Sydney - A new hotel inspired by photo-sharing website Instagram has opened its doors. The unique boutique 1888 Hotel in Sydney, Australia, has been designed with Instagram users in mind, meaning that every angle, every detail and every element of the hotel has been curated to be worthy of an Instagram photograph.
The hotel encourages guests to take photographs of the furniture, rooms and views and post them on Instagram.
Those judged the best can land the photographer a free night at 1888.
The space is certainly impressive. A giant digital photo frame hangs in the reception area with a revolving digital mural of Instagram images, and a “selfie” space to snap a photo of yourself as you check in – the best are displayed on the hotel walls for others to see.
The five-storey hotel, named in homage to the year Kodak launched the first box and roll camera, is adorned with guest-shot Instagram photos, meaning guests who shoot a great picture can leave their own legacy behind.
Rooms start at R1 400 a night, although guests with more than 10 000 followers on Instagram are invited to stay for one night for free.
There is free wi-fi throughout, of course, and an iPad in each room for guest’s use.
Guests also have a chance to win a free additional night’s stay through the hotel’s monthly photo competitions, which award a night’s stay to the best snapper.
Paul Fischman, chief executive of owner 8Hotels, says the hotel caters to modern travellers.
“There has always been a strong intrinsic link between travel and photography. But the advent of social media and Instagram has made photo-sharing an even bigger part of the traveller’s experience.
“People not only want to visit and stay in beautiful places, they also want to capture and share it with their friends and networks as it happens.”
Originally used for wool storage, the building has undergone a R300-million development over the last two years. It now 90 rooms, including a rooftop penthouse flat overlooking the city surrounds.
And if that isn’t enough, welcome to the world’s first Twitter hotel…
The Sol Wave House hotel in Majorca is the world’s first Twitter hotel, complete with Twitter-themed rooms decked out in blue and white.
Holidaymakers can check in, find out about events, order room service and get exclusive deals using dedicated hashtags.
The hotel also has Twitter-themed parties and offers Twitter-themed drinks such as a blue mojito. – Daily Mail