#BoHoLover: Meet Molly of The Sought After @mollyschoneveld

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.