For better or worse, social media has changed the way we travel, and Instagram is one of the main culprits. Twenty somethings from every corner of the globe are going forth and wandering… towards the most Instagram friendly hotels, resorts and cityscapes. Have you ever booked a hotel based solely on its instagrammableness factor? (Yep, just made up that word…)
In our social media-obsessed world it’s the visually pleasing aspects of travel that are glorified, and the potential for a good snap for the grid drives millennials to travel 1000s of miles in search of a skyline, sunset or beautiful hotel pool to make their account shine.
Today, instagrammable hotels are destinations in themselves and people are prepared to pay more for hotels that will get the likes rolling in. Here are some of the most Instagram friendly hotels the world has to offer (no filter necessary).
The most instagrammable hotels in the world
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
Crowning one of Dubai’s most ambitious architectural feats and exclusive postcodes, the Palm Jumeirah; the iconic arch of Atlantis is recognisable from every angle – whether you’re sailing past on a luxury yacht, driving down the Palm’s ‘trunk’ on your way to the hotel, or taking in a birdseye view by helicopter. The hotel’s pool, Nasimi Beach, is one of the hottest places to be seen for Dubai socialites.
Check out my Dubai life section for tips on where to go.
Riad Yasmine, Marrakech
This boutique hotel is perfectly situated in the red city’s Medina, but there’s almost no need to leave. The monochrome tiled courtyard has ample fauna and a pool just begging to be lounged in on one of those swan-shaped inflatables, making it one of the most Instagrammed hotels in Morocco.
Learn more about Le Riad Yasmine
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi
Most of us have seen the viral videos depicting breakfast at this place, but do you actually know anything about Giraffe Manor? The boutique hotel with an ivy-clad facade sits amid 12 acres of stunning private land in the 140 acre indigenous forest of the Langata suburb of Nairobi. Waking up under a fluttering canopy to break bread with the neighbours; a herd of local giraffe, is serious Insta-goals.
Learn more about Giraffe Manor
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, Tokyo
Andaz means “Personal Style” in Hindi and Toranomon translates to ‘Tiger’s Gate’, which reflects the grandeur and eclectic styling of this Japanese tower. Shoji screens in the suites and views from the rooftop garden, served with a side of smoking tea-infused martinis, will blow you away.
Learn more about Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
Katikies Hotel, Santorini
Is there anything more photogenic than Greece’s blue and white palette? At this whitewashed boutique hotel on the cliffs of Oia, infinity pools melt seamlessly into the backdrop of Caldera and Aegean Sea. By night, sip local wine by candlelight on the rooftop before falling into bed in your cavernous bedroom.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKp9HdLAb9p/?taken-by=katikieshotel
Learn more about Katikies Hotel
W Barcelona
The sweeping panoramic view of the beachfront and Barceloneta boardwalk paints a pretty picture any time of day. And those exclusive cabanas are so ideal for swimsuit changes during impromptu photoshoots at the infinity pool.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BS-pa9LAzF0/?taken-by=w_barcelona
Taj Exotica Goa
56 acres of lush green gardens, beach views and a sunny atrium make this South Goa luxury resort an Instagram lover’s dream place to stay. Take a walk through the carefully pruned tropical plants in the sprawling gardens and take every photo opp offered by the huge chess set in the grounds.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
Almost as iconic as its view of Table Mountain, the pastel pink walls of The Nelly have played host to some of the biggest stars to ever visit South Africa. Marble ensuites and the adults-only Cottage Pool provide ample eye candy.
Learn more about Belmond Nelson Hotel
Villa Feltrinelli, Lake Garda
The verdant gardens of this 18-room Art Nouveau villa are filled with croquet lawns, 19th century lemon and olive groves and magnolia trees. Built in 1892 by Faustino Feltrinelli’s sons, the hotel has an elaborately decorated cigar room. Fancy.
