Boutique hotel lover and travel blogger JaMeka of Got The Travel Bug Too, tells us about hotels, travel, and her thoughts on Amberlair. Just like us, she’s a #BohoLover, a Boutique Hotel lover.

How do you choose a hotel when you travel?

The first thing I do when choosing a hotel is narrow down the neighborhood we want our hotel to be in. If we are visiting a place where we will not have our car, it must be nearby a bus stop or metro station so we can use public transportation or at least be within walking distance of all the sites. Once we’ve figured that out, I read loads of blogger posts and guest reviews on websites like TripAdvisor and Oyster.

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

So far we’ve only stayed in three boutique hotels, the King Charles Boutique Residence in Praha, Hotel Zero 1 in Montreal and the Hotel de L’Avre in Paris, but planning on staying at many more on our future trips because we’re hooked on them!

JaMeka in Florence, Italy.

What made them so special?

All of these hotels had very cool art and décor displayed throughout the hotel. The food was amazing, the locations were perfect, friendly staff, free WiFi (very important) and breakfast was included! The rooms were comfortable and furnishing was very chic at both hotels. Believe it or not, for boutique hotels we didn’t have to pay a very high price per night. They were both in my opinion 5 star service and amenities but at an affordable price and that is what we look for in hotels now. So to those who are hesitant about booking at a boutique hotel, there truly are some out there that are very inexpensive!

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

Definitely free WiFi, a restaurant and complimentary transportation to and from the airport.

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

1. I loved the helpful staff, especially when we need help mapping out what sites we want to see that day. They are locals so they have the inside scoop on where to eat and what to see outside of tourist attractions.
2. Breakfast included at the hotel restaurant (really helped us get out the door quick to go sightseeing and it’s a money saver).
3. Free WiFi to keep in touch with friends and family while we are away (we love our WiFi in case you couldn’t tell).

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

We’ve had good luck so far and haven’t encountered any issues. The only thing I can think of is false advertising. We stayed in a hotel once in Florida where the photos looked a whole lot better than how it looked in person. That’s why guest reviewer photos are a necessity!

How do you feel about the Amberlair concept?

I think it’s a very creative idea and I cannot wait to see where it will be located and what it will look like once it’s built!

Where are you off to next?

We don’t have anything set in stone at the moment. Just working and enjoying home life until our next adventure comes along.

A working mom, wife, travel, style and culture enthusiast; JaMeka Ramnath loves to explore and learn about different cultures and places around the globe.

You can also read about her experiences on her blog Got The Travel Bug Too and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Meet JaMeka on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram.

We have asked Raffaela Filippelli of the Frankfurt Main based hotel “Das Lindenberg” to share her thoughts with us about hotels and Amberlair. Just like us, a #BohoLover is a Boutique Hotel lover!
Of course Kristin loves the name of the hotel. She was welcomed as the first guest who has the same name!

How do you choose a hotel when you travel?

A hotel needs to feel like home. I need to walk into it and feel as if I’ve been there forever. I tend to choose hotels that give me that great first impression, and I feel totally comfortable there. If it’s too stiff or I’ve seen it before in another hotel, I will move on. That said, recommendations are critical when I’m selecting a hotel for my own travel. That’s why I like to ask guests of Das Lindenburg for their advice – they travel the same way I do.

Lulu room at “Das Lindenberg” in Frankfurt / Main in Germany.

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

Of all the wonderful boutique hotels I’ve experienced, I’d have to say the Ace Hotel in London Shoreditch, Hotel Des Indes in Den Haag and the J.K. Place in Florence were real stand outs for me.

What made them so special?

Ace Hotel in London Shoreditch: It’s minimalistic and there’s a people-oriented approach here that plays off of the artistic, eclectic neighborhood that surrounds it.

Hotel Des Indes Den Haag: This space is able to transform the spirit of an old grand hotel to the here and now. And the five-and-a-half meter high ceilings are just breathtakingly beautiful!

