Now that remote work is a thing for many of us, the laptop often comes with us in the carry on. As the lines between city break, work trip and hotel stay become increasingly blurred, it’s time for the hotel lobby to shine.
Read on for a few of our favorite hotel lobbies to work from. And check back – this is a list that we’ll continue to build as we go.
The Hoxton’s lobby resembles more of a co-working space than an actual hotel lobby. You will find Brooklyn locals having meetings, typing away on their computers, and grabbing a casual coffee. Choose between sofas or formal tables. Outlets are aplenty and their food is fantastic.
CitizenM hotels (of which there are many globally) are made for the business traveler, with compact, convenient rooms and central locations. The lobbies are chic, a bit quirky, and perfect for getting work done. The wifi is fast and free (you can connect automatically), the drinks selection is great and their ‘ambassadors’ are some of the nicest people in the hospitality industry.
One of the more upscale hotels in Mexico City, The Four Seasons has a large lobby that is perfect for plugging away. But, we prefer hanging in the bar to get some work done. If you aren’t staying at the hotel, don’t worry, just order something to drink and take a seat. It’s definitely somewhere you could spend a few hours.
One of the trendier boutique hotels in the city, Only YOU has a great lobby that is perfect for a casual meeting or getting through some emails. Get comfortable on one of the big couches, or if the weather is nice, take those emails outside. If you are in Madrid for more formal business, book one of their meeting rooms.
Originally from California, Kimiko Ninomiya made the move from the West Coast to Brooklyn, after falling for the magic of NYC. An Uber alum, she worked in marketing and content strategy for the tech company for six years. Then, in 2020, she joined Soho House, where she’s now Global Head of Marketing and Digital Communications.
Career aside, Kimiko has always traveled the world, from Tokyo to Armenia. A lover of art (she name-checks Yayoi Kusama as one of her favorites), food and exploring culture, it’s clear why she has landed in the hospitality world – she’s made for it. And we’re very happy she’s here.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
Aman, Tokyo. The lobby is breathtaking, with amazing views – the same you’ll get from the beautifully designed guest rooms, full gym, and world-class spa and pool. The staff and service are beyond welcoming, anticipating your needs and recognising you by name every time you come and go. The bar serves delicious cocktails and a full menu, but feels relaxed and unstuffy compared to other hotel bars with a view. Overall, staying here almost makes you question whether you ever need to leave your hotel.
Photo via Aman
El Rey Court, Santa Fe, New Mexico. The El Rey is a quirky, cozy, and stylish roadside motel-turned-hip boutique hotel. The property is full of southwestern charm, with adobe walls, terracotta tiles, and local artwork throughout. The hotel bar, La Reina, is popular with local creatives, making for a fun vibe and quality people-watching. The drinks are delicious, too!
11 Howard, New York, NYC. This is my favorite crash pad for a long weekend in NYC. The beautifully designed interiors are full of thoughtful details, including a signature scent when you walk into the lobby. The rooms themselves are lovely and inviting, with with custom-designed pieces that really elevate the experience. And the Grown Alchemist products in your room are definitely worth snagging.
What do you love most about working in hospitality?
When I moved into hospitality from tech, I found the focus on the customer experience so refreshing. At a product-focused company, everyone talks about customer centricity, but it feels like most of the creation is still ego-driven. In hospitality, everyone truly lives and breathes an ethos of putting customers first, taking every opportunity to make them feel important and appreciated. I love that, and it’s so important in building a brand and loyalty.
What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?
Soho House, obviously!
What is your favorite travel book?
Walter de Maria’s The Lightning Field. The story itself is based on a small cabin, which was built for the purpose of experiencing ‘the lightning field’ as the sky and landscape change throughout the day. You can visit alone or in a small group – and with no cell service for miles, you’d better make sure it’s people you like. More importantly, it’s a magical place for introspection and appreciation of the artwork and the beautiful high desert of New Mexico.
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
And this cute, but ridiculous, pink bear eye mask that I found on a trip to Singapore, which has cooling gel in it.
Have you or would you travel alone?
I traveled alone for a few weeks in Japan and, to be honest, it made going back to traveling with others feel less appealing. I loved being on my own schedule, exploring and doing everything that was important to me. Because the language is so different, I spent a lot of time in my own brain, while still being out and about. As an introvert that was a very special experience.
Anxiety and burn out are big topics these days. How do you combat them, and how does travel help?
Everyone has their own stressors and responsibilities to manage. What I’ve found most effective is that when I’m taking time off to travel, I’m 100% off. I was only able to feel truly comfortable with doing this after taking a four-month sabbatical.
The reality is that the world does not begin and end with me and my contributions. There’s always more work to be done, and as long as I’ve done a good job preparing everyone for my absence, that means I can truly immerse myself in my travels. It makes the experience all the more rewarding, leaving me feeling refreshed and ready to return to my responsibilities. Although, to be honest, I’d be totally happy to never work another day in my life.
Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?
Get up and move! I love to book fitness classes for the morning or day that I arrive in a new city. If I’m not able to make it to the gym, doing a few short workouts and getting out and walking are key. I also make a point to stay up until the time I’d normally sleep (with no naps in between), and wake up bright and early the next day (7am at the latest).
What are your favorite travel hacks?
On long-haul flights, request a meal preference. I have a dairy allergy, so I always opt for the vegan meal (there are lots others, many for specific dietary restrictions). These “special” meals are always brought out first, meaning you get your food (and first choice) faster than everyone else!
Travel can be about the little luxuries, like an amazing cup of coffee. Where was the best one you’ve had?
It wasn’t the most amazing coffee, but the experience was memorable, because of where I was and the people I was with. I was in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, with a big group of friends for a wedding. On this particular afternoon, we sat at an outdoor patio of one of the many cafes near the Armenian Opera Theatre. It was after we’d walked down the stairs of the Cascade and we just sat for hours, enjoying Armenian coffee and keeping cool in the shade.
If you’re going to a new place, and your friends haven’t been there, where do you go for advice?
I find The New York Times 36 Hours books to be perfect for anywhere in the US. They’re full of inspiration for any type of travel, from long weekends to cross-country road trips. When traveling abroad, I love Wallpaper* city guides. They curate the essentials like delicious food, shops, and hidden gems, while also focusing on architecture and design. So, I know I’ll find interesting cultural sites that aren’t your typical tourist traps.
Born in Kuching, Malaysia in Borneo, Stephanie Sprayregen moved to Vermont at the age of four, and then to Boston at 14 to pursue a career in competitive figure skating. After a few years on the ice, she decided she didn’t want to continue down that route and instead, moved into a career that centred around hospitality. Hence, our paths gladly collided.
Hooked by the communities that good hotels can create and foster, Stephanie knew she wanted to make that her remit. She has now worked in hotels and tech travel at companies including Gansevoort Hotels, The William Vale, and Skipper. Most recently, she founded Spray Marketing, with the aim of getting rid of marketing fluff in favour of successful growth strategies, focusing on lifestyle and hospitality brands. With almost 20 countries in her passport and many, many hotel stays on her books, we know we can count on Stephanie when it comes to travel advice.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
Habitas Tulum, Tulum, Mexico. The ultimate glamping experience, but with 5-star service. I love the morning yoga sessions, outdoor rain shower and healthy, clean eats.
The William Vale, Brooklyn, USA. This is the only hotel in NYC with a private terrace in every room, which is important to me as a guest.
Ocean View Club Dunmore Town, Bahamas. I loved this hotel so much, that I got hitched there! Every room or cottage is unique with its own character. It’s a family-owned business and you can feel that in their level of service. They really make you feel welcomed and at home.
What do you love best about your job and the industry?
I love that hotels aren’t just a ‘heads-in-bed’ establishment anymore. Hotels have become a cultural hub where art, music, food and entertainment collide into an immersive experience. It makes going to work every day fun and exciting.
Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?
Despite being in digital marketing, I love digital detoxes! An easy place for me to detox is upstate New York at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge. The lobby has a beautiful furnace fireplace and the walls are lined with books for you to read at your leisure. It’s a very peaceful and tranquil hotel in the middle of nature!
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
It’s a splurge, but I always carry an SK-II Facial Treatment Mask. I have no shame putting that mask on in the middle of a flight because I know my skin will thank me later.
What are your favorite travel hacks?
I buy everything with my credit card, so I can build my points up. As long as you stay diligent with paying your credit card, this is the fastest way to get upgraded seats and ‘free’ flights!
Anxiety and burn out are big topics these days. How do you combat them, and how do you use travel to do so?
Traveling is the best way to detox from stress and anxiety. Even if it’s a weekend staycation, going someplace once a month reminds me that there is a bigger world out there and I need to live in it.
Travel can be about the little luxuries, like an amazing cup of coffee. Where was the best one you’ve had?
Cartagena has a small hole-in-the-wall coffee shop called Abacus Books and Coffee, where the red-brick walls are lined with a curated selection of books for you to browse for hours. It’s a great place to escape the heat and relax with a refreshing cold brew coffee, while reading a good book or taking advantage of their free wifi.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
The best travel advice I’ve received is to try to “live like a local” in any new place I visit. If this means trying a new dish that I wouldn’t usually eat, then that’s what I’ll do.
What’s your go-to outfit for getting through security quickly, and still looking good?
I think workout clothes can be chic and most importantly comfortable! You’ll usually find me in an all-black workout attire with white sneakers going through security. I have Global Entry, but I still don’t want to take any chances with having to take off my shoes or a layer because something went off in the detector.
