The concept of souvenirs has come a long way since its origins in the Roman Empire. Today, it has evolved into a global industry that typically offers cheesy postcards, novelty keyrings, and ‘I heart (insert city here)’ T-shirts. However, there are some design-forward stays that are redefining the concept of souvenirs by offering guests the chance to take home more than just a trinket.
These shoppable stays are changing the game by allowing guests to purchase everything from sofas to sculptures that they have fallen in love with during their stay. This trend reflects a new era of hospitality where hoteliers are acting as tastemakers, curating every aspect of the guest experience to offer a truly immersive design experience.
One such example is The Darling in Copenhagen, a trio of intimate apartments housed within a stunning 18th-century building. Curated by the Darling Creative Studio, each apartment is a living tribute to Danish design, featuring iconic pieces of furniture by Finn Juhl, lighting by Louis Poulsen, and custom kitchens by Københavns Møbelsnedkeri. The founders of The Darling, Jens Løkke and Uffe Buchard, were inspired to create a space where guests could not only enjoy beautiful design during their stay but also have the opportunity to purchase those pieces and take them home.
This new approach to hospitality not only allows guests to road-test high-ticket items before committing to a purchase but also gives brands the opportunity to see how their pieces perform in a real-world environment. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, offering guests a more meaningful memento of their stay and providing brands with valuable feedback on their products.
Whether you’re looking to invest in a new piece of furniture or simply want a unique souvenir from your travels, these stylish and shoppable stays offer a one-of-a-kind experience that will keep the five-star feeling alive long after check-out.
