Where to Find the Best Teas in the World

Coffee is America’s caffeinated drink of choice.

But globally, more people actually prefer sipping on a cup of tea. Since the days of the Silk Road, tea has been a hugely important global product.

It’s driven colonial conquests, interest in new trade routes, and even spurred on revolutions. (Seriously, it’s an impactful little leaf.)

Uniquely, there seems to be an informal divide.

In the Americas, we drink more coffee. The same is true throughout most of Europe. But when it comes to Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, the focus is on tea. (There’s not as much data available for Africa, but it looks to lean more toward tea.)

Interestingly, you can mark this divide by the word we use for tea.

If it’s called tea, té, or something similar, then locals probably drink more coffee. But if it’s called chai, chá, or a similar variation, locals probably prefer drinking tea. (Weird, I know.)

But where you can find the tastiest teas in the world?

As it happens, the best cups of tea on offer come in many colors and styles from almost every continent. Let’s count down the top teas in the world according to uniqueness, flavor, and legacy. (Note: these metrics are not based on total amount of tea drank per year—sorry, UK and Russia!)

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash (Match tea)

Japan

Type of tea: Green tea

Where to try it: Japan has an ancient tea culture, so I suggest enjoying a cup in a traditional tea ceremony or someplace with a garden view

What makes this tea special in Japan? You’ve got tons of variety when it comes to Japanese green teas. The most famous is probably matcha, which is simply a powdered from of green tea. (That’s really the only difference.)

But you can find tons of other varieties, including green teas like gyokuro, sencha, and bancha. Kombucha is also another famous Japanese tea, which is made from black tea that’s fermented with yeast, making it slightly effervescent. (It’s not for beginner tea drinkers.)

India

Type of tea: Black tea

Where to try it: Darjeeling or another Himalayan hill station

What makes this tea special in India? Masala chai is one of the world’s most famous drinks. This is a spiced variation of black tea, which you can get throughout the country.

I suggest trying out chai masala if you’re near the Himalayan foothills in India’s northeast. This is where most of its black tea leaves are grown and dried, giving you direct access to the world’s freshest leaves.

Ever wondered what’s inside chai masala? This drink includes spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, pepper, anise, nutmeg, and fennel. Yummmmmm.

Photo by Komarov Egor on Unsplash (Yerba mate)

Argentina

Type of tea: Yerba mate

Where to try it: Buenos Aires

What makes this tea special in Argentina? News flash: any little herb can be steeped like tea as long as you have hot water. Enter the world of yerba mate, a plant related to holly that’s local to Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

If you’ve ever seen someone walking around with a rounded cup and a metal straw (pictured above), it’s probably yerba mate. This unique and caffeinated drink is bitter, earthy, and slightly astringent.

It might not be great for beginner tea drinkers… but it’s better than starting off with kombucha!

Photo by Na visky on Unsplash (Green tea)

China

Type of tea: Green tea

Where to try it: Hangzhou

What makes this tea special in China? Like Japan, China loves its green tea. Longjing (Dragon Well) is its most famous variety. Longjing is known for being a bit difficult to grow while having a distinctly light and delicate flavor.

It comes from a small area near the Longjing village and is grown, picked, and pan-roasted by hand. It was once the imperial tea of the Qing Dynasty, which means it’s been a favorite for centuries.

Photo by Massimo Adami on Unsplash (Mint tea)

Morocco

Type of tea: Mint tea

Where to try it: Marrakech

What makes this tea special in Morocco? Moroccan tea is an ancient art. In fact, the mint tea referenced here might even have its origins as far back as the time of the Phoenician Empire.

While Morocco’s most famous tea is often labeled as green tea, it’s created by combining fresh spearmint with tea leaves—which means it’s got plenty of caffeine. (Sugar, too. Moroccans have a sweet tooth.)