J.K. Place Florence: This hotel makes you feel cozy and right at home. There’s a direct reflection of the city into the interior design, which makes you feel romantic and well-cared-for at the same time.

Hotel des Indes in Den Haag. Photo by hotel.

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

Well, luckily I do love our Das Lindenberg concept, which takes the idea of a boutique hotel to a new level. We are proud to feature all sorts of different aspects that make us a unique choice for travelers. Das Lindenberg is a hideway that captures the small-town feel that resonates throughout Frankfurt. But, of course, it also blends that with the design and feel of this pulsating international destination. Above all, though, it’s a home away from home for our guests.

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

There’s nothing better than a plush, cozy bed that you can’t wait to jump into after a long day of traveling. Also, a hotel with an attentive staff is a great bonus that brightens your day without you really even noticing. Though you really notice when that kind of service isn’t there. And, of course, I do love a good cup of coffee in the morning. It’s those little details that stand out for me.

J.K. Place Firenze in Italy. Photo by hotel.

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

I’m not a fan of grumpy staff who take it out on unsuspecting guests. That is maybe the least forgivable when it comes to hotel stays. That, and ill-kempt rooms would probably be the worst. Cleanliness is key, people!

How do you feel about the Amberlair concept?

As we are a guest community, it is lovely to encounter people who share their thoughts on independent and individual hotel concepts. I love to interact with our guests and learn how we can improve their experience at our hotel. I think it’s similar to the Amberlair concept. The guests–they’re the ones staying at the hotel so why shouldn’t they be the ones to come up with the location, design, look and feel? It’s a great idea that I think will really resonate with people.

Where are you off to next?

Next, I’m off to our second house Libertine, which is opening at the end of summer 2015 in Frankfurt. It’s been a busy process, but we are super excited for this launch, and I can’t wait to welcome our new guests!

Raffaela Filippelli, with Italian roots but Frankfurter at heart, is the guest manager at the famous “Das Lindenberg” Hotel in Frankfurt am Main in Germany. She loves her job in the hospitality industry, because she has the chance to welcome all kind of different people from around the world in their tiny apartment like hotel property where the guest is king. You can find her on Facebook and on Instagram.

We asked Deborah Thompson of  New Jetsetters to share her thoughts with us about hotels and Amberlair. She’s a #BohoLover – Boutique Hotel Lover,  just like us!

How do you choose a hotel when you travel?

Our priority when choosing a hotel is finding one with a few special qualities that set it apart from the rest, and this differs depending on the destination itself. In a city we look for “sanctuary” hotels that are located in the heart of the action; we want to walk to (or easily get to) the top attractions, yet upon returning to our room feel any “city tension” melt away. We want it to be a quiet, relaxing refuge, far from the maddening crowds.

For “getaway” hotels we look for a hotel that celebrates and respects the area we are hoping to explore. For example, a jungle lodge that is respectful of the wildlife and nature surrounding it, that offers spa treatments and personal (not group) activities that promote the local wonders. We also look for hotels that incorporate the beauty of the landscape or city into the guest experience. You’ll find some examples below when I answer what made our top 3 hotels so special.

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

For a hotel that is both a city hotel and a destination hotel, we would choose Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok. For a destination hotel, we would choose St. Regis Punta Mita in Mexico. For a city hotel, Shangri-La Pudong in Hong Kong.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel. Photo by hotel.

What made them so special?

These are three very different hotels in three very different parts of the world, but they all have one major factor in common. Singularly outstanding treatment of guests.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has it all. A bustling city hotel in one of the busiest cities in the world, the it offers a simply amazing level of personalized guest attention and services. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok looks after you from the moment you arrive at the airport with a meet, greet and escort to your executive car or limousine, right to the moment you retrace your steps back to the airport for your flight home. Our driver actually brought all our luggage into the terminal and checked us in for our flight himself. We just had to walk through security and into the first class lounge to wait for our flight. It seemed that ever step we took there was someone looking after our comfort.

