Latest Articles on Decor and Design

The Quirkiest Hotels and Hostels in London

Wizard schools, flying nannies, Engelbert Humperdinck — it’s a fact that no one does “quirky” quite like the British. And that hallmark quirk comes out to play in some of London’s trendiest hotels. Properties in this cosmopolitan capital like to tweak their presentation a little, or a lot, with design-conscious flourishes that throw aside buttoned-up…

8 Hotels That Look Like They Belong in the Future

Vacations are all about seeing a new place, right? But what if you could also experience a new era? While we love historic hotels with old-timey charm, we’re also partial to those that transport us to the future. From properties with intergalactic, pod-like bedrooms to hotels with robot helpers, these Jetsons-worthy accommodations offer a glimpse…

6 Record-Breaking Bridges You Can Visit Around the World

Merriam-Webster describes the bridge quite simply: ”a structure carrying a pathway or roadway over a depression or obstacle.” While its most basic form can be as simple as a plank of wood over a ditch, the bridge has evolved over millennia to become an incredible feat of engineering. The ancient Romans were the first true…

The World’s Highest Bridge Opens in China

The bridge under construction. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/HighestBridges If you feel uneasy driving over bridges, you might want to steer clear of China, which opened the world’s highest bridge last week. Rising a staggering 1,854 feet above the Beipan River in the mountainous Guizhou province, the Beipanjiang Bridge has claimed the title from another Chinese…

Tour the Holiday Window Displays on New York City’s Fifth Avenue

Call us cliché, but New York City is one of the most magical places to spend the holidays. There’s the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink and famed Christmas tree, pop-up holiday market in Union Square, trees that are dripping in twinkling lights, and of course, the spectacular Fifth Avenue holiday window displays. The catch? With…

8 Amazingly Quirky Budget-Friendly Hotel Chains

The words hotel chain might conjure images of lackluster decor, outdated carpeting, and unpalatable, uninspired food. And while many budget chain properties undoubtedly fall under that umbrella, others are quirky and cool, with hip amenities, affordable prices, and chic details that are worthy of a spot on your Instagram feed. Ahead, we bring you eight…

Creepy Abandoned Hotels Across the U.S.

Courtesy of Lecates via Flickr When business slows and the game is up for struggling hotels, sometimes there’s nothing for the owners to do but leave everything as is and shut the whole mess down. From ill-advised, Gold Rush-era expansion to miscalculating the willingness of travelers to pay for luxury in the middle of nowhere,…

Barcelona vs. Madrid: Which Is Better for You?

Plaza Mayor in Madrid; image courtesy of Kyle Valenta. Urban rivalries are no new thing — just ask residents of New York City and Los Angeles in case you’re curious. Throughout our travels, we’ve learned that the desire to prove your city’s superiority isn’t strictly an American thing, either. While we at Oyster.com love both…

The Most Charming Hotels in Paris

Looking for a cozy, romantic place to call home during your next City of Light sojourn? During our travels to the French capital, we’ve seen all types of accommodations. But we’ve come to truly love the ones that feel snug and sweet — with just enough Parisian flair for a chic touch, too. Here are…