Travel Creator Shot List for a Hotel Stay

A hotel stay goes by quickly. Between check-in, meals and a little actual rest, it is easy to leave with plenty of pretty clips but missing the shots a hotel actually needs. A shot list keeps you organized, makes editing far easier and helps you deliver everything you promised. This guide gives a practical shot list for a hotel collaboration, plus tips for filming respectfully.

Before you arrive

• Reread the brief and list every deliverable: videos, photos, Stories, formats.
• Note the hotel's priorities: a new restaurant, a renovated room type, the spa, family facilities.
• Check what is included: meals, treatments, activities, parking.
• Ask about filming rules: off-limits areas, quiet hours, busy times at the pool or restaurant.
• Plan around light: when is sunrise and sunset, which way does the room face?
• Charge everything and clear phone storage.

The shot list

1. Arrival and first impressions

• Approach to the property: the entrance, signage, driveway or street view.
• Lobby details: lighting, seating, plants, art, the reception desk without identifiable guests.
• A welcome moment: a key handed over, a welcome drink, if staff are comfortable on camera.
• Walking through corridors toward the room.

Arrival shots work well as the opening of a "stay with me" video.

2. The room reveal

• Opening the door, walking in at a steady pace.
• A wide shot of the room from the doorway.
• The bed: a slow pan, then close-ups of linens and pillows.
• The view: opening curtains or blinds to reveal it.
• Seating areas, desk, balcony or terrace.
• Thoughtful touches: welcome notes, amenities, coffee setup, minibar.

Film the room before you unpack. A tidy, untouched room shows best.

3. The bathroom

• A wide shot showing layout.
• Bath or shower details, especially anything special such as a deep tub or rainfall shower.
• Toiletries and towels in close-up.
• Light and mirror details.

4. Room at different times of day

• Morning light through the window.
• Golden hour on the balcony.
• The room at night with lamps on.
• A cozy moment: reading, coffee in bed, a robe and slippers.

These shots add mood and help viewers imagine themselves there.

5. Amenities

Film the amenities the hotel wants to highlight, ideally at quiet times:

• pool: wide shot, water close-ups, loungers, towels, drinks,
• spa: treatment room before or after a session, relaxation areas, products,
• gym: equipment and views, without other guests,
• rooftop, garden, terrace, kids club, business center, as relevant.

6. Dining

• Restaurant interior and atmosphere.
• Signature dishes and drinks, filmed close up as they arrive.
• Breakfast spread or a breakfast-in-bed moment.
• Bar details and cocktail preparation, with permission.

Ask staff before filming in service areas and avoid filming other diners' faces.

7. Experiences and service

• An activity offered by the hotel: a class, a tour, a bike ride.
• Concierge recommendations, if you use them.
• Small moments of service that show hospitality.

8. The local area

• A walk nearby: streets, beach, park, landmarks.
• A café, shop or view within walking distance.
• How easy it is to get around.

Hotels often value this context because travelers book locations as well as rooms.

9a. Seasonal and event moments

If your stay coincides with something seasonal, such as holiday decorations, a summer pool party, a local festival or a special menu, capture it. Seasonal content gives a hotel material for specific campaigns, but also film timeless shots so the content stays useful after the season ends. Ask your contact whether they prefer evergreen or seasonal content so you can balance the two.

9. Details and b-roll

• Textures: fabrics, tiles, wood, stone.
• Signage, logos and design details.
• Hands opening doors, pouring coffee, turning pages.
• Slow pans and steady walking shots.

B-roll is what makes editing smooth. Film more than you think you need.

10. Talking shots and voiceover

If your content includes talking to camera, record a few short pieces: why you chose the hotel, a favorite feature, who it is good for. You can also record voiceover later in a quiet room.

11. Photos

Take still photos alongside video: the room, the view, dining, amenities, and a few lifestyle shots with you in frame. Shoot vertical and horizontal versions where possible.

Filming respectfully

• Avoid identifiable guests, or ask permission. Shared spaces like pools and breakfast rooms need extra care.
• Film at quiet times and coordinate with staff for busy areas.
• Keep equipment minimal in public spaces.
• Ask before filming staff.
• Leave spaces as you found them.

Our guide on filming other people covers permissions in more detail.

After the stay

• Back up your footage immediately.
• Sort clips into folders matching the shot list.
• Deliver within the agreed timeline.
• Send a thank-you note to your contact.
• Share a short list of the shots you captured, so the hotel knows what to expect before the edits arrive.
• Note anything you could not film, and why, so there are no surprises.

A quick packing list for hotel shoots

• phone and a backup battery pack,
• a small tripod or clamp mount,
• a clip-on microphone,
• lens cloth,
• a neutral outfit or two that will not clash with the property's colors,
• a notebook or notes app with your shot list and deliverables.

Keeping your kit small makes it easier to film discreetly in shared spaces.

If you are still at the stage of approaching properties, read our guide on pitching a hotel for a creator stay.

Frequently asked questions

How many clips should I film? Enough to cover every deliverable with options. Extra b-roll is never wasted.

Should I film everything on the first day? Film the room first while it is pristine, then spread the rest across the stay to catch different light.

Unresourced connects travel creators with hotels and hospitality brands looking for content. Create a free creator account to see open hotel campaigns.