They also celebrate their location with gorgeous suites overlooking the busy river Chao Phraya river, and despite being in downtown Bangkok, as soon as you are greeted at the lobby doors by numerous, beautifully dressed staff acknowledging you with a “wai”, you will forget the millions of honking cars, zooming motorbikes and crowds of people as the lobby envelopes you in peace and quiet. A floor butler that would rush to call the elevator for you when he heard your door open, hand you an umbrella or a newspaper or whatever else you didn’t realize you needed until that moment. Also their spa is incredible, located in lush gardens on the far side of the Chao Phraya river, with treatment rooms overlooking little tinkling streams. Attention to guest satisfaction here is beyond compare.

Again, service levels at St. Regis Punta Mita are outstanding. We were brought by private car onto this property, which is gated and private from the surrounding area. Guests are invited to sip cocktails while checking in, staff are happy to introduce themselves. Their rooms and suites are built into the surrounding landscape to take advantage of the lush, jungle-like property. Most rooms and suites have at least a partial ocean view and their Presidential Suites are simply breathtaking.

Looking out over the deep blue of the ocean from your king-size bed, or slipping into your private swimming pool or enormous jacuzzi overlooking the beach at night before bed is unforgettable. Butler service is discrete but friendly and, again, anticipatory of your needs. We loved being able to book a private tour (through our butler) of the Marietta Islands and could walk right from our suite to the dock where the boat departed. We loved their “pop-up” dinners on the beach and exploring their vast property to look for tropical birds and native wildlife. We also loved that the General Manager was on site and meeting and greeting guests regularly while we were there; making sure guests were having not just a good time, but a great time.

Deborah’s arrival at Shangri-La Pudong.

Dare I say it again? Service is at every turn at Shangri-La Pudong. We were brought to the hotel and greeted with warmth, smiles and feeling like we were truly welcome. Similar to the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, this hotel is directly at the epicenter of big-city chaos. Horns honk. Buses roar. Immense groups of people surge elbow-to-elbow through malls, overflowing out onto exhaust-filled streets, pulling over-tired children into the next mall. It’s noisy and overwhelming, but you are within walking distance to some of the most amazing architectural sights in Shanghai, and it offers gorgeous suites that overlook one of the most beautiful parts of the Huang Po River, with views over to the world-famous Bund and the diverse architectural styles that make the skyline here so interesting.

A tiny, ancient little fellow, named Larry, was at the elevator every single day. He did not speak a word of English but with a smile in his eyes he would rush to get the elevator for us and once we were inside he would make sure we remembered to insert our card for the club floor and warble away in his language in the most adorable way. Every day, we couldn’t wait to say hello to Larry. We loved that they pressed a certain amount of items every day for free; that they accommodated their turn down service to your desired times, that they sent a welcome amenity to our room to say a special hello to us, and that their Club Floor Concierge greeted us by name every single morning, took the time to remember that we liked to have two black coffees and two orange juices before we looked at the menu. We also saw the general manager circulating regularly throughout the property, greeting guests, speaking with groups and making his exceptional presence known.

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

Outstanding employees, trained to exceed industry standards for hospitality and guest relations. Second, suites with as many luxe features as possible: super-fast WIFI, super-comfortable dream beds, top end linens, fresh flowers, top-end coffee system with limitless access to great coffee, sound-systems to work with the latest personal electronic devices, and LOTS OF EASILY ACCESSIBLE WALL PLUGS to plug all the possible gadgets that today’s guests travel with. Last, superb amenities in the bathroom including a large soaker tub with a view, if possible, an excellent steam shower, and very plush towels.

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

Huge king beds that are so comfortable it is actually hard to want to get up – and you LOVE the idea of going to bed at night! Delivery of custom-ordered breakfast every morning via an exterior cupboard, so I didn’t have to get dressed before my first sip of coffee! Or the butler service that set up breakfast on the terrace in the morning and rang a bell on the way out to let us know it was ready! Lastly, being greeted as a treasured guest, escorted directly to our suite where check-in is done while sipping champagne. Truly civilized.

