OUR STAYS
Welcome to Our Hotel Review Pages Where We Share the Places We Truly Love
At Barefaced Travel, we believe where you stay matters. A lot.
It’s not just about a comfortable bed or a fancy lobby the right hotel can elevate an entire journey, turning a trip into an unforgettable experience. That’s why this space is dedicated to honest, heartfelt reviews of the places that left a real impression on us.
We’re passionate travellers and thoughtful bookers. We spend hours reading real reviews, researching every detail, and only ever feature the hotels we’ve personally stayed in and truly loved. If it didn’t feel special, it doesn’t make it here.
What Makes a Hotel Worth Sharing?
Every hotel featured on our blog has been chosen for its unique charm, exceptional service, or an atmosphere that captures the spirit of the place. Whether it’s a luxury escape, a boutique gem, or a family-run farmhouse, we gravitate toward places that feel authentic to their local context even in the small things like materials, finishes, gardens, or views.
We often stay in the historic centre of town to fully immerse ourselves in the real experience. Think the heart of Rome, the cobbled streets of Florence, or the fishing village of Manarola in Cinque Terre — where daily life continues around you, not just tourism.
Stays That Stay With Us
Some of our most memorable hotels weren’t necessarily the fanciest — but they all had soul.
We once stayed in an agritourism BnB above Positano, perched at the very top of a mountain with sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast. A local nonna and nonno lived on the property, and though the bus ride down was terrifying, the warmth and authenticity of the experience made it completely worth it.
In Marrakesh, we stayed in a traditional riad right in the medina — the sounds, scents, and textures of the old city wrapping around us. In Jaisalmer, India, we slept in a room carved into the wall of an 868-year-old golden fortress, with nothing but the desert wind and starlight at night.
Hidden Gems Around the World
We love unique stays that are deeply rooted in place — even if it means booking through obscure websites or navigating translation tools. In Venice, we found a multi-generational home converted into an Airbnb near the Grand Opera Hall. The daughter still lived there and maintained the house, complete with original terrazzo floors and a view of the Grand Canal. We had to book through an Italian site and translate everything with Google — and it was completely worth it.
In Trastevere, Rome, we stayed in a converted monastery. In Tuscany, we found a historic winery — one of the oldest in the region — with a subterranean barrel room and a centuries-old wine store. In Florence, we slept in a Medici villa with original ceilings and antique tapestries still intact.
Beachfront Bliss and Off-Grid Escapes
We’ve stayed in a beachfront bungalow in Tulum, where we fell asleep to waves and woke to the sound of birds in the palms. In the Philippines, we found a bamboo treehouse wrapped around a hillside, open to the elements and drenched in greenery. In New Zealand, we slept in a converted horse stable, and in Poland, we spent the night in a farmhouse attic — the kind of place that tells its story through every creak and floorboard.
One standout was Karma in Koh Samui — a French-Tahitian fusion boutique resort run by a French restaurateur with an Eastern twist. From the food to the furnishings, it felt like an elegant cultural dance.
We Look for Design, Comfort, and Local Feeling
As an architect, I also look for originality and uniqueness. A hotel doesn’t have to be over-the-top to be exceptional — it just needs to be true to its location and thoughtfully designed. We appreciate clever layouts, warm hospitality, and small touches that tell you the hosts genuinely care.
While we sometimes seek adventure, we generally opt for 4- to 5-star stays, especially on longer trips. Comfort, quality, and that feeling of “this is special” matter to us — not just for sleeping, but for how it frames the whole experience.
In Sydney, we’ve stayed in all the top hotels — from the Hilton and Sheraton Grand to the Shangri-La — and while those were polished and luxurious, the places that surprise us most are often the ones with deep character and personal story.
What You’ll Find in Our Hotel Reviews
Expect:
In-depth insights on location, vibe, service, and design
Practical tips for getting the best out of your stay
Lots of photos so you can get a true feel for the place
Our honest take on who it’s right for (and who it’s not)
We share everything we wish we knew before booking — with no sponsorships or fluff, just real experiences we’d happily recommend to our friends.
Find Your Next Favourite Stay
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a bucket list honeymoon, or an offbeat solo retreat, we hope this page helps you discover stays that feel just right for you.
Explore the hotels we love — and maybe find your next favourite place to stay.
