers regional cooking and an extensive wine cellar.” Rates: from about $80 double, including breakfast. Dinner from about $25 per person.--John and Betty Thompson, Yorba Linda

Rome: Residenza Farnese, 59 Via del Marcherone; 011-3906-6889-1388. “A 28-room boutique hotel two blocks from Ponte Sisto on Piazza Farnese. Staff speaks English and couldn’t be friendlier. Fair-size rooms, modern bath, above-average breakfast. For a 15th century remodeled villa two blocks from Tiber River, a bargain.” Rate: About $130 double.--Pat and Joseph Murphy, Orange

Sirmione: Hotel Florida, 91 Via Colombare, 25010; 011-39-030-919-018, fax 011-39-030-990-4254. “An excellent, moderately priced hotel on Lake Garda. The hospitality is outstanding, the food is good and the local wine is excellent. The location offers shops, restaurants and an attractive place to relax.” Rates: about $79 for two, with breakfast.--Paul H. Christensen, Rancho Palos Verdes

JAPAN

Tokyo: The book “Water Walks in the Suburbs of Tokyo” (Tokyo on Foot, 2000) by Sumiko Enbutsu and Mimi LeBourgeois; and the store Good Day Books, Ebisu 1-11-2-3F, Shibuya-ku, 150-0013; 011-813-5421-0957, fax 011-813-5421-0958. “‘Water Walks’ describes lovely excursions into the older and lesser-known part of Tokyo. The 14 walks range from one to four hours and include careful, easy-to-follow directions for those who can’t read Japanese. We found ‘Water Walks’ at Good Day Books, adjacent to the Ebisu train station. The store is a trove of English-language books about Japan--and about everything else, since it allows travelers to tradebooks.”--Joan Arias, Hermosa Beach

LAOS

Vientiane: Settha Palace Hotel, 6 Pang Kham St. (P.O. Box 1618), Lao PDR; 011-856-21-217-5812, fax 011-856-21-217-583, https://www.setthapalace.com. “Beautifully restored hotel with wonderful food and gracious hosts. Within walking distance of temples, Mekong River and wonderful shops. We wish we had had more time to enjoy the hotel’s gorgeous pool and garden.” Rates: from $120 double, with Internet specials starting at $88.--Erin and Tom Lamb, Los Angeles

MALAYSIA

Kota Kinabalu: Gayana Island EcoResort, Lot G-16, Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah, Jalan Tun Razak, 88000 Sabah; 011-60-88-245-158, fax 011-60-88-264-460, https://www.gayana-ecoresort.com. “Luxurious chalets on a small island off Borneo. Resort has a dive center and an ecology research center.” Rate: about $52 double, with breakfast.--Bill and Bev Webster, Bakersfield

MEXICO

San Miguel de Allende: Casa Viv, 3 Privada López Mateos, Colonia San Antonio, Guanajuato; 011-524-15-152-3012, https://www.casaviv.com. “Room for one or two people in a private home. Host is helpful but not intrusive. Private bath, patio. Sparkling clean, artfully decorated. Fifteen-minute walk to town’s central garden.” Rates: $35 single, $45 double, breakfast included.--Erica Goebel, Los Angeles

NEW ZEALAND

Bluff Hill: Cobden Garden Homestay, 1 Cobden Crescent, Napier; tel./fax 001-64-6834-2090, https://www.cobden.co.nz. “An old English colonial villa with beautiful gardens, elegant furnishings. Hosts are helpful and gracious.” Rate: about $48 double.--Maureen Zinger, Glendale

Fairlie: Westerlies Farmstay, RD 17; 011-643-685-8254, https://www.westerliesfarmstay.co.nz. “On South Island near Mt. Cook. Cattle ranch with wallaby, llama, elk. Lovely home, amazing cooking, mountain views.” Rates: about $37 per person, including evening drinks and dinner with wine. (Lodging-only options cost less.)--Andy Kerr, Laguna Woods

PANAMA

Colón: Sail Panama, 011-507-651-4488, https://www.geocities.com/sailpanama. “Private 40-foot yacht with American captain and first mate. Tours of Panama Canal, historic sites. Snorkeling, wind surfing, kayaking included, as are meals, snacks, cocktails. Hosts are friendly and experienced.” Rates: $1,150 per person for seven-night trip, $1,699 per person for 10-night trip.--Jan Walsh, Riverside

ROMANIA

Iasi: Hotel Unirea, 5 Piata Unirii, 6600; 011-40-32-142-110, fax 011-40-32-212-864, https://hotel-unirea.dntis.ro. “Modern high-rise hotel in Iasi, the cultural center of northeast Romania.Food is the best ever, with dinner $2.50-$4. Most helpful staff.” Rates: $18-$24 double, with breakfast.--Libby L. Baskin, Culver City

