Why Storytelling Hotels Are Having a Moment

Jenny Revesz • January 26, 2026

Travel is changing

More and more travellers are looking for experiences that feel meaningful, personal, and connected to place — not just beautiful rooms or luxury amenities. And that’s exactly why storytelling hotels are having such a moment.

These are hotels that don’t just offer a bed for the night, but invite you into the history, culture, people and soul of a destination . They turn a stay into part of the journey, not just a place to rest between sightseeing.


What Is a Storytelling Hotel?


A storytelling hotel is designed around narrative.

That story might come through: - The people the hotel honours or represents - The history of the land or building - Local culture, craftsmanship, and traditions - Art, literature, or community voices woven into the guest experience

From room design and artwork to written stories, guided experiences, food, and even staff interactions — everything works together to tell a deeper story about where you are.

Why Travellers Are Craving This Right Now


1. People Want More Than “Nice”


Luxury today isn’t just about thread count or marble bathrooms.

Travellers want: - A sense of connection - A feeling that they’ve learned something - Experiences that stay with them long after they return home

Storytelling hotels offer something memorable — and memory is the new luxury.


2. Authenticity Matters More Than Ever


After years of fast travel and lookalike hotels around the world, many travellers are actively seeking places that could only exist in that destination.

Storytelling hotels celebrate: - Local voices - Regional history (including the complicated parts) - A true sense of place

They feel grounded, intentional, and authentic — not copy-and-paste.


3. Travel Is Becoming Slower and More Intentional


Many travellers are choosing: - Fewer destinations - Longer stays - Deeper experiences

When you slow down, where you stay matters more.

A storytelling hotel becomes part of the experience, not just a backdrop. Guests often spend more time on property — reading, listening, learning, and reflecting.

A Perfect Example: MACq 01, Hobart


One of my favourite examples of a storytelling hotel is MACq 01 on Hobart’s historic waterfront.

Every room at MACq 01 is inspired by a real Tasmanian character — from explorers and artists to pioneers and change-makers. Each guest receives a written story about the person their room represents, instantly connecting them to Tasmania’s layered and fascinating past.

It’s a hotel that encourages curiosity, conversation, and a deeper understanding of place — all while offering contemporary comfort and an unbeatable location.

This is storytelling done beautifully.

Why Storytelling Hotels Create Better Trips



When you stay somewhere with meaning: - You engage more deeply with the destination - You remember the experience more vividly - You feel a stronger emotional connection to your journey

These hotels often pair beautifully with: - Cultural experiences - Guided local encounters - Food and wine journeys - Slow, immersive itineraries

They’re ideal for travellers who want to come home feeling enriched, not rushed.

Why I Love Recommending Them



As a travel specialist, I’m always looking for accommodations that add value to a journey — not just fill a night.

Storytelling hotels: - Elevate an itinerary without needing excess luxury - Create natural talking points and memories - Help travellers truly understand where they are

They align perfectly with the kind of travel I love to design: thoughtful, immersive, and deeply personal.

Final Thoughts


Storytelling hotels aren’t a trend — they’re a reflection of how travel is evolving.

Travellers want stories. They want context. They want to feel something.

And when a hotel can do that — quietly, beautifully, and authentically — it becomes far more than a place to stay.

It becomes part of the journey.

This is travel with meaning. This is travel, Travel Like Jenny style.


Thinking about a trip where your accommodation is part of the experience, not just the location? I’d love to help you design something truly special.

February 2026 Spotlight - Taronga Zoo, Sydney

By Jenny Revesz • February 6, 2026
Taronga Zoo is one of those places many travellers think they already “know” — but behind the iconic Sydney Harbour views lies one of Australia’s most important conservation stories. Having visited Taronga Zoo many times and being fortunate enough to stay at the Wildlife Retreat, I’ve always felt there is something truly special about its setting. Perched in one of the most iconic positions on Sydney Harbour, Taronga is just a short ferry ride from downtown Sydney yet feels worlds away. Arriving by water, with the city skyline behind you and wildlife ahead, is part of what makes the experience so memorable. Home to more than 5,000 animals, Taronga Zoo is a not-for-profit organisation with a powerful mission: protecting wildlife, supporting breeding programs for endangered species, and leading global conservation efforts. One of the most exciting developments is the planning of a new, state-of-the-art wildlife hospital, reinforcing Taronga’s long-term commitment to animal care, research, and education. What makes Taronga especially compelling for Travel Like Jenny clients is the ability to go beyond a standard zoo visit. Exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences offer rare insight into animal care, conservation programs, and the passionate people working quietly in the background to protect wildlife for future generations. For an unforgettable stay, the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga offers a unique overnight experience with wildlife views, guided walks, and a strong sustainability ethos — all just minutes from the heart of Sydney by ferry. Dining at Me-Gal completes the experience, pairing native-inspired cuisine with one of the most spectacular harbour outlooks in the city. This is Sydney with depth — where an iconic attraction becomes a meaningful, immersive experience rooted in conservation, education, and purpose. And that’s exactly why Taronga Zoo earns its place as February’s Pick of the Month.

January 2026 Spotlight - MACq 01 Hotel, Hobart – Where Every Stay Tells a Story

By Jenny Revesz • January 26, 2026
MACq 01 Hotel, Hobart – Where Every Stay Tells a Story If you’re the kind of traveller who loves staying somewhere with a true sense of place, then MACq 01 in Hobart is a hotel I absolutely love recommending. Set right on Hobart’s historic waterfront, MACq 01 is not just a beautiful place to stay — it’s a storytelling hotel. Every room is inspired by a real Tasmanian character, from explorers and artists to pioneers, entrepreneurs and change-makers. Your room key doesn’t just unlock the door; it unlocks a story. This is Tasmania done properly — thoughtful, immersive and quietly luxurious. Why I Love MACq 01 Storytelling at its heart – Each room comes with a beautifully written story about the person it represents, giving guests a deeper connection to Tasmania’s layered history. Unbeatable waterfront location – Walking distance to Salamanca Place, Battery Point, waterfront dining, markets and galleries, with easy ferry access to MONA. Stylish, contemporary comfort – Warm timber tones, floor-to-ceiling windows and harbour or mountain views create a calm, refined space. Perfect for summer travel – January is one of the best months to visit Tasmania, with long daylight hours, festivals, food and vibrant cultural life. A Stay That Goes Beyond the Room MACq 01 also excels when it comes to food and drink. The hotel’s bar and restaurant continue the storytelling theme, celebrating Tasmanian produce and local flavours — whether you’re enjoying a relaxed drink overlooking the harbour or starting your day with breakfast and views. Who This Is Perfect For Couples looking for a romantic but interesting stay Culture lovers who enjoy history, art and storytelling Travellers seeking luxury with meaning, not cookie-cutter hotels Those combining Hobart with a Tasmania self-drive or food and wine journey Travel Like Jenny Tip MACq 01 works beautifully as a 2–3 night Hobart stay, the start or finish of a Tasmania road trip, or as part of a longer Tasmanian journey. I often pair it with Bruny Island, the Tasman Peninsula, or unique lodges and experiences across the state. Thinking About Tasmania? If MACq 01 has caught your eye and you’re dreaming of Tasmania — whether for a short escape or a deeper journey — I’d love to help design something that feels personal, seamless and truly special. This is Tasmania, Travel Like Jenny style.  Button Button Button Button
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