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

Having to wait in a line-up to check-in, only to feel rather unwelcomed when greeted by front desk staff. Tiny, dark bathrooms with no decent bathtub and crusty towels! An unappealing view and uncomfortable mattress.

How do you feel about the Amberlair concept?

It is quite fascinating, and truly a concept whose “time has come”.

Where are you off to next?

In a few weeks, we will be guests at two gorgeous properties in Arizona, The ultra-luxurious “Phoenician” where we will be staying at the exclusive Canyon Suites, and at the seductive Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain where we will be staying in one of their most luxurious spa suites. We will be indulging in some spa treatments and assessing the gastronomic scene at some of the best restaurants, both at the hotels and in the surrounding area. Of course, we will be doing a Notable Chef interview or two while we are there, one of New Jetsetters specialties! We also have a special invitation from the general manager of the W Hotel in Scottsdale to come for dinner at their renowned sushi restaurant and check out the pool scene on the WET deck. We can’t wait to share everything on all our social media channels. We will also be featuring these hotels and experiences on New Jetsetters and in a future issue of our luxurious digital New Jetsetters “Gloss” Magazine.

From the moment Deborah Thompson first experienced the world of luxury travel as a child when her family stayed at the distinguished Elbow Beach Resort on the tiny island of Bermuda, she was smitten with the travel bug.  Soon she was filling leather-bound journals with details of the beautiful places she was able to visit.

Now she is thrilled to share her words and photographs with the world as she visits some of the most luxurious hotels in the world and indulges in some of the most amazing experiences. With her unique, engaging writing style and ability to connect with some of the top movers and shakers in the luxury travel industry, Deborah is fast becoming one of the top Luxury Travel Influencers in social media today. 

As Managing Partner and Editor-in-Chief of Newjetsetters, Deborah Thompson is also proud to co-produce New Jetsetters “Gloss” Digital Magazine which features select properties and experiences from around the globe in beautiful HD photography and all-original content which includes not only luxury hotel, airline and restaurant reviews, but also interviews with some of the world’s most interesting people in the restaurant and hospitality field.  She invites you to connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest.

We have asked travel blogging and photographer extraordinaire Becky, aka Global Grasshopper. She shares 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?

I am not a fan of sterile chain hotels. So I either research on the internet for boutique / unique hotels or rely on recommendations from travellers I trust.

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

I love the Hotel 41, the Hoxton in London and the Empire in Brunei.

Hotel 41 in London. Photo by hotel.

What made them so special?

I loved the Hotel 41 and the Hoxton and for their unusual designs and attention to detail. The Empire purely because it’s definitely one of the most opulent places I’ve ever stayed.

The Hoxton in London. Photo by hotel.

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

Hmm very good question, probably wall to ceiling windows, excellent service and a trendy decor. Good design is very important to me.

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

A soap butler in Hotel 41 (yes really), a spa bath big enough for two on a balcony and a fragrance menu.

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

All the usual really, poor service, dirty rooms and rude staff.

How do you feel about the Amberlair concept?

I think it’s an excellent idea and can’t believe someone hasn’t thought of it already. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Where are you off to next?

Sailing around the Greek islands, can’t wait!

Becky is the UK-based founder behind Global Grasshopper – a global magazine and resource for independent travellers. She is also joined by a team of self-confessed travel snobs. Together we’re on a mission to discover the world’s most underrated and beautiful places. Check out their site for photography, guides and travel inspiration with a slightly off-beat outlook or find them on Twitter or Facebook.

We have asked globetrotter Marcus Orbé, co-founder of Amberlair boutique hotels to share his thoughts with us about his love for boutique hotels, and Amberlair, of course. And before you ask, a #BohoLover is a Boutique Hotel lover… just like us!

Marcus at Blanc Café in Gallipoli, Italy.

