MY HOTEL ESSENTIALS

 I love hotels. From check-in in to check-out, I genuinely enjoy every minute of the process. For me, hotels are my home away from home when exploring the world. There are certain hotels that make me feel at home as soon as I walk in the revolving door.

A memorable view. 

While an epic view is not the be all and end all of a hotel experience, it can make a huge impression on a traveler. I have been lucky enough to have some incredible hotel views over the years, often by chance and not even by request. The sun setting over the London Eye, endless skyscrapers in Tokyo, and the hilly sights of Edinburgh come to mind as my favourites. These are views cemented in my memory. Trust me, you will spend a lot of time soaking it all in with views like these. 

An unbeatable location.

Location really is key with a hotel. Stepping out of your door into the action but also having a quiet sanctuary to call 'home' is the secret. I would almost always choose a central location next to a few solid attractions and great transportation. If you are staying longer than a week, you can also switch hotels for a couple nights to see a different part of town. Ultimately, you want to feel like the city is at your doorstep. 

An ambient lobby.

There is nothing better than walking into a cozy, inviting hotel lobby after a long day. I am a strong believer that that the lobby should give you warm fuzzies and if it doesn't, move on. 

Safety first.

Safety always comes first. Especially for my solo travelers, you need to look out for number one. You should always feel safe in your hotel. NO exceptions. While we are at it, the hotel should have high standards when it comes to cleanliness and comfort. There are some things you don't compromise on.

A leisurely bathroom.

Let's be honest, who doesn't love a hotel bathroom? The more I travel, the more I really appreciate a warmly lit, lavish bathroom. This could be because I appreciate pampering and spending a little extra time taking care of my jet-lagged skin than I used to. But I fully encourage everyone to enjoy the perks, whether it be a fuzzy robe, hot bath or the amenities. I rarely utilize the pool or spa in hotels so this is the next best thing. 

A unique style.

While not a necessity, it really says a lot about a hotel that showcases a little creativity and design. It is nice to be inspired by your surroundings. I can appreciate everything from chic minimalism to an artsy boutique feel. I like when a hotel has character.

A breakfast of champions.

Once you have enjoyed a delightful hotel breakfast, it is hard to go back. Starting your day with croissants, fresh fruit, orange juice and more is well, the best. But if you don't have time to sit down for breakfast, at least make sure you have a dependable Starbucks around the corner. I kid you not, there have been nights where I couldn't sleep because I already couldn't wait to get my morning coffee. It just hits different when you wake up in a new city.

The hotel life is the best life!