Friends and relatives often tell me that I have the best job in the world. They imagine me and the rest of the editorial team swanning around the world, cosseted in luxury. And let’s be frank — they’re absolutely right. However, we also endure no shortage of experiences that fail to live up to their billing: overhyped hotels, underwhelming restaurants, time-wastes of tours. We feel these disappointments keenly, since we’re paying the same price as any Harper member would. The following represent the most memorable disappointments of 2024.

Bali Low

Bali, Indonesia

One of the worst parts of this job is falling in love with a hotel that I just can’t recommend with a clear conscience. Buahan, 40 minutes from downtown Ubud, is a jaw-dropping property of open-air bamboo villas perched precariously on a jungle cliff. The hotel was a dream come true — except for the housekeeping issues. Our bedding was stained, and the curtains meant to keep critters out of the villa at night were torn and discolored. What a shame.