Photo by Takenori Okada on Unsplash (Black tea)

Turkey

Type of tea: Black tea

Where to try it: Istanbul or the Rize Province (on the Black Sea)

What makes this tea special in Turkey? Like its coffee, Turkish tea is known for being dark and strong. Similar to Moroccan tea, it’s usually offered to guests as an important gesture of hospitality.

However, tea wasn’t grown in Turkey until the 1800s when British troops introduced it—which makes it the ‘youngest’ tea tradition on this list by a long shot. Still, I think it’s worth tasting near the source.

Photo by Igor Miske on Unsplash (Black tea)

Kenya

Type of tea: Black tea

Where to try it: Kisii Hills or Nairobi

What makes this tea special in Kenya? Tea is one of Kenya’s primary exports—and they do it well. In fact, Kenya’s Ajiri Kenyan Black Tea recently won the title for ‘Best Black Tea’ at the recent World Expo. It’s known for its strong aroma and fruity flavor profiles, especially orange pekoe.

Photo by An Nguyen on Unsplash (Oolong tea)

Taiwan

Type of tea: Oolong

Where to try it: Anywhere on the island

What makes this tea special in Taiwan? Though oolong is actually a Chinese tea, it’s grown throughout Southeast Asia. Taiwan’s oolong varieties are notably famous, including its Ding Dong Oolong Tea.

If you’re unfamiliar with oolong, it’s somewhere between black and green tea in terms of flavor and robustness. Usually, oolongs have a stronger fruit and/or floral element.

Which US Cities Have the Best Breweries?

The US’s national alcoholic beverage of choice is beer.

Though Americans don’t drink nearly as much as the world’s capital of beer-drinking, Czechia, we aren’t too far behind. We’re lingering somewhere close to 20^th place in terms of per capita beer consumption.

But we’re second only to China in terms of total beer production.

While most of our beer manufacturing comes from giants like MillerCoors, Anheuser-Busch, and Pabst, the US is also home to thousands of mid-sized and micro-breweries.

Interestingly enough, the bulk of the craft beer action doesn’t take place in major cities. The vast majority of the US’s beer and brewery-loving cities have populations under one million. (Aside from you, San Diego.)

That’s right—New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, and even Houston don’t compare. Chicago comes closer in terms of per capita craft brews but still doesn’t hold a candle to smaller cities.

Can you name the US cities with the best breweries?

Let’s take a closer look at the top beer-drinking cities in the US. My metrics are the number of independent breweries compared to the total population, the average ratings and reviews of these breweries, and the total cost of beer.

San Diego

Let’s get this shocker out of the way first: it wouldn’t be insane to say that San Diego is the US’s beer capital. At least, in terms of hard numbers.

As of 2024, there are around 150 independent breweries serving a population of just under 1.5 million. That makes San Diego the largest city on this list, allocating about 6.5 breweries per resident.

So what’s behind all the craft beer drinking?

One reason local brewery culture is thriving is thanks to the San Diego Brewers Guild, which serves as a resource and North Star for new breweries. That makes it easier for newcomers to join the indy brewing zeitgeist—which is a positive indicator that San Diego’s love of craft beer will only grow and diversify.

Pittsburgh

Sure, San Diego might have the numbers and infrastructure to support its trending breweries—but Pittsburgh has been highly ranked thanks to its almost cult beer culture.

You can find local breweries that cover just about every angle of beer-making, from IPA pushers to hop-forward hobbyists who do their thing from home.

But Pittsburgh also loves the classical elements of beer-drinking culture. In the city, you can find plenty in the way of Oktoberfest-inspired beer halls, bars where small-scale brewers can showcase their new flavors, and hole-in-the-wall dive bars that sell local beers and brand names alike.

In other words, it’s the Everyman’s beer capital.

Portland (OR)

Similar to San Diego, Portland’s brewery culture shines when it comes to the data. The city leads the US in the total number of breweries per resident, with a total of nearly 13 independent breweries per 100,000 Portlandites.

If you’ve spent time in Portland, you’re probably not surprised by this.

