Why I Appreciate 'Uninspiring' Hotels

I was at an overly posh New York City art gallery when the woman beside me loudly sniffed and commented, 'That artwork would be perfect for a hotel.'

Even with the endless stream of trendy, design-centric hotels across the globe, the stereotype that hotels are dull and lifeless spaces remains firmly in place.

It’s tempting to book a vacation at a beautifully curated, Instagram-ready spot that feels perfectly in sync with its location, rather than one that could exist anywhere in the world.

But when faced with the choice of waking up at the crack of dawn in a hip hotel in a fashionable district to catch an early flight, or simply staying at a nondescript airport hotel for an extra hour or two of sleep, I always choose the latter.

This has become even more true now that I’m trying to travel during the pandemic. Convenience is still a priority, but above all, cleanliness is my biggest concern.

Those simple white walls might not be the most glamorous, but they certainly make it easier to spot any dirt or stains.

While many hotels have implemented enhanced hygiene measures during the pandemic, many of these changes are out of sight from guests. A friend once shared a restaurant tip with me – while you can’t always peek into the kitchen, you can check the bathroom, which gives you a good idea of the overall cleanliness standards.

White walls are inexpensive, low-maintenance, and don’t require much imagination. But in the current climate, they’ve become the perfect place to spot any stains without needing special equipment.

Joa Studholme, a color curator at Farrow & Ball, is also a fan of white walls.

She doesn’t subscribe to the idea that 'plain white is bad.' In fact, her first major collection at Farrow & Ball was a series of 20 unique shades of white.

'White doesn’t impose anything on you, and maybe that’s exactly what we need,' Studholme explains. 'People need natural light and should be able to spend their time in a bright space.'

While the pandemic sparked a surge in vibrant colors and bold textures in home decor, she notes that her clients consistently request one room to be painted white – typically the kitchen, where everyone actually gathers.

Studholme also points out that most tech gadgets and accessories – like the iPhone you might be using to read this – are often white, creating a sleek, modern look. Workplaces tend to follow this trend too.

'No one’s going to want a pink office,' says Studholme.

Admittedly, white can be a bit of a safe choice. Hotel brands stock up on it by the bulk, it suits almost any market, and – if you're not particular about the shade – it's affordable. While it’s more likely to be a dull, grayish-white rather than the perfect tone found in a designer’s countryside home, it generally gets the job done.

While massive sculptures and vibrant Pop Art are fun to admire in a gallery, they’re just too much stimulation when I’m looking to unwind and relax.

A simple, unassuming sketch of a sunset or a quaint little house on a hill, requiring no deep thought? That’s perfect.

At the end of the day, my sense of calm in what might be considered a 'generic' hotel room isn’t just about the color of the walls or the choice of art on display.

Airports seem to exist outside of time. The terminal is filled with people whose internal clocks are all over the place, and it’s always the right time to grab a glass of wine.

That sense of timelessness is also something I love about hotels.

With blackout curtains, I don’t even need to know if it’s day or night outside.

Room service is just a button press away. The TV offers local news from Asia, Europe, and North America, meaning it’s perpetually every time zone. I can have a cup of coffee at any hour. The shower is always warm, and with a few button presses next to the bed, I can adjust the lights and curtains without even having to sit up.

While some may label them 'boring,' the predictability of chain hotels is a blessing. Everything operates in a familiar rhythm – there’s always a bar of soap to unwrap, a clean towel to grab, a notepad and pen on the desk. You can charge all your devices at once and rearrange the ever-present pile of pillows (seriously, why are there always so many?) however you like.

Travel leaves us vulnerable. We're tired, jetlagged, stressed, and often in a new city where the language might be foreign. Staying in a chain hotel at least provides one sense of familiarity.

I’m open to trying new foods while traveling, but when it comes to a shower with a handle designed to look like a flower sprouting from the wall, I’d rather not spend 20 minutes figuring it out. Loyalty points are just the cherry on top.

Finding truly independent hotels is getting harder these days. Marriott’s Autograph Collection hits the mark with thoughtful design and local flavor, while Hilton’s Curio brand offers unique stays in trendy places like Mallorca and New Orleans.

Global mega-brands don’t carry the same stigma they used to. The same people who’d criticize McDonald's are often the first in line at In-N-Out or Shake Shack.

Not everything has to be intense every single day. After the constant noise and chaos of living in a cramped apartment on a busy street, the peaceful, almost clinical vibe of a neutral hotel room feels like paradise.

At home, I make my own bed. If a light bulb goes out, it’s up to me to replace it. But in a hotel, I’m pampered and fussed over, like a well-fed infant.

That being said, I think I’d actually love a pink office.