What makes a *really* good hotel?

Capturing her travels through a nostalgic 35mm lens, Robyn Davis (otherwise known as @rozzad to her Instagram followers) is somewhat of an escape artist – with plenty of hotel-honing magic tricks up her stylish sleeve. Using her impeccable eye for the little details, as well as the big picture, Robyn delves into her film archives and sheds light on the ingredients for a perfect boutique hotel stay…

As a serial hotel hopper...

I’ve quietly crafted a wish-list of hotel must-haves over the years. Some of these can be found in unassuming corridors, whilst others show up before you’ve even checked in. The ultimate hotel stay might have all of them, but in reality, I just need one or two to convert me into a lifetime guest.

Next on my list?

Not a thing, but a feeling. I love a front desk team with an opinion, from the best beach to the hidden bar that you won’t find on Google. A hotel team that knows their neighbourhood is worth its weight in gold; destination cheerleaders with encyclopaedic knowledge. Stuck for dinner reservations ahead of your stay? No problem. Unsure of where to track down the best coffee in Manhattan? They’ve got it covered. I have fond memories of a stay at a hilltop hotel in Provence, where a very patient concierge sketched a map of the local villages, pencilling a route that would prove fruitful for my photo-taking. Spoiler alert: it was. The same appreciation for a hotel’s location should exist in subtle nods throughout any stay — I love spotting honey from a local beekeeper on the breakfast table, or a collaboration with an artist from the community on the walls.

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