SCOTLAND

Broadford: Creelers Seafood Restaurant, Isle of Skye IV49 9AQ; 011-1471-822-281. “An unassuming-looking restaurant on an island in the Inner Hebrides, serving the best food we have had in two trips to Europe.” Entrees about $10-$19.--Shannon and Jim Clark, Mammoth Lakes

Colinton: Spylaw Bank House, 2 Spylaw Ave., Edinburgh EH13 OLR; 011-44-131-441-5022, https://www.spylawbank.freeserve.co.uk. “Fabulous B&B three miles outside Edinburgh. Beautiful Georgian house built around 1790 and filled with antiques. Chocolate and candy in well-appointed rooms. Warm and welcoming hosts.” Rates: about $72-$102 double.--Margaret and Ron Gow, Walnut

Edinburgh: Sandilands House, 25 Queensferry Road, EH4 3HB; 011-44-131-332-2057, fax 011-44-131-315-4476, https://www.guesthouse-sandilands.com. “Clean and charming. Near town center, with a bus stop across the street. The gentleman of the house, John Sandilands, has a wonderful sense of humor.” Rates: from about $100 double, including breakfast.--Kelly Wilson, Los Angeles

Strathkinness: Fossil House & Cottage, 12-14 Main St., St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9RU; tel./fax 011-44-1334-850-639, https://www.fossil-guest-house.co.uk. “The best B&B we have stayed in. About 21/2 miles from St. Andrews in 19th century farm buildings.” Rates: $64-$76 double.--Ken Gaskell, Thousand Oaks

SINGAPORE

Singapore: The Inn at Temple Street, 36 Temple St., 058581; 011-65-6221-5333, fax 011-65-6225-5391, https://www.theinn.com.sg. “A lovely boutique hotel in the heart of Chinatown that occupies five restored shops. Rooms are small but clean and well-furnished. Excellent all-night dim sum restaurant around corner. Close to Metro but still quiet.” Rates: from about $70 double, including breakfast.--Viji Shook, Inglewood

SOUTH AFRICA

Babanango: Babanango Valley Lodge, P.O. Box 10, 9850, Kwa-Zulu Natal; 011-27-35-835-0062, fax 011-27-82-320-4134, https://www.babanangovalley.com. “Lodge with swimming pool, reliable hot water, laundry service, excellent meals, afternoon tea--but no TV, no phones in the guest rooms. The owner-operators are Dr. John and Meryn Turner. John is an expert in local history and a certified tour guide. The lodge is in the heart of a nature reserve.” Rate: $80 per person per day, with dinner and breakfast.--Jerome Sigler, Los Angeles

SPAIN

Spanish Steps Adventure Walking Tours: Box 8653, Aspen, CO 81612; (877) 787-9255, https://www.spanishsteps.com. “Wonderful two-week hiking-and-van tour of the Camino de Santiago, from the village of Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela. We hiked more than 100 miles of the more than 450-mile route. Guide Judy Colaneri was very organized and had a great personality. First-class lodging, excellent food.” Cost: $2,899 per person, plus air fare.--Bob Lennan, Cambria

Lekeitio: Emperatriz Zita Hotel, Sta. Elena Etorbidea, Vizcaya 48280; 011-34-94-684-2655, fax 011-34-94-624-3500. “Great hotel with spa that faces the harbor and beach in a scenic, tiny village.” Rates: about $50-$80 double, including spa.--Stephanie and Francisco Brito, Hawthorne

THAILAND

Bangkok: Trinity City Hotel, 425/15 Silom Road, Soi 5; 011-662- 231-5050, fax 011-662-231-5417. “A two-minute walk from Skytrain station and a few minutes away from the heart of Silom area. Large, clean, comfortable rooms; access to health club and large pool. Great breakfast included.” Rate: about $25 double.--James Fuhrman, West Hollywood

TURKEY

Selcuk: Hotel Mazar, Sehit Metin Tavaslioglu Cad., 2019 Sok No. 14, Izmir; 011-90-232-892-2222, fax 011-90-232-892-0016, e-mail [email protected]. “Clean, comfortable and very affordable family-run hotel with private baths and rooftop terrace restaurant. Convenient to ancient Roman ruins at Ephesus. Helpful hosts.” Rates: about $9-$16 double.--Kimberley Weiler, La Crescenta

TURKS AND CAICOS

Providenciales: Caribbean Paradise Inn, Grace Bay, P.O. Box 673, British West Indies; (649) 946-5020, fax (649) 946-5022, https://www.paradise.tc. “Small and family-owned, with a charm I didn’t see at larger hotels and resorts on the island. Each room has a balcony or patio and is landscaped with flowering shrubs for privacy. Rooms are clean and spacious. Expanded continental breakfast served poolside by friendly staff.” Doubles $139-$159 in winter, slightly less in off-season.--Jennifer Wells, Santa Barbara