Comfort in Detroit's Corktown
Detroit – One of the city's most historic districts is now home to Honor and Folly, a tiny inn that charms guests with its homey vibe, cool location and no-nonsense hospitality approach. Two bedrooms sit above a popular restaurant in hip Corktown (a 15-minute walk from downtown) and guests have access to a dining room, fully stocked kitchen and washer and dryer. Owner Meghan McEwen, a design savvy former magazine editor, has made the apartment cozy with furniture, crockery, knick-knacks and linens made by artisans from Detroit and the Midwest (most of the wares are also for sale). There's no room or concierge service, but you will get access to vintage bikes and McEwen's little black book of places to eat, shop and drink in the neighbourhood. honorandfolly.com
Urban chic for the Taipei traveller
Taipei – Amba, a new urban chic hotel brand developed by Ambassador Hotel Group, makes its debut in Taiwan's capital city. Geared to travellers who favour contemporary accommodation and eco-friendly minimalism, Amba Taipei Ximending has 162 sleek rooms featuring recycled plywood floors, side tables made from tin drums, and bathrooms outfitted with organic cotton towels, soaps made with local ginger, and flip-flops guests can keep. Stay in touch using in-suite Internet TVs with built-in Skype, or in the lobby café where complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is on offer. www.ambahotel.com
Home for the Olympics in London
London – If you're looking for a place to crash during this summer's Olympic Games, but can't stomach pricey hotel bills and tourist-clogged neighbourhoods, consider taking over a local's home through OneFineStay. The rental agency's collection of properties has recently mushroomed to include new additions like Barlby Road, a spacious West London period home. A comprehensive online catalogue lets you pick an abode based on style, budget, location and the homeowner's background (Barlby Road's Parisian owners, for instance, are a food stylist and an interior photographer). Added amenities available at all OneFineStay rentals include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour help-line, and the use of an iPhone loaded with local tips and videos recorded by the home's owner. onefinestay.com
Star architect, savoury pizza
San Francisco – If you're planning a day of hiking in the redwood groves of Mount Tamalpais State Park, ditch the power bar and grab a slice of sustenance at TamalPie Pizza. The new restaurant, located about 15 minutes north of Golden Gate Bridge in Mill Valley, is a modern pizza joint designed by architect Cass Calder Smith, a rising star in California. Casual table, counter and outdoor picnic bench seating is accented by such fun design touches as a chandelier made from empty wine bottles, bicycle themed artwork and a shuffle board game. The menu features Neapolitan-style pizzas made using local ingredients and named after trailheads, like Laurel Dell (mozzarella, house-made sausage, roasted onions, braised greens) and Blithedale Canyon (potato, mozzarella, bacon, pesto). tamalpiepizza.com