Welcome back friends!

Our last blog post described our two years of travelling the world – an experience that sparked our inspiration for Amberlair. It may seem like two years of travel is a long time, but we never felt homesick. To us, the joy of travel doesn’t require much, as long as you have a truly enriching experience. In this post, we want to continue our story about what happened when we returned home to Hamburg after two years of travelling and exactly how Amberlair got started.

Kristin & Marcus in Marrakech

Readjusting

The intensity of long travel, while incredible, did take its toll. It’s easy to compare your homeland to the other places you’ve seen, since we found that we understood more about our home country after having seen so many places during our travels. Coming home was not only an eye-opening experience, but it was also difficult. We faced the passing of Marcus’ father, and stepped in to help care for his mother. On top of that, Kristin’s mother was suffering from dementia and required our help as well. With all that, it took us over a year to get accustomed to being at home again. Through it all, however, we never lost sight of what traveling the world showed us.

Massai in Zanzibar

First Attempt at Finding a Location

The boutique hotel experience was something we couldn’t shake. It was so impactful to our travel experience. We were determined to pursue this newfound idea of opening our own boutique hotel. The next step was to decide on the location. We first looked at Myanmar, one of our favorite destinations. It turns out that foreigners can’t own land in Southeast Asia; this only works if you have a local partner who owns 50% of the company. India was also one of our favorite destinations but, after a thorough search, we couldn’t find a property suitable for our needs. We had numerous meetings in an attempt to let some top-level people know about our plans. (A quick aside: To our surprise, we actually met with the German Ambassador! Since we didn’t expect to talk to him in person, we arrived completely unprepared. Flip flops and shorts don’t necessarily scream serious business meeting attire. However, he was more than welcoming and actually seemed relieved to not be meeting with another suited up individual.) Our research and meetings taught us one thing: Opening our first boutique hotel the traditional way in Asia was going to be too difficult.

Kristin in Bagan, Myanmar.

Developing the Concept

So, we went back to square one. We always thought it was a great idea to tap into the knowledge of avid travellers. Even during our two-year stint, we came across tourists who shared our love for stylish, authentic boutique hotels. We wondered why we shouldn’t just start with the people who love boutique hotels – begin with the customers first to find out how we should proceed. Going down this path, we discovered that crowdfunding and crowdsourcing are actually great ways to develop a product made for the customer and by the customer. We instantly loved the idea.

Kristin & Marcus in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Next on the agenda was to come up with a name. To uphold the idea of a truly crowdsourced company, we created a campaign to help us find a name. We asked everyone and anyone connected to us on social media what the name of the first crowdsourced boutique hotel should be. The response? Over 700 submissions (wowza!). We were totally taken aback by the enthusiasm for the idea, and it confirmed that we were on the right path. We parsed through the names and chose three finalists. Among those three, the ultimate name that spoke to us was Amberlair. Here’s why: each piece of amber, the translucent fossilized resin, is totally unique. And a lair is a secret retreat with a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Together, they made the perfect combination of what this company aimed to embody.

Amberlair, the world’s first crowdsourced boutique hotel, was born. Stay tuned for our third and final blog post of this series, to learn more about our story and where we are now.

Until next time!

Cheers,
Marcus & Kristin

We have asked luxury travel blogger Ana Silva O’Reilly of Mrs. O Around the World, to share her thoughts with us about her love for hotels, and Amberlair, of course. And before you ask, a #BohoLover is a Boutique Hotel lover… just like us!

How do you choose a hotel when you travel?

It depends on the state of mind I am in – and the destination. I may have heard about it (or read about it), and will of course, investigate further. But more and more, I ask my readers via social media – they travel the same way that I do, so if I am able to suggest places, so are they. It has been the best outcome of this blogging adventure – finding people with a similar taste, who have helped me go to places I would have never have found before.

Location is very important to me, as is design – I am a great believer in what my mother has taught me from a young age ‘If you leave home, it has to be better. And home is pretty nice’. But the killer factor is service – one person (or a group of people) have the power to make any stay truly unique.

If you had to choose 3, which were the most special hotels you have ever stayed at?

This is a difficult question as I am known to be a repeater – i.e. I love going back to hotels which bring back incredible memories. I am a huge fan of Finca Cortesin, in the South of Spain, Rancho Valencia, outside San Diego in California and I absolutely adored Rosewood Cordevalle, an hour’s drive from San Francisco.

Finca Cortesin, in the South of Spain is one of Mrs. O Around the World’s favourite hotels.

What made them so special?

The three hotels could not be more different – in terms of location, number of rooms, management. But they were extremely comfortable, the staff made me feel truly special and I slept very well in either 3 of them. Needless to say, they all had good gin & tonics.

A 1 bedroom suite with a difference at the Rosewood Cordevalle

If you had your own boutique hotel, what 3 things would you make sure existed?

There would be no bills to sign throughout the stay (until the very end) – it is something small, but with technology nowadays, there can be a way to make this happen. Before room service breakfast, someone would call my room to let me know they are on their way, so I can wake up/get appropriately dressed. And finally, the best hair products money can buy (in my of course incredible showers) – I would still say that 50% of luxury hotels provide very poor hair products, despite the fancy brand names.

