Some spaces speak in whispers. You hear them in the soft creak of wooden floors at sunrise, the golden light filtering through greenhouse glass, the quiet elegance of linen and brass.
Hôtel Zoologie in Bordeaux is one of those spaces. A former natural science faculty turned high-end boutique hotel, it combines architectural heritage, botanical design, and curated eclecticism.

Our mission? To tell its story through images.

Hôtel Zoologie is not your average accommodation. From tropical glasshouses to vintage scientific references, every detail seems to hint at a larger narrative—a memory of travel, of study, of beauty observed.

For a photographer, this richness is both a gift and a challenge: what to show, what to leave out, and how to stay true to its essence?

Instead of capturing everything, we chose a cinematic, intimate approach. We used natural light wherever possible, timing our shots for golden hour and morning stillness.

We focused on:

Material textures (glass, rattan, stone, linen)
Reflections in greenhouse panels
Inside-outside transitions
Narrative details: a travel trunk, a shadow across parquet, a letter on a desk

Each image was meant to spark curiosity, not just deliver information.

In editing, we worked with soft curves, deep blacks, and coherent color palettes. We avoided over-processing. The goal was immersion, not perfection.

The photo series was used to:

Refresh the hotel’s official website
Support a press campaign in French and international design media
Launch a Pinterest board with +85% engagement in the first month
Update the hotel’s Google Business Profile with a 40% visibility boost

Why photograph a hotel that’s already visually stunning?
Because online perception needs to be curated with intention. Aesthetic without storytelling is just noise.

Is natural light that important?
Yes. It reveals the soul of the space, its warmth, and authenticity.

Do you use styling props?
Only when necessary. We often work with real elements already in the space, rearranged subtly for clarity and flow.

Does your property deserve the same care we gave Hôtel Zoologie?
Let’s plan a tailored photoshoot that captures the essence of your space.
📧 [info@matteocastellifotografia.com] | 📞 [+39-3926989442]

Telling the Story of a Boutique Hotel | Case Study: Hôtel Zoologie, Bordeaux