Travel

Checking In | Sultan Cave Suites, Cappadocia

Marissa Chiechi

I checked in to Sultan Cave Suites in Göreme, Turkey, a hotel that feels ancient, romantic, and unlike anywhere else I’ve ever stayed.

Everyone has seen the photos on Instagram: vibrant hot air balloons floating over a rocky and picturesque landscape. Those images lived rent-free in my head for years, so I couldn’t believe I was finally traveling to Cappadocia. Once our trip was official, my boyfriend, who became my fiancé on this trip, and I knew we wanted an unforgettable place to stay. After scrolling through reviews, hotel websites, and Instagram, we landed on Sultan Cave Suites. It ended up being far more than just a place to sleep. It became part of the emotional center of the trip.

The Stay

From the very first interaction, Sultan Cave Suites felt human. In a world of automated replies and generic hospitality, the team here stood out immediately. Their care began before arrival over WhatsApp, helping with airport transfers, tours, and general planning, and continued even after check-out. It made me feel less like a passing tourist and more like an expected guest.

Arriving at the hotel felt like stepping into a fortress carved out of another era. Göreme is known for its cave dwellings and fairy chimneys, and Sultan Cave Suites folds beautifully into that setting. Walking through the property felt almost surreal, like entering a living castle.

We stayed in The Sultan Suite (Room 314), the only one of its kind. The room immediately transported us back in time while still feeling rooted in quiet luxury. Stone floors and walls set a medieval tone, softened by richly layered Turkish rugs, a king-size bed, and a grand fireplace. The suite also featured a shared terrace with sweeping views, which I loved waking up to in the morning. The true standout, though, was the oversized jacuzzi. After long days exploring Cappadocia’s rocky terrain, it felt like the ultimate private retreat.

We were also welcomed with a bottle of chilled champagne and a handmade crossbody purse, a thoughtful gift that felt personal and memorable. It was a small but telling detail, and one that reflected the hotel’s attention to both atmosphere and craftsmanship.

My Favorite 90 Seconds

My favorite ninety seconds happened in the suite that evening, after a long day exploring Cappadocia and shortly after our engagement. We dimmed the lights, lit the candles around the jacuzzi, and opened the complimentary champagne. For a moment, everything went still. The ancient stone walls, the quiet, and the feeling of being tucked away from the world made it one of those rare travel moments that feels suspended in time.

The Moments That Make It

One of the main reasons I booked Sultan Cave Suites was its rooftop terrace, which has become famous for its photo-worthy vantage point over Cappadocia. The hotel creates a beautifully styled Turkish setup with colorful pillows, ornate platters, and a low table, giving guests a thoughtful setting for photos as the balloons rise in the distance. During our stay, the winds were too strong for the balloons to fly, which is always disappointing, but the view was still stunning. Even without them, the terrace felt special.

Another defining moment came under much more stressful circumstances. The airline had lost our luggage, including our clothes and toiletries, and when I suspected the next morning might be life-changing, I called the front desk in a panic. Within minutes, staff arrived with essentials like a toothbrush and hairbrush. It was such a small act, but in that moment it meant everything. That level of responsiveness is what separates a beautiful hotel from a truly great one.

Breakfast also added to the experience. It was included with our stay and offered a generous spread of sweet and savory options, along with made-to-order dishes like omelets, scrambled eggs, and French toast. Our favorite was the Turkish eggs, softly scrambled with tomatoes and spices. After our sunrise engagement at Love Valley, returning to Sultan Cave Suites for breakfast felt grounding and quietly celebratory.

Who This Hotel Is Actually For

Sultan Cave Suites is for travelers who want a hotel to feel like part of the destination, not just a base for exploring it. If you are drawn to design, atmosphere, old-world character, and stays that feel emotionally memorable, this hotel delivers that beautifully.

I would especially recommend it for couples, honeymooners, and anyone celebrating something meaningful, but it is also well-suited to travelers who appreciate properties with a strong sense of place. This is not a sleek, anonymous luxury hotel. It is intimate, storied, and deeply tied to Cappadocia itself.

Practical Stay Notes

Visited: during a spring trip to Cappadocia

Length of stay: 2 nights

Room: The Sultan Suite (Room 314)

View: shared terrace overlooking Göreme and Cappadocia’s dramatic landscape

Purpose: a romantic getaway that became an engagement trip

Rate paid: €954 total for 2 nights

Reader Takeaways

Best time to visit: Spring through early fall, when the weather is more favorable for exploring Cappadocia’s valleys, terraces, and open-air viewpoints. For the iconic balloon-filled mornings, flexibility is key, since flights depend heavily on wind conditions.