Name 3 things you loved in hotels you stayed in before…

A bottle of champagne on arrival never gets old! But I like useful concierge services – why not get in touch a week before my arrival so you can actually help me with restaurant reservations and trickier things to organise on the actual arrival day? This has only happened a handful of times to me, which is a shame. And I spend over 100 nights a year away from home. Also, recently in India, the Oberoi in Jaipur had signs everywhere asking guests not to tip individual members of staff, but to ensure their names were known to the management team. Guess what? I went out of my way to get their names. I thought it was a nice change from handing out money every 15 minutes (and the stress of it) – at the end of our stay, we left a collective tip for the team.

Rancho Valencia, outside San Diego also made an impression on Mrs. O Around the World.

Name 3 things you wouldn’t want to experience in a hotel ever again.

Loud air conditioning systems – Finca Cortesin is the only hotel I have ever stayed at where you cannot hear the air con, which means you don’t have to be hot at night (I usually have to make that choice). One thing that drives me mad are hotel keys not working – and still happens too often. But what I hate the most is when you are somewhere and you can tell that those who work there don’t really care and would rather be doing something else. A huge challenge for hotels – but one that makes a huge difference. It is very interesting to think back about previous hotel stays… and remember faces and people.

A tented villa at the Oberoi Rajvillas in Jaipur, India.

How do you feel about the Amberlair concept?

I loved the audacity of the founders and I am here from the beginning until the end – I really want to be involved in deciding the first Amberlair location (it could really be anywhere in the world), and follow the decision making and design process. It is once in a lifetime experience – and I love the idea. I have lots to say, as you can possibly imagine. I am also looking forward to taking part in the crowdfunding part, as I really want to be one of the first guests staying at the hotel. I have backed other crowdfunding projects and being part of the journey of something great is VERY exciting.

Where are you off to next?

I am off to Halkidiki in Greece’s mainland (a first for me!), and then I am going back to Finca Cortesin. It is my third time in 3 years and just the way I like it. On my summer list is a first visit to the West Coast of Ireland, and a return to the Algarve and California. Creature of habit, what can I say?

About Mrs. O Around the World

Ana Silva O’Reilly enjoying a moment in Paris, France. Photo Credit: Flytographer.

Ana Silva O’Reilly is a 30-something globetrotter who finds her peace and quiet on a long-haul business class flight to somewhere warm.

An avid traveller, Ana is also a good daughter, religiously following her mother’s motto: ‘If you leave home, it has to be better’, or ‘I love camping, in 5 star hotels’.

A city girl at heart, she moved to the quiet English countryside for love, and lives her travel dreams through her award-winning alter-ego and travel blog Mrs. O Around the World.

You can also follow her trips on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We have asked Los Angeles-based food, travel and lifestyle blogger Molly Schoneveld of The Sought After to share her thoughts with us about hotels and Amberlair. Just like us, a #BohoLover is a Boutique Hotel lover!

Photo by Ashley Burns Photography

How do you choose a hotel when you travel?

I first visit the Mr. & Mrs. Smith website, as their taste is so similar to mine and they have yet to let me down. I also ask for recommendations from trusted friends and bloggers like Mrs. O Around the World. Aside from that, I typically look for a location in a great, non-touristy area, yet close to where I want to go, and a hotel with chic design. Great design usually means great attention to detail. Once I’ve made my selection, I double-check that the online reviews are positive.

If you had to choose 3, which were the most special hotels you have ever stayed at?

This is an impossible task! So. Many. Hotels! Ok ok…The Bellevue Syrene in Sorrento, Italy, the Plaza Hotel in New York in its heyday, and Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas.

I’d like to add a bonus of The Kensington Hotel in London because I stay there so frequently, it’s come to feel like my home-away-from-home in my favorite city. I love to try new hotels, but there is also such a comfort in staying the same place too.

Photo by Ashley Burns Photography

What made them so special?

Bellevue Syrene has incredible sweeping views of the Sea of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius, the romantic, whimsical decor, and the complementary wine (all day!), cocktails, coffee and afternoon hors d’oeuvres.

The Plaza. Come on, it’s The Plaza! It’s iconic! I was in high school and my parents allowed me to order an ice cream sunday in bed, just like Kevin in ‘Home Alone 2’. Heaven!

At Esperanza, we had a 3-bedroom villa that was insane. Even a private plunge pool on our patio. It also had one of the most spectacular infinity pools ever, complete with a pool butler (cucumber/mint popsicles, anyone?)! It took luxury beach resort to another level.

If you had your own boutique hotel, what 3 things would you make sure existed?

• Décor by Kit Kemp (I dare to dream!) and exclusive bath goodies by Jo Malone. Is anyone using these? If not, you’re welcome!
• A mattress that doesn’t make you miss home. As my mom always says, ”If my house is better than the hotel, I’d rather stay at home!” I concur.
• A rockstar concierge. There is nothing more annoying than an uninformed concierge who sends you to tourist traps.

Name 3 things you loved in hotels you stayed in before…

A clawfoot tub with views of the Empire State Building at Nomad, New York City. A sensational spa at Corinthia, London. A cottage room in a secret garden at The Pig near Bath.

