Aksara Hotel is designed in a warm retro mid-century style: maroon and orange tones, convex mirrors and leather sofas around the lobby. Little wonder the phone camera comes out so often. If you are looking for staycation photo tips, the hotel gives you plenty of ready-made backdrops to work with.
This guide covers the spots worth knowing about inside the hotel, when the light is kindest, which angles work and what to wear so you sit beautifully within the palette. All of it works on a phone, with no fancy kit required.
The Retro Lobby: Convex Mirrors and Leather Sofas
The lobby and retro lounge make an ideal first stop. The convex mirrors give a curved, fisheye-style reflection that looks instantly playful. Stand a little way back, hold your phone at chest height and capture your reflection along with the room around you.
The leather sofas and colourful corners of the lounge are perfect for relaxed seated shots. Try a few of these:
- Sit sideways on the sofa with your legs crossed, and ask a friend to shoot from just above eye level.
- Take a candid shot while you read or hold a cup of coffee, so the photo feels natural.
- Go for details: a hand on the arm of the sofa, your shoes or a bag against a coloured wall.
Avoid using flash when photographing a mirror, as the glare will cover your face. The room lighting is usually enough, especially in portrait mode.
Artisan Coffee: Orange Interiors and a Rooftop Terrace
Artisan Coffee on the 2nd floor has a mid-century interior with bold touches of orange, egg chairs and an arched entrance that photographs beautifully. Its rooftop terrace looks out over the trees of Ciumbuleuit, a green backdrop that makes the warm colours really stand out.
Come in the morning, when Artisan opens at 8 am and the sunlight is still soft. Order an Es Kopi Susu Pandan or a Butterscotch Coffee, set it on a terrace table and shoot from above for a flat lay, or from the side with the trees behind. For more ideas, read our guide to Artisan Coffee at the hotel.
The Pool by Day and by Night
The outdoor pool, open 24 hours, offers two quite different moods. By day, the orange and yellow chairs around the water make for fresh, cheerful shots. Shoot from a low angle so the surface of the pool fills more of the frame.
After dark, the garden lights around the pool create a more dramatic, romantic feel. Switch on your phone's night mode, rest it on something steady and make the most of the reflections on the water. The poolside sofa makes a cosy spot for a relaxed evening shot.
Safety comes first: keep your phone well back from the edge, never run on wet floors and use a waterproof pouch if you want to take pictures in the pool.
Window Light in Your Room
Your room offers a more personal setting. Natural light from the window is soft and even, ideal for portraits, reading shots or simply enjoying a cup of tea made with the in-room kettle. Face the window or stand side-on to it, rather than with your back to it, so your face does not fall into shadow.
Tidy the frame first: fold the blanket, hide any cables and keep a few props that tell a story, such as a book, sunglasses or a coffee cup. Find the room that suits your style on the Rooms page.
Staycation Photo Tips for Light, Angles and Outfits
A few simple principles work everywhere. Morning and late afternoon light tends to be the most flattering, while harsh midday sun can cast hard shadows. For angles, shooting from waist height makes you look taller, while shooting from above suits food and drink.
For short videos, film simple movement, such as walking slowly along the corridor to your room or down the stairwell with its white pendant lamps. Stitch together a few short clips from different angles and the result feels far more alive.
When it comes to outfits, choose colours that sit well with the hotel's maroon and orange palette:
- Neutrals such as cream, white and light brown, which let the backdrop shine.
- Earthy tones such as dark brown, olive or mustard for a coordinated retro look.
- Denim and small, simple prints, so the picture does not feel too busy.
It is best to avoid neon shades or large prints that clash with the interiors. Add your outfits to our staycation packing checklist, and if your clothes are creased after the journey, you can ask the front desk for an iron or a hair dryer.
Respect Other Guests' Privacy
Spaces such as the lobby, Artisan and the pool are shared with other guests, so please do not photograph people without asking. Choose quieter times, keep walkways clear and keep your voice down, especially at night. If you are planning a bigger shoot, say with a photographer or professional equipment, check with the front desk first.
Ready to fill your camera roll with retro-toned memories? Choose your dates, pack your favourite outfits and enjoy every corner of Aksara Hotel. For more inspiration, take a look at our complete staycation guide.
