AS A child travelling with her parents, Michelle Heinesen's greatest fear was blackouts in hotel rooms.

Now 25, she has outgrown that phobia. In fact, dim and dark rooms are where her wares are mostly appreciated.

Heinesen is partner of Oohtique, a sensual boutique in Boat Quay that sells lingerie and erotic merchandise.

She travels around the world every other month to scout for new products.

Born in Singapore, her father is Danish and mother a Chinese Singaporean.

She moved to Canada when she was a teenager, then to Australia before moving back here in 2005.

Which are the three best three hotels you've stayed in?

One of them is the Peninsula Hong Kong, for its old-world atmosphere. The iconic hotel is impressive with its white-gloved service and orchestra in the lobby, combined with its modern energy as seen in its new spa.

The rooms were also luxurious and I was amazed by the bathrooms, which were decked out in black marble with gold fixtures. A night's stay costs around US$400 (S$615) to US$600.

I love the Hotel Kamp in Helsinki, Finland, for its wonderfully opulent and romantic feel.

The decor in this five-star hotel is regal, rich and full of art, with tapestries and antiques. It evoked a very cosy, old-world charm. It costs about US$150 a night.

The hip Hotel QT in Times Square in New York City is centrally located and, at US$125 a night, great for those on a tight budget. It also has stylish Scandinavian design and even a lobby pool with underwater sound system.

Which was your worst hotel stay?

Hotel Continental, located along Canal Grande in Venice. Maybe I had expected too much from Venice - it being one of the most romantic cities in the world - but the hotel staff were terribly rude and condescending.

Worse, the air-conditioning was down and it was summer. I was almost eaten alive by mosquitoes.

What hotel facility can't you do without?

Room service. There's nothing like waking up with clean crisp sheets and having breakfast in bed. I love pancakes and fruit, especially when they give the trio of jams - marmalade, strawberry and blackberry flavours - in miniature jars.

Ever had any scary encounters in a hotel?

A hotel in Melbourne a few years ago. I could have sworn I saw a ghostly apparition that looked just like me a distance away on the opposite side of the building as I was walking along the corridor towards the main entrance.

It disappeared when I looked down and up again. I heard odd sounds at night, too.

Apparently, a tenant had committed suicide in the pool the year before. It was spooky. It didn't help that it was built at the turn of the 20th century and was formerly a landmark building.

What's the best hotel restaurant you've ever tried?

Le Relais du Parc in Hotel Sofitel le Parc, Paris. It was certainly a treat to savour top dishes by two of the world's greatest chefs - Joel Robuchon and Alain Ducasse - in a single sitting. Dinner was alfresco among white magnolia trees in the inner courtyard. It was terribly romantic.

I was paying more attention to my date that evening and couldn't really remember what I had or what it tasted like, but it was a multicourse, sophisticated meal with small things on big plates.

What do you look out for in a hotel?

That depends on the purpose of the stay, whether it's for business or leisure.

If it's for leisure, then the hotel doesn't have to be top-notch. I might just pick one that's near my friends. But for work, I will find something in the city, for convenience.

Ease of access to public transport is important. That's the best way to see the city. I generally like hotels that have character. Failing which, it has to be at least clean and air-conditioned, or heated.

Do you have any odd habits when you check into a hotel?

When I was very young, about nine, I was very worried about electrical blackouts in the room, so I always checked to see whether they had light sticks for emergencies. I outgrew that fear in my teens.

Be honest now, do you cart home hotel freebies?

Heck, yeah. Why not? Seriously though, I usually just use it all up during my stay so there isn't a need to take anything back with me.