How to Propose at Your Favourite Hotel
Updated: Sep 24
Proposing to the love of your life is one of the most significant and memorable moments you’ll ever experience. Hotels often offer a blend of luxury, intimacy, and stunning views, making them perfect backdrops for a proposal. Whether it’s a cozy boutique hotel or a grand five-star resort, here's how I created one in hopes to give you an idea so you can also create an unforgettable proposal at your favourite hotel.
1. Choose a Proposal Date at Your Favourite Hotel
Considering C&L have birthdays around the same time, it was a perfect setting for a surprise. The initial idea was to mask the stay at the hotel as a birthday present from him to her, so both could enjoy and celebrate their birthdays together. I created an itinerary they could follow so they don't have to think about anything. Since it was happening during the peak season, I made sure the hotel was booked at least two months ahead. The hotel of choice was: Grand Hotel Brioni in Pula, Croatia. In 2023 the hotel won an award for the best hotel in Croatia.
2. Choose the Perfect Spot Within the Hotel
The beauty of proposing at a hotel is the variety of options you have for creating the perfect moment. Here are some ideas:
A Rooftop or Balcony: A proposal with a view is always a winner. Rooftops offer breathtaking skyline views, sunset backdrops, or even twinkling city lights in the evening. If the hotel has a balcony suite, you can propose in private while overlooking a scenic vista.
The Hotel Garden or Courtyard: Many hotels have beautifully landscaped gardens, courtyards, or fountains that provide an intimate and peaceful setting.
By the Pool or Beach (if it’s a Resort): If your hotel is by the beach or has a beautiful pool, consider a sunset proposal by the water. It’s romantic, relaxed, and offers a serene atmosphere.
In a Luxurious Suite: If you want privacy and personal touches, consider proposing in your hotel room. A suite with a grand view, fireplace, or Jacuzzi can create a magical, intimate moment.
Since I was worried about the weather and I definitely wanted everything to go as smooth as possible, I decided that the best way to go would be in a luxurious suite. In that way, there would be no disturbance from other guests and the weather can't spoil it.
3. Incorporate Hotel Staff to Help with the Surprise
Hotels often have concierge teams that specialize in crafting personalized experiences for their guests. Here's how they assisted me:
Choosing the Room: When I came to the hotel to book the room, the concierge made sure to show me some rooms she thought would have the best views and so after we visited about 4 rooms, I got to pick one that had the best sunset sea-view.
Booking a Dinner at the Restaurant Sophia : The manager of the Restaurant Sophia made sure to reserve two tables for me, one on the balcony outside and one inside. In that way I was sure that no matter the weather they will have the best option. On the day the weather was a bit cloudy so they went for the indoor table.
Room Decor: When C&L went to dinner, it was time for us to clean the room and prepare it with the heart shaped baloons. The hotel staff made sure all the details were in place and was of big help considering we had limited time at our disposal.
Champagne: While we were busy preparing the room we asked the staff to bring champagne in the room and they served it so nicely. Making sure the champagne bottle was under the light in order to get the beautiful romantic ambiance.
4. Timing is Everything
Make sure the timing of your proposal is just right. Think about when you both will be the most relaxed and in good spirits. Some great times to propose might include:
Sunset or Sunrise: For beautiful natural lighting and a serene atmosphere.
Before or After a Special Activity: If you have a fun activity planned, like a spa day or a scenic tour, consider proposing before or after when you're both feeling at your best.
During a Special Event: If the hotel is hosting a live music event, beach bonfire, or fireworks display, you can incorporate the proposal into that moment for an extra touch of excitement.
I made sure their dinner was booked at 18:30 so they had time to go upstairs to their room for the sunset at 20:00, which gave them the most romantic scenery ever. While they were at the dinner, I made sure to text L where the ring was and to tell him to let her go first in the room, so while she's looking at the decorations, he can smoothly take the ring and propose.
5. Capture the Moment
You’ll want to cherish the memory of your proposal for a lifetime.
Candid Photos: Some people love the idea of a surprise proposal with the photographer hiding nearby to capture the raw emotions.
A Romantic Photo Session Afterward: If you prefer privacy during the proposal, like C&L, a family member can take some photos and videos afterwards.
6. Celebrate with a Post-Proposal Experience
After your partner says yes, you'll want to celebrate! Since you’re already at your favorite hotel, take advantage of their amenities to create a celebratory experience:
A Romantic Dinner: Reserve a table at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant or arrange for a private dining experience on a balcony, rooftop, or beach.
Spa Treatment for Two: Unwind and relax together with a couple’s massage or a spa day. It’s the perfect way to bask in the post-proposal glow.
Book a Special Suite for the Night: If you haven’t already, upgrade to a luxury suite for the night to make the occasion feel even more special. Many hotels offer honeymoon or proposal packages with complimentary perks like champagne, chocolates, or breakfast in bed.
Celebrate with Your Family: We were all having a drink at the hotel's lounge bar area while waiting for C&L to join us and celebrate their happy news.
7. Relax and Enjoy the Moment
Most importantly, remember to be present and enjoy the moment. Planning a proposal can feel overwhelming, but once the big day arrives, trust that your preparation will pay off. Whether things go perfectly as planned or there’s an unexpected twist, your partner will appreciate the thought and love you’ve put into creating such a beautiful moment.
In the End...
Proposing at your favorite hotel is a fantastic way to blend luxury, sentimentality, and romance into one unforgettable experience. By choosing a location that holds personal meaning, personalizing the proposal, and enlisting the help of hotel staff, you can create a magical moment that you and your partner will remember for a lifetime. From the setting to the surprise elements, every detail will come together to form a story you’ll love telling for years to come.
Kisses!
PetraG
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