Locals are renowned around the country for their independent and alternative forms of living. Independent businesses of all stripes thrive in the city—which makes it no surprise that indy breweries also do well.

In fact, many people consider Portland to be the birthplace of the craft beer movement, at least in the US. There are dozens of breweries in its metropolitan area, including well-known craft brands like Widmer and Deschutes.

St. Louis

St. Louis’s love for beer runs deep. This is the home of Anheuser-Busch, one of the world’s largest beer companies. As a St. Louis native, I can tell you—they’re active around the city.

Throwing back beers is a national pastime, but with all the Busch infrastructure in place, there’s even more interest in beer. Toss in an independent spirit akin to that in Pittsburgh and you’re now in craft brewery territory.

St. Louis is home to a total of 23 breweries—which offer a staggering total of 127 beers per brewery. In other words, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck boozing in St. Louis and have plenty of options to choose from.

Asheville

Like St. Louis, Asheville’s breweries offer a diverse range of choices.

You can choose from almost 120 different craft beers around the city. That’s the key word here: craft. Compared to other cities on this list, Asheville has tons of small brewery startups.

Though they don’t yet have the reach of Portland breweries, for example, that might change soon. It’s home to more than a few experimental new projects, which are helping generate interest in its breweries.

More interest = more beers sold = more funding for new breweries. You get it.

The Azores: 6 Reasons to Visit This Portuguese Gem

Ever heard of the Azores?

This archipelago is one of two distant Portuguese autonomous regions, along with Madeira. (If you follow international soccer, you might know Madeira as the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo.)

The Azores is located almost smack in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean—around 900 miles west of Africa and 1,200 miles from Canada. Along with Madeira, it’s widely regarded as one of the best-kept secrets in terms of Portuguese tourism.

That’s because the Azores aren’t quite like other European destinations. And it’s not hard to see why. From its mist-covered mountains to its ancient underground temples, it’s a world unto its own.

If you’ve been considering a trip to Portugal, here are the top six reasons you should consider the Azores instead.

Nine vacations on nine islands

The Azores is made up of nine islands, along with a few tiny islets. These are divided into three groups based on geographic location:

The western islands of Corvo and Flores; the central islands of Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Faial, and Pico; the eastern islands of Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, and the Formigas Islets. Every island has its own distinct identity, which means you can island-hop from one unique spot to another.

In general, the remote western islands of Corvo and Flores are known for their rugged natural beauty and massive waterfalls. On the eastern side, by contrast, the islands of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria are more densely populated and known for their nightlife.

In the middle, you’ll find the best of both worlds, combining the magic of remote vacationing with popular tourist amenities.

Slow tourism

Sure, Sao Miguel has a pretty solid nightlife scene. However, one of the first things you’ll notice when you visit is the slow pace of life.

Though the islands are home to tourist infrastructure, it’s decidedly different than what you’ll find in European regions—especially mainland Portugal.

No hordes of rushing tourists, no waiting hours to snap a photo of a landmark. Just the slow type of island-living that you’ll find in places like the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Natural beauty (that you haven’t seen before)

I’ve already mentioned the beauty of the Azores a few times—but it’s really worth pointing out that these islands aren’t like other destinations. Because the islands are remote and volcanic, there’s a lot of unique flora. And by unique flora, I mean Jurassic Park-vibes plants.

Think: the vertical and green faces of Norwegian fjords combined with the steep and sleepy inclines of the Himalayan foothills. (More on this below.)

Hiking is a popular way to enjoy the various scenery of the Azores’ nine islands. You’ll find dozens of emerald lakes hidden in valleys, along with waterfalls that thread through the lush plant life. If you want to really delve into nature, head to the western islands of Corvo and Flores.

But even if you stay on the main track in Sao Miguel, you’ll have dozens of options for hiking trails. Just make sure to pack for a few rain showers.

