Picture the scene: after hours of travelling to your destination, you finally feel like you can embrace your well-earned time off and enter holiday mode, bursting into your plush hotel room and taking it all in.

So, once you’re inside, what’s the first thing you do? Do you start unpacking your suitcase, raid the mini-bar or check out the shower freebies? No – who are we kidding. Before tampering with this picture-perfect scene, our priority is to snap the décor and upload it to our Instagram stories. Stat.

We know this, and you know this. But now, there’s actual proof that a hotel’s ‘social media potential’ is governing our accommodation selection process.

Holiday bookings site, Hotels.com, has released its Mobile Travel Tracker report with findings that show millennials are spending an average of 80 minutes a day on social media, with two thirds of that time being dedicated exclusively to Instagram. 

Isabelle Pinson, Vice President, EMEA at Hotels.com said: “We all know the drill: You walk into your hotel room and before you’ve even checked out the mini bar, you’re setting up the perfect shot of the room and the crisp linen for Instagram.”

“Our annual Hotels.com Mobile Travel Tracker report has revealed that now one in six people globally are choosing their next holiday destination based on social media inspiration. That’s why we thought it was time to create our own round-up of hotel hot shots.”

Let us tell you – when they said hot shots, they really meant it. This collection of hotels is so beautiful, so impeccably designed and so unique, that your friend’s feeds won’t know what’s hit them.

Hotels.com have not only helped us select 10 of the most stunning, must-visit hotels, but they’ve even pinned down the perfect place to get a snap so good, it’s sure to make it onto the grid.

From the balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower that Carrie gazed out from in the final Sex and the City episode, to a hotel that invites its guests to (literally) slide into the lobby – you’re going to want to pay a visit to these. 

1. St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, UK: Statement Staircase

Recognise this staircase? Well, this iconic entrance is the actual setting of the Spice Girls’ Wannabe music video, which we think is more than enough reason to pay this hotel a visit with your best friends. Get a mate to snap you gliding down this in your holiday wardrobe for the ultimate envy-inducing post.

Rooms from £198 per room per night.**

2. Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris: A Room with a View

Still reeling from the Spice Girls reference? Well, get ready for this. Hotel Plaza Athenee houses the actual balcony from the final iconic Sex and the City episode, where Carrie gazes out at the Eiffel Tour after following The Russian to Paris. The red flowers, the blue sky (hopefully) and the incredible view of France’s most famous landmark all add up to something else.

Rooms from £877 per room per night**

3. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives: The Underwater Restaurant

This aquatic offering takes our desire to unleash our inner mermaid to a whole new (sub-water) level. Sixteen feet below sea level, the Ithaa undersea restaurant will wow you with its 180-degree panoramic views and schools of brightly-coloured fish swimming overhead. There are an endless number of angles to capture the perfect shot, even on your plate, thanks to the six-course luxury dinner.

Rooms from £844 per room per night.**

4. Hotel Fasano, Rio De Janeiro: The Perfect Pool Shot

As infinity pools go, this one is a cut above the rest. Sun yourself in the Brazilian heat and practise your selfie game with the famous Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. We’re thinking this would be the perfect opportunity to show off all the new additions to your swimwear collection for summer 2018. 

Rooms from £375 per room per night.**

5. Jade Mountain Resort, St Lucia: The Beautiful Bedroom Snap  

Could a bedroom view be more inviting? We think not. This incredible, mountain-side spot is sure to make waves among your followers. With its stunning Caribbean views, luxurious setting and the air of ultimate indulgence, this bathroom is a must-soak (and must-snap) for travellers.

Rooms from £1,268 per room per night.**

6. Villa Saraswati, Bali: The Exclusive Luxury Shot

If you’re keen to create that ‘influencer’ vibe on your Instagram, there’s no better place to share your holiday fun than at these opulent villas in Ubud. Exuding exclusivity, these pods of heaven tick every box when it comes to a pool-side getaway.

Rooms from £110 per room per night.** 

7. Barcelo Malaga, Malaga: The Playground Lobby

They say first impressions last forever, and entering the Barcelo Malaga will certainly leave you wowed. Thanks to the giant stainless-steel slide, known in Spanish as EDHA (la Estructura Deslizante para Humanos Atrevidos), meaning ‘sliding structure for daring humans’, guests can check in to their stay in style.

Rooms from £91 per room per night.**

8. The Icehotel, Sweden: The Ice Bed

If you have ever needed a post to take your profile to the next level, this is it. Almost everything in The Icehotel is (unsurprisingly) made of ice, with each suite being individually themed and hand carved by artists from around the world. It really is a one of a kind stay.

Rooms from £134 per room per night.**

9. Bellagio Casino, Las Vegas: The Ultimate Location Tag 

Okay, so this isn’t exactly one spot, but the entirety of the Bellagio Casino (and particularly its surrounding fountains) is known for being a well-snapped celebrity hangout, and according to Hotels.com, it will get you major social media points.

Rooms from £122 per room per night.** 

10. Lebua at State Tower, Bangkok: The Ultimate Bar

Remember the sky-high bar from the hit-film The Hangover? Well, this is it! Visit Bangkok with your very own wolfpack and enjoy a cocktail at the Sky Bar, located at the top of the State Tower. The panoramic views of the city are unbeatable, especially when lit up at night.

Rooms from £112 per room per night.**

Images: Instagram / Getty

** Hotel prices are per room per night, subject to availability and include tax.