Learn more about Villa Feltrinelli
Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
Five star luxury just steps from fashionista central, Avenue Montaigne and Avenue George V, and romantic, old-world balconies from which to observe an unrivalled view of the Eiffel Tower? Yes please.
Learn more about Shangri-La Paris
Aria Hotel, Budapest
With surreal views from the Sky Note rooftop bar, all the grandeur of an old Hungarian palace and a design inspired by music, Aria Hotel is one of the most picturesque places to stay in Budapest.
Read my itinerary for a short break in Budapest.
Learn more about Aria Hotel Budapest
The William Vale, Brooklyn NYC
Smack-bang in New York’s most hipster neighbourhood, it’s not just the local streets that will rock a VSCO filter at this hotel. Guests have a prime view of Manhattan’s skyline, all-white bathrooms for flattering selfies and delicious-looking meals at Leuca.
Read about how to spend the perfect day in Williamsburg.
Learn more about The William Vale
Constance Maldives Rangali Island
Would any list of Instagrammable places to stay be complete without a location in the Maldives? Guests at this resort arrive by seaplane (think of the birdseye shots!) and will be treated to meals under the sea and overwater spas complete with glass-floored treatment rooms.
Learn more about Conrad Maldives Rangari Island
Waldorf Astoria, Beijing
Oriental charm meets modern luxury at Beijing’s Waldorf, and this is best displayed in the grand ballroom and Ming Dynasty inspired Hutong Courtyard. For the ultimate foodie flatly, order a Red Velvet Giftbox to surprise someone in your room.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIghyVVApBp/
Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui
Order the Moo Kra Ta Thai Barbecue for local flavours in your villa residence, take a picnic on the beach or tag along to a Sunday Brunch for some foodie snaps. At Four Seasons Koh Samui, you’re surrounded by lush coconut groves and white sand beaches.
Learn more about Four Seasons Koh Samui
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
You might need a drone to get that perfect shot from above, but these igloo residences are picture-perfect from the ground too. Fingers crossed for a Northern Lights show!
Learn more about Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Club Med Val d’Isère
Lounging in an outdoor hot tub sipping champagne, against a backdrop of the snowy slopes and charming ski chalets. It’s the stuff of Instagram dreams.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSOf5VhB4pX/?taken-by=clubmed
Learn more about Club Med Val d’Isère
Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali
Rose petal-filled baths and floating brunch? We’re so there, and we’ve got our smartphones ready. There’s also a handy jetty to pose on at sunset and bath tubs filled with fresh rose petals.
Learn more about Ayana Resort and Spa
The Dolder Grand, Zurich
Aside from this Swiss hotel’s grand, almost Hogwarts-esque facade, the interior will wow you with its opulence. You can enjoy a candlelit dinner in the hotel’s spa, and the Carezza Suit’s floor-to-ceiling windows make bath time oh-so-picturesque.
Learn more about The Dolder Grand
Xanadu Villas, Zanzibar
Six luxury villas with private rooftop pools, outdoor showers, dome design suites and cathedral windows make Xanadu Villas feel – and look – like a more refined, luxurious home away from home.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPM1dNijNki/
Learn more about Xanadu Villas
Viceroy Riviera Maya, Mexico
Seven miles of white sand beach come with private patios, plunge pools, outdoor showers, high-ceiling thatched-palapa roofs, Egyptian cotton sheets and terraces scattered with chaise lounges, hand-carved stone dining tables and crochet hammocks. What are you waiting for?
Learn more about Viceroy Riviera Maya
Dedon Island Resort, Philippines
Go barefoot at this island resort and wile away the days editing your instas from the comfort of a suspended ‘pod’ seat or soaking up the jungle vibes in the reception area. All of the furnishings were created by local craftsmen, so that’s something to humble brag about in your captions.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRQaxTnjaCc/?taken-by=dedon_island
Taskonaklar Hotel, Cappadocia
This cava hotel blends into the rugged Turkish landscape and its rustic decor is only beaten by the spectacular views of Cappadocia’s famous hot air balloons sailing through the sunset.