Name 3 things you wouldn’t want to experience in a hotel ever again.

A completely disinterested and unhelpful concierge. I won’t name names! A terrible mattress and thin walls. And then there was that time in New York with the huge cockroach in my bathroom, but I suppose that can be fixed faster than a bad mattress!

Photo by Ashley Burns Photography

How do you feel about the Amberlair concept?

It’s a fascinating concept. I’ll be curious to see how so many opinions from so many people can come together to create a cohesive project. If they pull it off, it could very well change the hospitality industry.

Where are you off to next?

I leave for Austin, TX tomorrow for the very first time and I’m so excited! It’s a short trip, but I’m staying at the Hotel Saint Cecilia, which I hear has the best beds ever. I’m also excited to have dinner at the newly opened The Line hotel.

Molly Schoneveld resides in Los Angeles, but will always call North Carolina home. She has worked in the entertainment industry for over 15 years and owns a boutique public relations firm representing celebrities, interior designers, lifestyle experts and hotels.

She writes about her adventures in food, travel and life in LA over at The Sought After. Follow along via Instagram and Twitter.

We have asked Amsterdam-based luxury travel blogger Keith Jenkins of Velvet Escape, to share his thoughts with us about his love for hotels, and Amberlair, of course. And before you ask, a #BohoLover is a Boutique Hotel lover… just like us!

How do you choose a hotel when you travel?

I ask around on social media for suggestions and I search on booking engines. The most important factors I take into account when choosing a hotel are: location, comfort/hygiene of and amenities in the room, and service levels. I have a preference for hotels with a unique character in terms of history, design, location or cuisine. In this sense, the hotel becomes a destination in itself and not simply a place to sleep at night.

Keith Jenkins in Malaysia

If you had to choose 3, which were the most special hotels you have ever stayed at?

Mashpi Lodge – an amazing lodge in the cloud forests of Ecuador.
Sofitel Motu Bora Bora – a resort on a private island in the Bora Bora lagoon.
Phinda Private Game Reserve – a stunning safari lodge in South Africa.

If I could add a fourth, I recently stayed at Hotel Pacai in Vilnius, Lithuania.

What made them so special?

They’re special for different reasons. Mashpi Lodge combines cutting-edge architecture with stunning views, top notch service and excellent food. I loved Sofitel Motu primarily because of its incredible location on an island in the breathtaking Bora Bora lagoon with jaw-dropping views of the lagoon and the mountains. I will never forget sitting on the deck of my overwater bungalow just before sunset with a cocktail in hand and watching colourful fish, baby sharks and rays swim right under me! The Phinda Private Game Reserve is perhaps the best safari lodge I’ve ever stayed at due to its amazing suites, fabulous service and ditto food. As for Hotel Pacai, it’s housed in a historic palace (Napoleon once addressed the townsfolk from the balcony) that has been impeccably restored, blending historic elements with stunning contemporary design.

Not your average swim, at Phinda Private Game Reserve. Photo by hotel.

If you had your own boutique hotel, what 3 things would you make sure existed?

1. A top-notch coffee-maker and well-stocked open mini-bar in each room.
2. A plunge pool and outdoor shower with a view!
3. I’ll make sure my staff call my guests by their names.

Sofitel Bora Bora. Photo by hotel.

Name 3 things you loved in hotels you stayed in before…

It’s always the small touches that make the difference wherever I stay. Here are 3 things I’ll never forget:

• A surprise gift when I checked out of the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. It was a small bottle of perfume, exactly the same scent they use in the hallways. A great memento of my stay there.
• At the Four Seasons Hotel in Amman, Jordan, I was impressed when I returned to my room after a day of touring to find my clothes neatly folded/hung in the closet, my shoes were polished, and my sunglasses were cleaned and neatly placed atop a fresh cloth.
• At the Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur, I loved the personalised pillow cases with my initials embroidered on them.

Name 3 things you wouldn’t want to experience in a hotel ever again.

• Housekeeping that knocks on your door at 8am.
• A butler who tries too hard to impress.
• A dirty room and/or bathroom.

How do you feel about the Amberlair concept?

I think it’s a brilliant concept and I hope Ambelair will produce the world’s best boutique hotel based on travellers’ tastes. Key to me will be the location, ambiance, design and level of service (warm and attentive but not overbearing).

Where are you off to next?

My next trip takes me to Bologna in Italy.

Keith Jenkins is the Founder and Publisher of the Velvet Escape luxury travel blog. Based in Amsterdam, Keith left his ten-year investment banking career to travel the world and carve out a new career as a travel blogger and social media advocate.

Keith has visited more than 80 countries across six continents. In addition to being a travel blogger, he is the CEO of iambassador – the world’s leading international travel blogger network – a company he founded in 2011. He also speaks often at travel and social media conferences about online marketing and blogger collaboration.

Keith Jenkins is also the co-founder of the Global Bloggers Network, a community of more than 3,000 travel bloggers. Keith has been featured in The New York Times, BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, National Geographic Traveler, and has spoken at TEDxTalk.

Follow Keith on: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.