A Pretty Cool Hotel Tour
Margaret in one of the infamous heart shaped tubs at Pocono Palace Resort
“I think the first time we went to Cove Haven might be the most memorable just because I couldn't stop saying, ‘Is this real life?’”
The Champagne Tower Suite at Cove Haven
Jumping on the bed, ordering room service, staying up late - these are the ways we expressed our adorned, unhinged excitement on our adolescent vacations. Their temporality inspires you to leave any preconceived notions behind, and instead, explore, unwind, and fall in love. A Pretty Cool Hotel Tour has found a way to capture this essence again and again, throwing their inhibitions to the wind, and in return, gifting us a living, breathing souvenir from the country’s most charming, boutique hotels and resorts.
When we first found your page, we instantly recognized the heart shaped tubs from Cove Haven Resorts (we happen to be from the area) and just loved your concept of exploring "hidden gem hotels" around the U.S. What sparked the idea?
I had no idea specialty hotels existed until we found the Madonna Inn in California! Then when I heard about Cove Haven, we just had to stay there. Once we stayed there the flood gates just opened and I couldn't stop researching what other hidden gems existed! It's hard to top Cove Haven, but I've loved discovering the different theme and love hotels that still exist!
How do you go about discovering these captivating getaways?
So many hours on Google! And Yelp! And calling hotels that have some reviews that sound cool but don't include photos! I really have just spent the last few years Googling around each state, looking for more hidden gems!
The Gallery Holiday Motel is a sight to see! Of the hotels you've visited thus far, which would you say is the most unique?
I don't know if I could pick one that's the most unique, all of these places kind of blow my mind! I think Cove Haven is special in that it's a whole resort, not just a hotel. Having said that, love hotels like Gallery Holiday or theme hotels like Sunset Inn and Suites are just so incredible to see!
Pearl Under The Sea Suite
“It excites me to find these places and the more we have other couples send us their photos of their visits the more I love that aspect of it!”
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Coralville / Iowa City
The photography is really eye-catching, and lighting in some hotels can be really tough to work with - how do you go about capturing such great photos?
Thank you! I started with mostly iPhone photos, but now I try and bring in a real camera and do my best to set up a good shot. Sometimes I have to just resort to a flash and that's kind of ok for some of these strange dark rooms!
A lot of the destinations you visit cater to couples and intimate getaways. Is the goal of your journeys to inspire others to rekindle their romance?
You know I didn't think that was a goal at first, but the more it excites me to find these places and the more we have other couples send us their photos of their visits the more I love that aspect of it! So now I definitely hope to see other couples continue to have these adventures together!
Mustang Motel
What is your reaction when couples share stories about their love-filled experiences at these resorts?
It makes my day, every single time. We get a variety of tasteful nudes in champagne tubs to couples wearing themed-outfits in their theme suites and it just makes me so proud!
Aside from the magical charm of these hotels, your vlogs also lend a window into your relationship. Was there ever any hesitancy about displaying your intimacy on camera?
There has definitely been hesitancy. Anything you put on display is kind of making you vulnerable to very personal critiques so we make sure whatever we put out we both feel comfortable with. And it's also important to remember that at the end of the day it doesn't matter what other people have to say about your relationship!
Have a go-to Travel playlist?
I’m usually so nervous and excited on the way to a new hotel because I’m not sure what we’ll find or if they’ll be nice so I try and listen to music that keeps me calm. Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour is a classic that we both love. I also listen to a lot of S. Carey and John Denver. That’s some calming music right there! Then if the hotel is amazing I’m more likely to switch to Britney Spears or a pop playlist when we’re actually inside.
Which trip was your most memorable and why?
I think the first time we went to Cove Haven might be the most memorable just because I couldn't stop saying, "Is this real life?" and now I basically say that about all the hotels we stay at. They're so absurd, it makes me so happy!
Have you two discussed how you’ll continue this journey in light of the global pandemic?
We talk a lot about how we're going to keep this project going during the pandemic, especially since there's no end in sight. For this year, we decided to drive to a couple locations and just clean the rooms to be safe. We also canceled our East Coast tour and Florida tour at the moment while we wait for things to be safer. I think for now we'll stick closer to home and just be cautious about which places feel equipped and which ones should wait for a later date.
When is your Netflix series debuting? *wink wink*
We're working on it! You never know ;)
Images Courtesy of Margaret Bienert
Crystal Cave room at the Best Western in Galena, IL.