Can’t-miss experience: Watching sunrise over Cappadocia, whether from a rooftop terrace or during an early morning excursion to Love Valley. Even if the balloons do not fly, the landscape at first light is unforgettable.

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, and design-minded travelers looking for a romantic stay with a strong sense of place. It is especially ideal for travelers who want their hotel to feel like part of the destination itself.

Nearby Points of Interest

Love Valley: A beautiful early morning destination and an especially memorable place for a sunrise proposal.

Göreme: The hotel’s home base, ideal for exploring Cappadocia’s cave dwellings, viewpoints, and local atmosphere.

Cappadocia’s underground cities: A must for travelers interested in the region’s ancient history and one of the most fascinating excursions during our stay.

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Marissa Chiechi is a Los Angeles–based travel contributor with over a decade of experience at the intersection of lifestyle, fashion, and global artistry. With a passion for discovering new cultures, traditions, and cuisines, she creates stories for the modern traveler.

Checking In | The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco

Vanessa Gordon

Updated: Mar 26

I checked in to The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco, a hotel that feels equal parts historic, design-driven, and unmistakably San Francisco.

There are some hotels that immediately set a mood, and The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco is one of them. Tucked just near Union Square, the hotel felt dramatic in the best way: layered, stylish, and a little unexpected.

The Clift has long been part of San Francisco’s hospitality story, but it does not rely on history alone. Instead, it offers a stay that feels handsome, polished and atmospheric. For travelers who want a hotel with personality, this one leaves an impression.

The Stay

I stayed in a Junior Suite King at The Clift in San Francisco, a room that felt sleek, modern, and thoughtfully designed. I appreciated the balance of comfort and function, with a king bed, comfortable seating, and a layout that made it easy to settle in. The room felt well-suited to a city stay, with enough space to unwind while still feeling polished and efficient.

The bathroom featured a walk-in rainfall shower and oversized back-lit wall mirror, and the suite also included a mini-bar, mini-fridge, Keurig coffee maker, laptop-size safe, iron and ironing board, flat-screen television with Staycast Sonifi streaming, Google Chromecast, and premium movie channels.

My Favorite 90 Seconds

My favorite ninety seconds happened in the lobby, taking in the large chair and the overall mood of the space.

The lobby at The Clift has presence. It feels dramatic without being overdone, and the oversized chair gives the space a signature moment that is playful, memorable, and distinctly its own. I loved that contrast.

It is rare for a lobby to feel like part of the stay rather than simply a place you pass through. The lighting, the energy, and that larger-than-life chair all made the arrival experience feel cinematic.

The Moments That Make It

One of the details I appreciated most during my stay was the fitness center on level two. It was convenient and easy to use, which made it feel like a real amenity. I started my morning with the elliptical, free weights, and kettlebells.

I also liked having Fredericks on property. In the morning, it added an easy rhythm to the stay, with breakfast options including avocado toast on sourdough, a Belgian waffle, buttermilk pancakes, a California omelet, and California “Shakshouka,” alongside coffee drinks like cold brew, cappuccino, latte, Americano, mocha, and espresso. From a guest perspective, it made the hotel feel more convenient and complete.

For evenings, Redwood Room brings a very different energy. Open Tuesday-Saturday beginning at 5pm, the current menu includes items such as tempura shishito peppers, chipotle caramel popcorn, a double smash burger, crab cakes, dark chocolate mousse, and croissant bread pudding.

Who This Hotel Is Actually For

The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco is especially well-suited to guests who appreciate design, enjoy a strong sense of atmosphere, and want to stay somewhere that feels rooted in the city rather than interchangeable. If you like hotels with a little edge, a little history, and a distinctive visual identity, The Clift delivers that well.

I would also recommend it for a downtown San Francisco stay where location matters, whether you are in town for work, a quick city break, or simply want to be close to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions while still checking into somewhere with real character.

Practical Stay Notes

Visited: early spring

Length of stay: 2 nights

Room: Junior Suite King

View: Downtown San Francisco

Purpose: familiarizing myself with San Francisco and the Bay Area

Nearby Points of Interest

Union Square: Just one block away, making it the hotel’s most immediate point of reference for shopping, city energy, and walkability.

Curran Theatre: A natural nearby stop if you want to build your evening around live performance and stay in the heart of the Theatre District.

Powell Street Cable Cars: An iconic San Francisco experience and an easy way to add a little nostalgia to your stay.