Great wine, better tea

Speaking of the Himalayan foothills, if you know anything about cities like Darjeeling and regions like India’s Sikkim, then you know that these misted hills are the preferred climate for growing an ever-important herb: tea.

Across the islands, you’ll find tea plantations that grow a wide range of green and black variations. Sao Miguel, in particular, is covered in tea plantations that thrive in its elevated and damp climate.

But Corvo, on the far side of the archipelago, is blanketed with vineyards instead. Remember: nine islands, nine different worlds. Just like the Azores has a microclimate perfect for teas, the same is true for certain grape strains.

That means you’ll be treated to delicious wines and teas during your stay. While much of the local produce is exported, there are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants that offer Azorean teas and wines.

Heritage & history

Remember those buried tombs I mentioned up top? Fun fact: they’re known to archaeologists as hypogea.

Over the last few decades, archaeologists have uncovered buried ruins and temples across the Azores. Recent research indicates that these hypogea were likely left behind by Scandinavian visitors.

But these early settlers were long gone when the Portuguese showed up in the early 1400s. Over the next few centuries, the Azores became a hotspot for Flemish refugees, English raiders, Spanish mercenaries, the allied forces of WWII, and dozens more groups.

During these tumultuous periods, the Azores faced issues like overpopulation, capital-destroying earthquakes, and mass emigration. In other words, there’s a deceptively large amount of history to wade through, if you like that type of thing.

The best way to delve into the Azores’ long and complex history is to take a cultural tour. Most available for the islands focus on outdoor adventuring, but some also offer short historical and cultural bylines.

Mild climate & outdoor adventures

The Azores don’t experience frigid winters or white-hot summers. In fact, it’s known for its temperate climate. Though you’ll face chilly breezes and more than a few rain showers, you don’t need to worry about hurricanes, snowstorms, or temperatures rising above 85 degrees.

Again, I can’t guarantee that your hikes won’t be under cloudy skies—but I can guarantee that you won’t face inclement weather that prevents you from experiencing the islands.

And speaking of experiencing the islands…

You can explore them with outdoor activities that cover a diverse range. Hiking is the most popular, but you can also find kayaking tours, swimming and boating on lakes, scuba diving, volcano tours, spelunking tours, and more.

But, most famously, you’ll see whale-watching tours offered by companies across the islands. Take advantage, as it’s one of the world’s most popular whale-watching spots.

Costa Rica vs Panama: Key Differences

Costa Rica and Panama are two up-and-coming vacation destinations for American travelers.

To be fair, Costa Rica has been on the radar for nature lovers for decades. But its remote resorts and pricey eco-tourism retreats have only recently gone mainstream. In other words, you don’t need to drain your bank account to enjoy all the country has to offer.

Panama, by contrast, is usually associated with its important canal and bustling capital city. Because of this, it’s not as closely tied to nature-driven tourism like Costa Rica.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t jungles, mountains, and beaches galore in Panama.

In fact, there’s quite a bit of nuance at play in both of these countries. Though they’re more similar than not, there are a few key differences that travelers should keep in mind.

Heading to Central America and want to learn more about the key differences in Costa Rica vs Panama? Let’s dive in.

Panama City has better urban vibes

Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose is an urban metropolis of around 335,000 people—but it’s much smaller in scale and impact than Panama City, home to around 2.5 million.

In fact, Panama City is one of the most advanced and exciting cities to visit in Central America, on par culturally with Mexican hotspots like Oaxaca City and Morelia.

Most visitors spend a few days exploring Panama City when they land. I recommend zeroing in on the museums.

The city is home to a handful of highly innovative and memorable exhibits, including those at the Panama Canal Museun, the Museo de la Mola, and the BioMuseo. You can learn more about the construction of the canal, textile arts, and the country’s beautiful ecology at these locations.

Costa Rica leads in eco-tourism

Panama City is great for those who like a little city-slicking on their vacation.

But the city doesn’t hold a candle to the natural wonders in Costa Rica.

