“Even the names of the two top floor suites lay it on the dotted line — Le Roi (The King) and La Leine (The Queen). While both are exquisitely regal, guess which one boasts the most sumptuous experience? Sorry boys, but this is a ‘ladies first’ establishment.”
Client: Setouchi Reflection Trip, the official travel guide to the Setouchi Region of Japan.
Project Description: Write a travel advertorial with photographs.
A Quote
“Even the names of the two top floor suites lay it on the dotted line — Le Roi (The King) and La Leine (The Queen). While both are exquisitely regal, guess which one boasts the most sumptuous experience? Sorry boys, but this is a ‘ladies first’ establishment.”
The Inside Scoop
Funny thing is, when the editor assigned this piece to me, it was presented as a prize — like, “Here, go relax in the lap of luxury for a night and scribble up some words about it.” And to be sure, La Suite Kobe is the nicest hotel I’ve ever set foot in. No contest.
It’s also the kind of place you have to pay me to stay in. (And yes, you can totally pay me to stay in places like this. Just FYI.)
For me, it’s too much of a modern chic, mega-decadent, loaded-with-more-money-than-I-know-what-to-do-with kind of a vibe. And I’m more of a rich history, corner cafe, epic outdoor journey dude myself. I blended like oil on water.
It also didn’t help that the hotel’s PR staff told me straight up that they had no intention of attracting foreign clientele, which was the purpose of our project. I mean, they weren’t rude about it, they’re just booked up 80%+ year round already with domestic clientele and repeat customers (because they’re a damn fine hotel), so the idea of tacking on more ogyakusama with language assistance needs and dietary restrictions was kinda “meh” to them. Like, “We’ll take ’em if they arrive, but we won’t lose sleep if they don’t.” (But in those brocade-festooned beds, who would?!)
In any case, I did my best to admire the uncomfortable levels of uber-posh and have fun. No denying it’s a nice joint. Even if it wasn’t my style by a mile.
My Favorite Part
Photographing the hot tub — that shot is a good eight or nine exposures blended together, and presented a real technical challenge.
See the results:
Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland – Indulge Your Senses
