Colombia’s ‘love motels’ offer a peek into uniquely themed rooms that can be rented by the hour, providing an unforgettable experience.

Photographer Francesco Giusti was captivated by a glowing replica of the Venus de Milo during his visit to Cali, Colombia.

Giusti recalled, 'The first time I saw the statue, I was immediately intrigued and knew I had to learn more.'

After exploring further, he uncovered that the statue was part of a ‘love motel.’

The Residencias Kiss Me, also known as Kiss Me Motel, is a haven for couples and friends to relax and enjoy their time as they wish. The statue serves as a captivating advertisement, drawing in visitors eager to experience the motel’s themed rooms.

Giusti mentioned, 'You can book the rooms for one or two hours, or even overnight, depending on what you’re looking for.'

For Giusti, it served as a quick place to rest between assignments, while regular visitors could enjoy unique experiences, like having intimate moments in themed rooms such as an igloo, pagoda, or spaceship.

Giusti shared, 'The atmosphere was truly captivating to me.'

Giusti’s curiosity led him to visit and document other love motels across Colombia. He has explored about 20 motels, mostly in Cali, with a few in the capital, Bogota. According to Giusti, the motels in Bogota are more contemporary, while those in Cali have a more eclectic vibe.

Some rooms are extravagantly decorated with statues, props, and even a menu offering everything from food and drinks to 'toys.' Others are more minimalist, featuring just the basics: a bed, a chair, and perhaps a window.

Love motels, as they are known today, aren’t unique to Colombia. The concept originally took off in Japan, and it has since spread to numerous other countries around the globe.

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In Colombia, as Giusti explained, 'young people often live with their parents well into their late 20s,' which creates a demand for private spaces where couples can enjoy time together without the discomfort of having parents nearby.

However, Giusti noted that the motels he visited cater to people of all ages, with some guests even being married.

Giusti mentioned that the motels are usually family-owned, with owners dedicated to both the financial and creative aspects of their businesses.

In some cases, families operate chains of motels, with relatives helping to design and decorate the spaces.

Giusti admired the creative visions of the daughter of the Kiss Me Hotel’s owner, who designs elaborate thematic rooms where couples can immerse themselves in unique experiences together.

'It’s a lot of fun and completely out of the ordinary,' Giusti remarked, 'this bizarre world connected to intimacy.'

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