This 18-room hotel has a serene, cozy vibe and a great location within walking distance of the beach in the so-called Maldives of Salento. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the sea or small, outdoor courtyards, but the Family Rooms are on the small side for four people. A delicious breakfast with pastries is included in the room rate, with a flexible half-board option for guests who want to try the restaurant’s fresh, regional cuisine that is served for dinner.

Any anxiety during the dingy elevator ride up to this authentic NYC guesthouse will likely dissipate once guests arrive to the bright and cheerful surroundings. With only 17 rooms outfitted in contemporary decor, this hotel takes up three floors of a Midtown high-rise that looks onto the Empire State Building from the rear. Owned by a Hungarian/Egyptian couple, the place exudes a cool international vibe, and therefore attracts low-maintenance couples of all ages who can handle the shared bathroom situation (two on each floor), one of the features that keeps this spot a budget-friendly hidden gem. Along with fully-equipped kitchens, private food storage areas, and free Wi-Fi, this hostel-like property offers a convenient location.