SFMOMA: A must for art lovers and one of the hotel’s strongest nearby cultural draws.

Grace Cathedral: Worth the short uphill walk for its architecture, sense of calm, and classic Nob Hill setting.

Nob Hill: Close enough to explore easily, with a different rhythm than Union Square and some of the city’s most recognizable historic character.

10 Day Iceland Winter Itinerary

Two Tall Travellers

Iceland is a magical country, full of mysterious folklore, unique history and mind-blowing beauty. A 10-day Iceland itinerary in winter will allow you experience just enough of the incredible country to leave you wanting more!

Inside an ice cave in Vatnajokull. Credit: Two Tall Travellers

For the most cost-effective and flexible 10 days in Iceland, you should consider hiring a car. As this itinerary is planned for winter, the safest vehicle to hire is a 4x4 because Iceland’s weather conditions do not make it easy to drive in.

If you’re not comfortable with driving abroad then you can easily take tours to all of the suggested activities – Iceland knows what it is doing when it comes to tourists!

One important thing to know about visiting Iceland in winter is that there is very little daylight! From around November, the sun starts to rise at about 10am and sets at about 4pm! The days start to get longer in about February, so keep this in mind if you’re planning on doing lots of activities throughout the day. It’s best to avoid driving in the dark in Iceland due to the road conditions so plan your days around the light.

Strokkur geysir eruption, Golden Circle. Credit: Two Tall Travellers

The best thing about spending 10 days in Iceland in winter is that you will have a high chance of seeing the northern lights. There are apps and websites you can visit to check your chances each night, and make sure you are keeping an eye on the sky wherever you are because you might get lucky!

Here is your guide on how to spend 10 days in Iceland to see the best of the Land of Ice and Fire!

Day 1 – Visit the Blue Lagoon

Just a 20-minute drive away from Iceland’s main airport, Keflavik, lies the gorgeous Blue Lagoon. It’s a great way to spend your first day in the country as you’ll be able to relax in the mineral and nutrient rich waters after your flight.

Make sure you book your slot in advance, and choose between the Comfort, Premium or Retreat packages. All options come with a mud face mask, use of a towel and a drink from the swim up bar!

The water is warm and the silica in it makes the floor soft and squidgy – it’s definitely a unique experience.

If you want to upgrade your visit, try one of the in-water massages or the weightless feeling of a float therapy session.

Once you’re out of the water, you can buy products from the Blue Lagoon’s skincare range, find the sauna and steam room or eat at one of the gourmet restaurants onsite.

Staying at the Blue Lagoon overnight is also possible – choose from the Silica Hotel or the Retreat Hotel.

Black Sands Beach. Credit: Two Tall Travellers

Day 2 – Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Stay on the west coast for your second day in Iceland and make your way up to the Snæfellsnes National Park, where you’ll find a range of spectacular natural features.

The peninsula is home to basalt cliffs, volcanic beaches, lava fields, craters and a huge volcano, so there is plenty to see even before you consider exploring the local towns!

Day 3 – Wander Around Reykjavik

Visiting a capital city of a country is always a great idea to get to grips with the culture and lifestyle of the local people.

Reykjavik has plenty to offer, from intriguing museums (the Iceland Phallolical museum springs to mind!) and regular happy hours to stunning archaeological designs and quirky streets to explore.

Reykjavik cityspace with rainbow. Credit: Two Tall Travellers

A good way to get a feel for a city is to take a guided tour. You can find plenty online with high reviews – try a foodie or a beer walk for a little bit of extra fun! Or, if you’re on a budget then there are free walking tours that you can join instead. Usually, these guides hope for a tip at the end in exchange for their knowledge, expertise and guidance on all things Reykjavik!

Don’t miss the famous Hallgrímskirkja church – it is almost 75 metres high so you’re unlikely to! You can go inside for free (remember it is active church though so check our their events calendar first) and if you want to go up the tower there is a fee of around $9.

Reykjavik has many wonderful shops, boutiques, and markets – you could spend hours just wandering along the streets without any kind of plan. Laugavegur is the main shopping street with plenty of bars and restaurants to try out too.

Strokkur Eruption. Credit: Two Tall Travellers

Day 4 – Visit the Golden Circle

This is probably what Iceland is most famous for – and for good reason. The Golden Circle comprises of three incredible sights and the best thing about them is that you can visit them all for free! There are some fantastic tours but if you have rented a car, then all you’ll need to pay for is fuel as there are no entrances fees at any of the main stops.

Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is a unique location because it sits on top of where two tectonic plates meet – so you can stand in Europe and Asia at the same time! You can also snorkel or dive between the two plates which is an incredible experience in itself but just be aware that the water will be very cold!