While Panama is home to beaches, mountains, jungles, and volcanoes that are worth visiting (more on these below), the countries have taken vastly different approaches to preserving nature.

Most of Panama’s eco-initiatives are new and unproven. By contrast, around 30% of all Costa Rica’s landmass is protected as part of a reserve. It’s home to stretches of primary jungle—some of the last in the world—and its eco-tourism initiatives are actively involved in this type of preservation.

Back in 1986, the government of Costa Rica adopted a long-term plan to not only prevent deforestation but to actively restore forests. By 2011, these initiatives had helped restore forest cover in the country by more than 50%—more than double from 1986.

That means that travelers in Costa Rica can easily book hotels, resorts, and other lodgings that are integrated into the environment. They’re sustainably operated and designed to introduce tourists to local jungles without causing undue stress on the plant life or wildlife.

Costa Rica offers more adventure tourism

Costa Rica’s emphasis on eco-tourism has led to a unique range of adventure tourism.

In fact, it was one of the first countries to add zip-lining and bungee-jumping to its roster of tourist activities. You can do either in dozens of spots around Costa Rica, from its Caribbean beaches to its central mountains.

Plus, you’ll also notice water adventures like like white water rafting, surfing, and even diving with whale sharks—if that’s your thing, of course.

In general, this is because Costa Rica has more infrastructure for tourists. They’ve been coming in droves for longer than in Panama. That means more adventures to choose from—and dozens of companies are ready to help you select a favorite.

In Panama, by contrast, these experiences are a bit harder to come by. You can find jungle treks, canopy tours, and even rock climbing—but you’ll be traveling cross-country to do so.

Panama offers rustic island experiences

If there’s one thing that Panama has more of, it’s remote islands.

Bocas del Toro, for example, is a famous archipelago located on the Caribbean coast. This area is known for being a sleepy and semi-hidden tropical gem.

(When I was there ten years ago, I met a driftwood sculptor who taught me the secret of the universe. I think that paints a pretty good picture of the types who end up in these sleepy villages.)

In general, you’ll notice there are fewer resorts in Panama versus in Costa Rica. Though this is changing rapidly, Panama still has a few outposts that backpackers like to whisper about. Though I haven’t been to Panama in over a decade, I distinctly remember this rustic beach vibe on its coasts.

On offer in both: indigenous culture & great coffee

There are two experiences that you can find in either Costa Rica or Panama: the chance to learn about indigenous life and drink delicious coffee.

As mentioned above, Panama City is home to the Museu de la Mola, which showcases indigenous textile art from the Guna people. It’s far from the only way to get to know Panama’s original inhabitants, too.

During my time at university in Costa Rica, I visited the BriBri tribe in Guanacaste, where we learned about cosmology and cacao. You can easily set up trips to meet with local tribes, which have created small programs and activities for outsiders. (Pro tip: bring a small souvenir from home to share.)

In terms of coffee, you’ll also find world-class cups of joe just about anywhere you wander. Seriously, whether at a coffee plantation, five-star hotel, or bus stop, you’re going to be treated to some seriously delectable coffee.

FAQs

Which currencies do you need for each country?

In Costa Rica, locals use the colón currency. In Panama, it’s the balboa. However, you can use US dollars at most resorts and larger establishments in either country. I recommend keeping both currencies on you.

Is Costa Rica vs Panama safe for visitors?

Yes, Costa Rica and Panama are considered safe for visitors. However, it’s also recommended that you be careful when traveling in either country. The more urban the area, the more visitors are advised to be on their guard. The same for walking around at night. However, most resorts have security teams that guard the grounds.

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica vs Panama?

The best time to visit Costa Rica and Panama in terms of weather is during the dry season from December to April. You will face the lowest number of rainy days, while also escaping the cold weather in the northern hemisphere.

The best time to visit Costa Rica and Panama in terms of budget travel is during the rainy season, from May through November. Because you might face inclement rain showers, most hotels and tours are offered at a cheaper price. I spent a good amount of time in Costa Rica during the rainy season; most showers were intense, but let up quickly.

