Okay, so this whole thing started because I got really tired of scrolling through Instagram feeds. Every other post showed these crazy gorgeous rooms – like, who actually lives like that? I decided instead of being jealous, I’d just go find them myself. For real.
The Plan & Saving Up
First thing I did was grab a giant map and some sticky notes. I spent like three nights just marking spots people mentioned online or in old magazines. Problem was, most posts just showed pretty pictures without saying WHERE these places actually were. Super annoying. Had to dig deep in travel forums and even emailed a few hotel concierges begging for hints.
Saved up vacation days and airline miles for months – packed only comfy shoes and my phone camera. This wasn’t gonna be a luxury trip; I booked cheap hostels and ate supermarket sandwiches most days.
First Stop: That Library Everyone Talks About
Landed in Austria first, totally jet-lagged but buzzing. Went straight to the Admont Abbey Library. Walked in and literally froze. So much gold leaf I almost needed sunglasses indoors! The whole ceiling is painted with angels swirling around, and there’s this heavy old-book smell everywhere. Photos don’t do it justice. Actually whispered “whoa” out loud. Took about fifty pictures just of the floor tiles.
Palace Hopping in France
Next, I got stuck in this stupidly long line at Versailles near Paris. Almost left because my feet hurt, but I forced myself to wait. So glad I did. The Hall of Mirrors? Yeah, it’s insane. Sunlight hits those chandeliers and bounces off every mirror – makes you feel like you’re floating. But honestly? The best room was actually Marie Antoinette’s little peasant village cottage thing. Looks small outside, then you step in and boom: hand-painted wallpaper with birds, teeny-tiny flower vases everywhere. Felt weirdly cozy.
The Surprise Hotel Bathroom
My last week, I splurged a little. Stayed at one night at this crazy overpriced hotel in Morocco because someone swore they had epic tiled rooms. Honestly? The lobby was meh, but the bathroom blew my mind. Not joking. It was all deep blue mosaics up the walls and ceiling, with a huge copper tub. Felt like sinking into a jewel box. Funny how the best places aren’t always grand palaces.
Lessons Learned
- Some “famous” spots feel kinda stiff and museum-y. Real beauty hits harder when a room actually feels lived-in, even if it’s historic.
- You can find wow moments anywhere – even behind random hotel doors.
- Natural light changes EVERYTHING. Saw that Moroccan bathroom at sunrise? Magical.
So yeah. Traveling for pretty rooms sounds shallow maybe, but finding them felt like treasure hunting. Most beautiful part though? The quiet moments alone in these spaces before crowds showed up. Just me and all that history. Worth every sore foot and sad sandwich.
