Rough plans, real standards. This is how we travel and learn where we are.
We could stay at the Hilton or Marriott. But then we’d meet tourists.
We’d rather stay where the owner lives upstairs — ask how long they’ve been here, learn something we didn’t know yesterday.
This isn’t about being “responsible tourists.” It’s about being grateful guests.
“Thank you for letting us into your country. We’d love to understand how you actually live.”
Our (Very Flexible) Hotel Checklists
Around $120 AUD/night is the sweet spot — enough for a decent bed, not enough for pretentious lobby music
Three stars beats five. We want character, not chandeliers
Locally owned over big chains any day. The Hyatt or Hilton doesn’t need our money — they pay staff minimum wage and bleach out the culture anyway
Aircon is non-negotiable.
Everything else is a bonus:
Swimming pool, gym, or rooftop bar? Happy days
Skip the hotel breakfast. We’d rather find the local spot where someone remembers your order
The exceptions
We need wheels — motorbike, scooter, car, whatever lets us move when we want.
And sometimes we bend the budget when the moment calls for it.