The next stop on the Golden Circle is Geysir – the original hot spring that gave all geysers their name! It actually doesn’t erupt very often but just next to it is the more regularly bursting Strokkur – you’ll only need to wait a few minutes or so until the water bubbles out of the ground and explodes upwards!

Gullfoss Waterfall is next, and it’s worth the wait! The water gushes down over 30 metres, and the power is just incredible to witness. You can stand at the top near the car park (this is where most of the local tours begin from so if you arrive early to one, pop down to get a glimpse of Gullfoss!) or make your way down the steps to get a bit closer. Be careful because the spray reaches the steps making them very icy and slippery in the winter.

Detailed view of a glacial structure. Credit: Two Tall Travellers

If you’ve got time, you could also take a detour and visit the Secret Lagoon, which is the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland. The waters are warm due to the hot springs and rich in minerals. The Secret Lagoon is similar to the Blue Lagoon but cheaper as it’s it more basic.

You could also stop by the Kerid Crater which is a lake that geologists believe was formed by a collapsed volcano. The water is an incredible blue and is in stark contrast to the rich red of the rock around it.

Day 5 – Take a Snowmobiling/Glacier Bus Tour

If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker, then spend an afternoon zooming along a magnificent glacier on your very own snowmobile!

You’ll be driven out onto the ice in a huge 4x4 vehicle and then be given a safety briefing by the team. Once you know what you’re doing, you’ll go full steam ahead, following the guide across a vast glacier. You’ll usually get around 10 minutes to stop and marvel at the beauty of where you are, before jumping back on again and cruising along, watching an incredible sunset.

For those of you who rather not drive, you can either stay on the back or take a different tour altogether. A great way to explore the massive ice plains is to take a glacier truck tour. You can ride on the world’s biggest truck and watch from the windows as it bumps along the terrain, and then you’ll stop off at a few locations to take photos and drink in the remarkable landscape.

Day 6 – Explore Vik

From the Golden Circle area, make your way along the south coast and stop off at the famous waterfalls such as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

For a bit more of a chilled day, explore the coastal town of Vik. There are a few highlights you shouldn’t miss when visiting, including the plane wreck (don’t worry, all passengers walked away unharmed in 1973!) and Reynisfjara which is a gorgeous black sand beach.

There are plenty of guesthouses and hotels to stay in, so you might want to settle here for a few nights and keep the town as your base whilst you visit the nearby attractions.

Day 7 – Experience a Glacier Hike

Spend today getting even more up close and personal with the glaciers and hike the spectacular Sólheimajökull glacier. You’ll need to join a tour for safety reasons, but the guides are all very knowledgeable the local area and it’s a great way to learn about the landscape that has been around for millions of years!

Choose a tour company who provide you with the necessary safety equipment such as crampons and helmets and enjoy picking your way across the ice surrounded by peace and nature.

Day 9 – Visit Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Lagoon

These are two more beautiful natural areas that are completely free to visit if you’re self-driving this 10-day itinerary in Iceland. They’re also very popular on any south coast tour, so don’t feel like you’re missing out if you don’t drive.

Diamond Beach is a gorgeous black sand beach, dotted with huge blocks of ice that glitter like diamonds in the sun. If you’re really lucky, you might be able to spot some seals lazing around on the bigger rocks along the beach and in the water too.

Ice rock with black sand at Diamond Beach. Credit: Two Tall Travellers

Just opposite is another famous landmark – Jökulsárlón Lagoon. It is at the base of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, and the meltwater sits in a bay creating the deepest lake in Iceland. The water is a fantastic azure colour, due to the mix of sea and freshwater. You can take boat and kayak tours here too.

Day 10 – Experience the Inside of an Ice Cave

Finish your 10 days in Iceland with an epic ice cave experience! The ice caves reform every year so they’re always unique.

Most cave tours offer a ride in a 4x4 jeep to the start of your adventure, and then you’ll be guided in the cave – usually the tours are under the Vatnajökull glacier if you are staying in this area. You could begin to drive back towards Reykjavik as there are plenty of ice cave tours along the way.

This 10-day Iceland itinerary is jam-packed full of both adventures and relaxation, showing off Iceland’s friendly towns and phenomenal natural beauty. You can easily enjoy all of the stops on this itinerary but adapt it to your trip and choose the best parts if you wanted a day or two extra in a place you really loved!

Beautiful Arnarstapi at Snaefellsness Peninsula. Credit: Two Tall Travellers