Tell us the last time you switched off the laptop for more than 24 hours? Or, left your phone at home? If you can’t remember, we’re going to suggest it’s time for a digital detox. Given the pace and plugged-in nature of modern life, the digital detox is increasingly relevant and something we’re big advocates of at Safara.
Read on for our Insiders’ tips on how, where and why you should embrace the digital detox.
1. A digital detox to Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Off the northwest tip of West Papua, you will find a collection of 1,500 islands that can only be described as idyllic. Celebrated for their turquoise waters and thick jungle, Raja Ampat is known for some of the best diving in the world. It’s myriad coral reefs are thriving thanks to the remote location, which has prevented human interference. Expect to see manta rays, sharks, whales, turtles, birds of paradise, and even salt water crocodiles.
Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort is the place to stay when you get there – the journey takes around 16 hours from Singapore, via three flights and two boats. When you get here there is no cell service, and no wifi. It’s paradise.
Isla Holbox is everything Cancun isn’t, which is exactly why you should come here for a digital detox. Stay at Casas Las Tortugas, located amid the nature reserve on this a car-free island, north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. There’s really nowhere better to power down, relax and recharge.
Santa Teresa is the place to go for amazing beaches, good surf and great food. Forget about wifi, head to a hammock on the sand, rent a board, and relax with a good book and a fresh coconut after hitting the waves. Stay in one of the surf lodges closest to the beach – it’s not about luxury here, rather about switching gear, making friends and discovering new perspectives.
Famous for its beaches, pine trees and picturesque dunes, Ile de Ré is a perfect place to wind-down. Off the west coast of France, the island is much more “connected” than heading deep into the jungle, but it is still a far fling from the buzz of the Mediterranean cities. The vibe is extremely laid-back, with small cafes, expansive beaches and beautiful walks. Book a stay at Hotel Le Sénéchal in May or September, when you can truly take advantage of the peace and quiet the island has to offer.
If you were in and around NYC or LA five years ago, every plugged-in person you knew was discussing a little boutique hotel in Nicaragua called Maderas Village. No, this wasn’t a splashy five-star property with huge ad budgets to match. It was just that good of a place that people couldn’t help but share its magic. On our first (of a few) visits in 2015, we met one of the partners behind its word-of-mouth success, Bennett Brown. Originally from Toronto, he left a successful real estate career in the big city to move to a tiny, undeveloped beach town in Nicaragua. There, he helped build Maderas Village, and the pop-up boutique hotel that followed, Bayhouse.
When we met, we bonded over a shared love of adventure travel and a desire to challenge the status quo of the industry. Since then, we’ve founded Safara, and Bennett is now the CEO of tech company Pitaya, developing a new hospitality experience platform for boutique hotels. As an amazing hotelier and dedicated traveler – he recently spent a couple of months living in Lisbon, and before that, did a stint in Joshua Tree – his travel tips are always worth taking note of.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
What hotel room design element can you not live without?
I hate to say it, but reliable internet and wifi. A solid internet connection is just so critical today, and so many hotels fail to get this right. Few things will frustrate people more than unreliable technology.
Did you always want to work in the travel/hospitality industry?
It really hadn’t crossed my mind until I arrived at Maderas Village in Nicaragua. I was traveling through Latin America and stopped in to visit an old family friend, Matt Dickinson (Dickie), who had co-founded the hotel.
What really captivated me was their philosophy around how to deliver an incredible guest experience. That was the first time the term ‘hospitality’ really connected with me. It kind of sounds crazy, but very few hospitality companies actually bring people together.
I knew Dickie was on to something as I had never experienced a place like that before in all my travels. I felt I had to figure out what they were doing differently that the industry seemed to have missed. So, I decided to stay longer and make myself indispensable.
Name three songs on your travel playlist?
Inside Out, by Spoon. Got to Give it Up, by Marvin Gay. And Heroes, by David Bowie.
Who is your dream “co-pilot” or travel partne?
I suppose I would have to say Steve McQueen: he is a really fascinating individual, and seems like someone who would always be up for an adventure to unique destinations.
If you’re going to a new place, and your friends have not been there, what do you consult for advice?
I usually look to a few sources, such as A Hotel Life or Design Hotels, as they have a solid collection of curated properties around the world. From there, I find a few properties that match the vibe I am looking for, and then dig into their socials. There are generally some solid gems to explore – cafes, music venues, galleries or great eats.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have heard was to just ‘say yes’. I was at a talk given by Richard Branson and the CEO of ING in Toronto years ago, and a lot of their focus had been on the idea of ‘just saying yes’ as often as possible, as it leads to unexpected outcomes. It made a lot of sense, and I would have to credit that advice for leading me to some of the most fascinating ventures over the years.
Anxiety and burn out are big topics these days. How do you combat them, and how does travel help?
