Readers Recommend

Germany: Hotel Belle Epoque, Maria-Viktoria-Strasse 2C, D-76530 Baden-Baden; 011-49-7221-300-660, fax 011-49-7221-300-666, www.hotelbelleepoque.de. “An 1870 villa turned into an elegant hotel. Has authentic Victorian, Louis XIV-XVI and Biedermeier furnishings. Packages include great buffet breakfast, afternoon tea and superb dinner--a great value. Family-run, and it shows.” Rates: from about $152 double; all-inclusive packages start at about $87-$126 per person per night, depending on length of stay.

--Ernest Salomon,

Santa Barbara

New Zealand: Panorama Heights Bed & Breakfast,

42 Kitewaho Road, Swanson, Waitakere City, Auckland; 011-649-832-4777, fax 011-649-833-7773, www.panoramaheights.co.nz. “Delightful B&B; with a panoramic view of Auckland. Near rain forest, golf course. Friendly hosts served gourmet breakfast, gave travel tips, even took us on a hike.” Rates: about $46 double, $31 single.

--Eileen Burokas,

San Juan Capistrano