In our earlier years, we used to say, “The hotel doesn’t matter; we’re only there to sleep.” Oh, how times have changed! After 27 years together, we’ve realized that the “home base” is a vital part of the travel experience.
Whether it’s a boutique hotel with character or a well-appointed ship cabin, your accommodation is your sanctuary. It’s where you decompress after a long day of exploring. We’ve become much more selective about three things: natural light, comfort, and the view.
When we cruise, we almost always opt for a balcony. There is something profoundly meditative about watching the waves with a glass of wine in total privacy. The image below is from a recent cruise, and being able to wake up and pull the curtains back to see the oceans passing us by, does something to help jump start our morning. Add to this some room service coffee and a pastry, and you have a magical start to a morning.
On land, we look for hotels that feel like they belong to the city—places with history and a sense of place. Many major hotel chains are buying boutique hotels and listing them under names like “Autograph Collection” (Marriott), “Curio Collection” (Hilton), among others. Frugal Flyer has a great post explaining some of the benefits of these boutique brands inside the Marriott brand.
What is the one hotel or cabin feature you refuse to compromise on?
