Slower Pace, Iconic Stay
I love staying in historical, design led, iconic hotels. That are not necessary what is “trending” at the moment but places that fit my lifestyle. My aesthetic. Sure, some places can be both.
Both things can be true. But I usually find the ultra modern, uber chic can often be design led but lacking personality.
As someone who prefers the slow living lifestyle and truly needs it for my physical health, whenever I am choosing a place to stay I take 3 things into account.
The Cozy Factor.
How comfortable will you feel in the room? Does the bed look like you will get a good nice sleep? Does it have a bathtub? Does it have a balcony - to sit quietly and watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee? And speaking of coffee - does it have decent coffee maker in the room?
If it is a winter vacation and I am travelling for more than 2 nights - does it have a fireplace in the room? Is there a cozy lounge are somewhere else in the hotel to sit quietly and read by the fire and enjoy a warm drink?
Is it a historical hotel, where you can feel like you are enjoying a part of history? Wandering old hallways, admiring beautiful architectural design. Do you feel like you experienced a place without just saying you stayed at XYZ hotel?
I will pick a place with beautifully designed rooms over proximity to night life every day of the week. This is what is the cozy factor.
2. The Convenience Factor.
Since I do struggle with chronic illness, I need to stay in places that make my life easier not harder. This means walkability, accessibility and location. Depending on the length of the stay, will I be exploring the area and do I need a car. How convenient is the parking? Can I park at the property without having to walk several blocks in extreme weather to get to get to the car (this is especially important to check when staying at a rental unit/airbnb)
If I am travelling with my family - can I walk easily to the shops, market, grocery to get food to take back to the hotel or the cook at the rental?
Is there a pool on the property, or is it in walking distance of the beach?
This is important after a long travel day or exploring - walking or driving long distances to get to these can add to my exhaustion.
For a winter vacation, is it ski-in/ski-out? This is also detrimental to my energy levels.
And one thing that is very important to me - is it super busy and loud. I do not want to stay at a place that is gonna be a party scene, where it is located beside a trendy place that will be impossible to sleep or navigate the streets to get where we want. I would rather stay a few blocks away or farther out of town and taxi then struggle with crazy crowds and loud bars.
3. The Wow Factor.
This might feel like a silly thing to say but it is absolutely true. This can take your hotel, rental, or lodge from just a place to stay to an actual destination! Again, this makes my life easier. When I pick a place to stay that feels like a destination itself, it means that I do not feel the pressure to go exploring even on the days I feel unwell. And if I feel unwell and I am travelling with my family, they can go off and enjoy the amenities that the hotel has to offer. Ie/ pool, beachfront, hot tub, sauna, park, playground, ski lifts, ice bream parlour, cafe, etc
Do they have fluffy robes and slippers for you? A Nespresso machine?
How can the accommodations make your life easier? Can they offer you a bigger room? Can they provide a transfer from the airport? Can they provide meals included so you not have to worry about what you are gonna do for dinner every night if you don’t have the energy to anywhere?
Do they provide any events? Extra in-room services? Spa services? Bonuses like kayaks, SUP, toboggans, snowshoes, bikes - all free of charge is a game changer.
Every little touch can take your stay from a good one to an incredible destination that you would recommend to your friends. It can prevent your trip from becoming exhausting, draining your energy - and allow you to truly slow down and relax.