How do you choose a hotel when you travel?

I love to walk in and get a first impression of the hotel. If the boutique hotel doesn’t meet my standards, I will leave and find another one. This is mostly the reason why I don’t like to book more than two nights in advance. Even the best hotels you booked in advance can turn out to be rundown, have bad service or something else is wrong – like they’re in the middle of construction work. Before I start, I do a little research online to get an idea of the local hotels at a destination–with sites like i-escape, Mr and Mrs Smith and Design Hotels. I’m always on the lookout for something genuine and authentic, rich with local influence and plenty of charm. It should meet more or less my definition of a boutique hotel.

Marcus and Kristin in Umbria

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

Of all the hotels Kristin and I stayed in (and there were so many during the two years we spent travelling the world), it’s hard to say which one was best. They all were so different and unique. There were three, though, that were the opposite of boring and really represented the epitome of a boutique hotel:

Inle Princess – Inle Lake in Myanmar
Devi Garh – Udaipiur in India
San Giorgio Hotel – Mykonos in Greece

San Giorgio in Mykonos. Photo by hotel.

What made them so special?

That they are all not alike. All of them had their specialties, each place offered a truly unique experience. One of a kind. It was obvious that they were designed with local influence and authenticity in mind.

The Inle Princess is the best and my favourite luxury boutique hotel in Myanmar, with a beautiful view to the Inle Lake. Everything is eco-friendly and handmade from the local village. The villas are equipped with an outdoor shower and a chimney fired by organic briquets.

Devi Garh is a gorgeously restored old castle close to Udaipur in India. In 10 years they turned a dilapidated castle into a luxury boutique hotel. It has an incredibly serene and relaxing atmosphere.

San Giorgio is a beautifully furnished bohemian style hotel where I could spend the whole summer, located on one of the hip islands in Greece, Mykonos.

Inle Princess Lake Resort, Myanmar.

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

• Personable and happy staff. It’s amazing how much staff who love what they do can elevate the entire guest experience.
• A help-yourself kitchen where guests can hang out and enjoy each other any time of day or night. Just like home.
• Local, authentic design elements by local, authentic designers. Down to the pillow shams.

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

• I love personalized service that makes me feel like a special guest right from the word go.
• I feel most comfortable in a hotel with plenty of places to hang out around the hotel so I’m not confined to my room.
• Simple things like a fireplace in my room or a complementary bottle of local red wine upon arrival. Those are the memorable things.

Nilaya Hermitage in Goa, India.

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

• A hotel that tries to satisfy any conceivable demand of their guests destroys everything. Be authentic!
• Fresh out-of-the-box design, plastic sun loungers and chairs, hard and stained bed linen.
• Housekeeping staff that knocks on your door early in the morning.

How do you feel about the Amberlair concept?

What can I say? :-) I have a strong conviction that we can call on boutique hotel lovers from around the world to join us and create the perfect boutique hotel together. Our future guests are the most important resource we have, so I prefer to let them bring in their ideas from the beginning and give them a chance to build and identify with our brand.

Marcus at Gran Sasso, Italy.

Where are you off to next?

Kristin and I just returned from a 5-week trip to Italy, so we’re still brainstorming our next trip. In the meantime, though, we’ve received lots of love from travellers around the world to help us find our future boutique hotel location, and we’re planning to launch our crowdfunding campaign this fall.

Marcus Orbé is the the co-founder along with his partner Kristin of Amberlair, the world’s first crowdsourced boutique hotel. He quit his job as a project manger in the aircraft industry to study boutique hotels all over the world. His vision is to set up crowdsourced Amberlair boutique hotels at any great place in the world. Marcus Orbé is based in Hamburg, Germany, when he is not discussing Amberlair with Kristin, he loves reading challenging books and tasting vintage wine.

If he had a motto, it would have to be, “Only dead fish swim with the stream.” And you can check out his career profile on Linkedin or follow him on Twitter.