Learn more about Taskonaklar Hotel
The Landmark Hotel, London
In Marylebone, British elegance and grandeur combine with the deluxe facilities you need to stay glam on your travels. The palm-tree studded atrium is impossible to walk through without stopping to take a picture.
Whether you only post pics that fit your colour scheme and work hard to maintain your Instagram ‘theme’ or you just appreciate beautiful interiors and exquisite architecture, these jaw-dropping Instagram friendly hotels will make you book your next trip (and watch your follower count soar).
And hey, who’s to say that sipping a cocktail in a hammock at one of these picturesque hotels won’t prompt you into a bit of self-reflection during your travels? It’s not all about the ‘Gram!
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Which hotel stands out most for you? And have you ever stayed in a hotel that could have been built for Instagram? Leave me a comment so I can check it out!
Evelyne CulturEatz says
Not in my budget but would to too just visit these places lol. I know the one in Dubai best by pic but now topingmy list to see would be the Giraffe Manor, Nairobi!
alison abbott says
Where to begin? The FS always gets it right, but I am focused on getting to the Maldives in 2018, so the Conrad would have to get my vote this time around.
Cat says
A great round-up post on beautiful hotels around the world! I am going to Paris and Barcelona next month. I shall check out W Barcelona and Shangri-La Paris!!
The Family Voyage says
Wow, gorgeous picks! These definitely put our Airbnb ways to shame 😉 The only one that really really makes me drool is Giraffe Manor – I have to go at some point!
gokulr27 says
That is exactly why all these hotels seem familiar to me. Seen most of them on Instagram. Esp the one in Morocco.
Katie Featherstone says
Wow, I’m not even on instagram and I’m super jealous at this lot. If I ever had the money for it, I think I’d choose Viceroy Riviera Maya! What a view!
Bilyana | OwlOverTheWorld says
Such a nice places, unfortunately not on my budget though. However, the Giraffe Manor and the igloo, I don’t care how much they cost, for them I absolutely won’t mind giving my money.
Antonette Spaan says
Great post! I’ve not been to any of these but would love to add Kennicott Lodge in Alaska to the list. The view from their deck is stunning, it’s overlooking some of the highest peaks in Alaska and the massive Root Glacier. One of my favorite places in the world for sure!
Indrani says
That is a very impressive list. I loved the one in Beijing and the one with fire works in back ground in Dubai too is mind blowing!
You may like Suryagarh Resort in Jaisalmer Rajasthan too.
Jetsettera says
These places look really stunning. I m going to Budapest next week. I will make sure to check out Aria Hotel.
Sid - The Wanderer says
This is such a lovely list – great hotels, even better views! When I visited Dubai last year, I was really keen to re-visit Atlantis The Palm just to take some great shots for Instagram – I guess now I can expand that list 🙂
Megan Claire (@mappingmegan) says
Thsi is an incredible list, is it sad that I would plan a stay just for the instagram shots haha!! I’ve stayed at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai before and totally agree!! LOVED it – I spend a whole day just running around the hotel discovering the beauty of the grounds!
Janna on a Jaunt (@jannaonajaunt) says
Definitely not in my budget but I would pay to see those giraffes in the manor! What a dream! That Riad Yasmine in Marrakech is so popular on Instagram! I see so many bloggers staying there. Another hotel I want to stay in is Ayana in Bali! Wow gorgeous place!
Mini Cards says
Beautiful list of Instagram shots, i had visited Aria Hotel, Budapest last year, it was amazing memorial tour for me.
Mansoureh says
Your title made ma laugh 🙂 I haven’t read anything like this and I am sure as long as Instagram is growing we will see the articles like this more often. I would love to stay in the hotels you mentioned, but not only because they are good for ig, because they are so cool
Dannielle Lily says
Aren’t they just!?