Lovely lodging of 2015: from Midwest spa, farm to historic Cusco hotel

chanticleerFeeling at home while away is a beautiful thing, but definitions of comfort differ. I liked the looks of these places while at work during 2015.

Buckingham Inn, 1615 Summit Ave., Madison: Almost in the shadow of Camp Randall football stadium at the University of Wisconsin is bed-and-breakfast lodging in three suites that stay true to the original 1911 Prairie School style of architectural design. One suite is tailored to accommodate people with impaired mobility. Full disclosure: Innkeepers hired me as a consultant this year, to help market their newly opened guest house. Rates start at $170. buckinghaminn.com, 608-819-8029

Circle M Market Farm, 1784 Hwy. H, Blanchardville: A farm couple who are Chicago transplants share the upstairs of their comfortable home. Handmade quilts top bedding in two guest rooms, each with one double and one twin bed. How much you and the kids help with chores on the 20-acre farm – where sheep, cows, cats and more are raised – depends on your level of motivation. Periodic classes on Saturdays teach crafts or farm skills. Rates average $125. circlemfarm.com, 608-523-4341

Chanticleer Guest House, 4072 Hwy. HH, Sturgeon Bay: Four suites in a 1915 barn are a mix of whimsical, brawny and antique décor with fireplaces and two-person whirlpools on this 70-acre farm where sheep are raised and tranquility rules. The adults-only lodging also includes farmhouse suites and private cabins. Nearby are orchards and walking trails. One breakfast specialty is cherry-pecan souffle. Rates start at $150. chanticleerguesthouse.com, 866-682-0384

Kinzie Hotel, 20 W. Kinzie St., Chicago: All guests get concierge-level care here, four blocks from Michigan Avenue and one from the Chicago River. That means most rates include a continental breakfast and evening manager’s reception with mini buffet and drinks. Neighbors include House of Blues Chicago; theaters are within a half-mile stroll. Rates start at $109. kinziehotel.com, 312-395-9000

Pzazz Resort Hotel and Catfish Bend Resort, Burlington, Iowa: Casino hotels often cater to only adults, and lodging attached to indoor waterparks usually is family friendly, but in this city of 25,600 on the Illinois-Iowa border is one dazzling building complex that draws both crowds. In Catfish Bend are spa services, meeting rooms and suites stocked with cozy robes. Accommodations at Pzazz include family suites with bunk beds. Separating the two resorts is a wide, indoor walkway that buffers a casino with poker, table games and 700 slots. Also in the complex: restaurants, a waterpark, laser tag arena, bowling alley, go-kart track and arcade. Rates start at $89. thepzazz.com, 319-237-1253

The Raj, Fairfield, Iowa: Count actor Jim Carey among those who have invested in a stay at this unique, 100-acre Iowa retreat, known for its India roots, blissful devotion to transcendental meditation and ayurvedic treatments that aim to cleanse and renew the body, inside and out, by purging toxins. All-inclusive rates (lodging, meals, classes, lectures, assessments and treatments – herbal enemas optional) are as much as $660 per day for three to 21 days. Don’t expect to indulge in alcohol, sugar, meat, ice water or heavily spiced fare. Rates for just a peaceful room start at $108; dining in the hotel’s vegetarian restaurant is by reservation. theraj.com, 641-472-9580

Silo Eco Home Bed and Breakfast, Greensburg, Kansas: Fans of environmental sustainability are an excellent match for the sole unit of lodging inside a silo-shaped building that doubles as GreenTown visitor center. A 2007 tornado destroyed 95 percent of this rural, southwestern Kansas community; energy conservation at an uber level was top priority when rebuilding. Now local leaders say no other city in the world has more Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings, per capita. Tours available. Lodging, $100 or $110, includes a hot breakfast (that you make). greensburggreentown.org/eco-lodging, 620-723-2790

Hollander Boutique Hotel, St. Petersburg, Fla.: My weeknight arrival happened just in time for a magician’s weekly card tricks at a table in the hotel taproom, which serves craft beer and cocktail specials, Asian dumplings and Cuban quesadillas, sandwich wraps and full meals. Look for the elk mount behind the bar. On walls are hand-painted murals with nautical and playful themes. Attached to the lobby is a coffeeshop and bakery. Outdoors is a wide porch with cushioned seating and private swimming pool with lots of loungers. Rates start at $120. hollanderhotel.com, 727-873-7900

Royal Lotus Hotel, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: One of the country’s most popular attractions is the surreal, jagged limestone pillars of Ha Long Bay, but you’ll want a pleasant place to park it for a night when visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Use a hotel check-in coupon to reserve an hour or two for massage at adjacent Bai Bua Thai Spa, where prices are far less than the U.S. Lounging on the rooftop with a nightcap and panoramic city view, outside of the 16th floor Sky Bar, is a splendid way to end the day. Rates start at $60. Yes, $60 – you just have to get there. royallotushotelhalong.com

Palacio del Inka: Libertador, Cusco, Peru: A visit to the mysterious Incan ruins of Machu Picchu usually involves a stay in Cusco, whose high altitude challenges energy and endurance. Landing at this well-kept mansion, almost 500 years old, puts you at the center of the city. That means less walking to museums and markets, shopping and dining. The hotel exudes excellence from furnishings (handcrafted) to food (local, organic ingredients). Rates start at $166. libertador.com/peru, 877-778-2281