Budget-Friendly Boutique Hotels: 10 of the US’s Most Affordable Stays

Boutique hotels are all the rage today—and why not?

Along with all the amenities of the average hotel stay, boutique brands offer style, flare, and the unexpected.

But they’re rarely affordable.

The newer and more innovative the brand, the higher its prices climb. The same for well-established design hotels.

Fortunately for you, I’ve done the dirty work to uncover some of the US’s coolest boutique hotels—that won’t break the bank. All options below have a near-perfect rating from previous guests and will cost no more than $300 a night.

Time to feel like a prince, my little pauper.

Graduate Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Funky and fresh is a great way to describe this Chapel Hill hotel.

Think: blue ceilings, expressive wallpaper, and bright accents.

From its rooms to its communal areas, there’s a cozy and deeply charming feel to this hotel. There are also plush and branded basketballs for those who are in town to watch some college ball.

*Keep in mind that you won’t find rates under $300 at The Graduate during high season.

Book here.

The Cottages Hotel

Melo Park, California

The Cottages is a modern and yet charming stay—a great option for anyone who wants to explore nearby San Diego. There’s also a fantastic pool area with loungers and umbrellas. It’s bordered by ivy on one side, providing a cozy and private feel.

The exterior is a little dated, but don’t judge this book by its cover.

Book here.

Grandview Gardens

West Palm Beach, Florida

Finding deals in West Palm Beach isn’t easy—and you’ll definitely make a few trade-offs staying at the Grandview Gardens.

But let me sell you on its promising amenities: its large pool and bougainvillea garden. The vines climb over the two-story balconies, creating a really magical atmosphere, especially when the pink flowers are in full bloom.

Book here.

Enzian Inn

Leavenworth, Washington

From the outside looking in, the Enzian looks like its straight out of a Bavarian fairytale.

The hotel’s interior also reflects that wood-centric and winter lodge feel. The wooden accents are perfectly worn, and the white sheets are perfectly crisp. Even the cinema and game room are Alpine themed.

*The rooms run a tad bit over $300, but given the luxury feel of the Enzian Inn, it’s still worth a shout-out.

Book here.

Volcano Village

Hawaii

I’ve done the impossible in finding you an affordable stay on Hawaii’s main island.

Volcano Village, similar to the Hollander Hotel (below), isn’t the cutest stay on this list. The design is a bit busy for me. But I will say it blends seamlessly into the stunning gardens that fill the grounds.

From its sitting areas to the lush greenery all around, it’s a really beautiful choice. I also love the stained glass window features.

Book here.

Hollander Hotel

St. Petersburg Florida

This hotel doesn’t have the highest design on the list. (You’ll know you’re in Florida.)

That being said, the communal area beach area has style and flare, while the outdoor bar lounge looks like the perfect place to meet other guests.

My favorite part? The salon and sitting area are over-the-top gaudy, offering you a slightly elevated boutique stay in the heart of Spring Breakers country.

Book here.

Chamberlain Inn

Cody, Wyoming

This adorable and historical hotel is located right in the heart of downtown Cody, a tiny spot around 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park.

The rooms aren’t particularly stunning, but the shared spaces are beautiful. The dining area has a glass ceiling and opens into the grassy backyard, a place where guests regularly gather.

I’m all about that functional outdoor space, which makes this a great choice for others like me.

*Avoid the high season, as rooms will go for exorbitant prices and wouldn’t be worth the stay.

Book here.

Princess Anne Hotel

Asheville, North Carolina

There’s a historical vibe at the Princess Anne Hotel—and I’m all about it.

From the restored wooden floors to the stone fireplace in the sitting room, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a period novel. Best of all, the hotel has modern amenities and updates, like room service and glass showers.

Book here.

La Reserve Bed & Breakfast

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Speaking of historical vibes, La Reserve is tucked into one of Philadelphia’s most storied downtown streets.