I passively manage my stress by ensuring those I share my time with both personally and in business have a calming presence and positive outlook. I have found that even the most stressful situations seem much more manageable with calm and positive people at your side.
However, while traveling I look to enjoy the unique environments each country offers. Whether that is surfing, climbing, snowboarding or even enjoying a coffee in a park and watching the world go by.
Travel can be about the little luxuries, like an amazing cup of coffee. Where was the best one you’ve had?
There was this little café in Rome called The Hybris Art Gallery, which has sadly now closed. It had an amazing atmosphere, great music, and welcoming staff. I am not even certain the coffee was truly the best, but in that moment it didn’t much matter, as it was all perfect.
Margot Boyer-Dry is the witty wordsmith we all need in our current reality. She’s based in Brooklyn, NYC, and the founder of Lorem Ipsum – a culture focused newsletter spanning music, food, tech and beyond. As The News Stand put it, it’s “the only newsletter you need in your inbox”. Frankly, we wholeheartedly agree.
In addition to keeping up with pop culture for Lorem Ipsum, Margot has done copywriting for Facebook and Audible, and has written for publications like Curbed, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. She co-wrote the NYT column “Summer in the City”, sharing her point of view on what to do, where to eat, and who to see during the warmer months in New York. And she’s our go-to for a creative reboot.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
I can’t remember its name, but the best place I’ve ever stayed was a hotel in a former convent in Avignon. Thick stone, sweet courtyard, pure delight. After that, I remember a great Riad in Fes, where I almost floated away after all the evening tea. And The Silo in Cape Town has a really friendly staff – find them and befriend them.
Photo via The Silo Hotel
What is the most unique hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?
The Hoxton in Williamsburg has coffee packets – like tea bags, but for steeping coffee. Why has no one told me about this before.
What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?
Pretty much anywhere outside will do. Give me dappled sunlight and something green, and I’m good to go. All parks with wifi are my offices in Brooklyn.
Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?
Somewhere remote and mountainous. The Himalayas. Patagonia. Upstate New York.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
My cousin taught me early: never be on the main drag.
Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?
It’s basic, but it holds up: sleep on local time.
Travel can be about the little luxuries, like an amazing cup of coffee. Where was the best one you’ve had?
Figure 8 in Austin (included in the Safara guide), hands down. Coffee comes best with a spinning record. And a breakfast taco never hurts.
Beach, city or mountains?
Mountains!
Airplane food?
Plane food is almost uniformly disappointing, but nevertheless, absolutely.
Window or aisle?
Depends. Daytime flights pull me toward the window, but aisles are better for long trips. How many times do I anticipate having to pee?
Producer, composer, and keyboard player for indie-electro band St. Lucia, Nicky Paul has been in the music scene for a long minute. Growing up in LA, Nicky was surrounded by creativity from a young age, and he continues to grow his creative circle from his current base in Brooklyn, New York.
Prior to joining St. Lucia, Nicky worked on music projects with Tony Bennett, Britney Spears, Passion Pit, and more. He also spent a fair amount of time in the advertising music game, and runs his own publishing company. Touring has taken Nicky to Europe, Asia, South America, and around the US. He’s no stranger to spending serious stretches of time on the road, so his travel tips are worth noting. Plus, his hip swinging and head bobbing makes him one of our favorite people to watch on stage.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?
Yosemite (High Tuolumne Meadows) or Santa Cruz Island (Channel Islands).
Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?
Get ahead of the game by falling asleep or staying awake on the plane, depending on the destination/time zone you’re going to.
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
Headphones.
What is your favorite travel book?
It’s actually The New Yorker magazine. I don’t have a favorite book, so if I’m not deep into one at the time, this is always my go to.
What’s your go-to outfit for getting through security quickly, and still looking good?
Sneakers, sweats, sweatshirt, shirt – the 4 S’s. All Gucci, all the time. Sometimes Chanel.
You travel a lot for work, was this something you were seeking in a career? And how do you make it as relaxing and fun as possible?
I’ve always wanted to play and make music and I’ve always wanted to see the world. I’ve been lucky enough that both have come to fruition through what I love doing. I think the most essential point to making travel both fun and relaxing is to do things in moderation. Don’t plan too much, but don’t plan too little. Leave room for spontaneity, but also have a clue of what you want to do.
Don’t put pressure on yourself to do ALL the things, just book enough time (days/weeks) so that you can do them, without feeling like you’re in 5pm NYC rush hour traffic. Also, it helps if you’re doing it with someone or people you enjoy. Things tend to just fall into place, in my experience.
Beach, city or mountains?
Mountains.
Favorite subscription service you’ll never delete?
The New Yorker (print edition) and Girl Scout chocolate mint cookies.
In-flight cocktail?
Bloody Mary or just tomato juice with a side of lemon and ice.
