The history of hotels is intimately connected to that of civilizations. Or rather, it is a part of that history. Facilities offering guests hospitality have been in evidence since early biblical times. The Greeks developed thermal baths in villages designed for rest and recuperation. Later, the Romans built mansions to provide accommodation for travellers on government business. This category is not meant to be a comprehensive listing, rather it is a list of exceptional hotels we have visited. Exceptional hotels sometimes come with an additionally exceptional price. However, most of the hotels presented here were thoroughly vetted by Lisa for great service, excellent location and value for money.