Because the hotel is part of an old brownstone, it’s not the largest on this list. Also, some rooms still have carpet.

But the charm is all the way turned up at La Reserve, from its location to its décor. Just make sure to specify which room you’d like to book; some are cuter than others.

Book here.

Sparrows Lodge

Palm Springs, California

You won’t be short on cheeky boutique hotels and Airbnbs in Palm Springs—but you might be strapped to find an affordable location.

That’s not the case at the Sparrows Lodge. Not only does it have a large pool with plenty of loungers and palm trees, but sitting and dining areas are also top-notch.

The rooms are also to die for, decked out in a bohemian surfer vibe that somehow feels tasteful. In other words, I’ve saved the best for last.

Book here.

Sports Travel Trends: 3 Hotels with Stadium Views

Around the world, hundreds of thousands of avid sports fans regularly hit the road to follow their favorite team.

Depending on the sport and region, you might know them as superfans, ultras, fanatics—the list goes on.

They pile onto busses before filing into hotels, prepared to shmooze with fellow fanatics before cheering on their team. Across the world, you’ll find these superfans wherever you find professional sports.

Traditionally, they’ve stuck to chain hotels located nearby stadiums. But there’s a new trend on the horizon in the world of sports travel: stadium-hotels.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar introduced the world to this novel idea.

Prior to kick-off, the country launched a massive advertising campaign. One of its more unique offerings was the chance to stay inside Al Bayt Stadium… in a four-star hotel with rooms overlooking the field.

Though the prices were too exorbitant for the average football fan, many liked the idea. Fans could theoretically roll out of bed and start watching live football—all while still dressed in their robes and brushing their teeth.

But Qatar’s Al-Bayt Stadium wasn’t actually the first hotel-stadium to sell out its rooms.

Want to learn more about the wild world of hotels with stadium views? There are three examples you should know about. Though they’re all located in Europe, the idea could soon take off in American stadiums and arenas.

Allianz Arena & Marriott Courtyard

Home of Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)

Munich, Germany

By far the most well-known hotel-stadium partnership comes from Bayern Munich’s partnership with Marriott.

The partnership was originally announced in 2018, sparking plenty of conversation in the world of sports-based tourism.

In case you don’t know, Bayern Munich is the best team in Germany’s domestic soccer league, called the Bundesliga. (By a long shot—they don’t have draft systems and salary caps to mitigate parity like we do in North America.)

Given their dominance, Bayern is one of the wealthiest soccer teams in the world. If you get the hankering to catch the team live (I’d highly suggest trying to nab tickets while in Munich), then consider booking a stay at the Marriott.

It’s pricier than Marriott’s other locations, but you won’t forget your stay anytime soon.

Holiday Inn & Carrow Road

Home of Norwich City Football Club (EFL Championship)

Norwich, UK

Norwich City (which competes in England’s third-tier of domestic soccer) has its own modern hotel attached to Carrow Road. Don’t let the name throw you – Carrow Road is the name of the stadium.

And it’s quite a bit larger than the Marriott project in Allianz Arena with a total of 150 rooms.

Not all views from the hotel are great, so make sure that you book one with a view if you end up watching soccer in Norwich. But you won’t feel out of the loop, regardless.

The Holiday Inn includes a themed lounge that’s geared toward fan meetups, both formal and informal.

Bolton Stadium Hotel & Toughsheet Community Stadium

Home of Bolton Wanderers (EFL League One)

Bolton, UK

Bolton is located a stone’s throw from Manchester, which makes this stadium slightly more accessible than Carrow Road’s.

The Bolton Stadium is different than the other two locations on this list for another reason, too. You might be able to tell by the name; this hotel was funded and designed by fans, not a major chain.

Despite having no official hotel affiliation, the grounds closely resemble a classic hotel stay. The rooms are tidy and well-appointed, while the restaurant and bar are pretty swanky.

The windows, in particular, are wide and perfect for spying on some live games.