LUXURY HOTELS: Celebrity Hotel Reviews (courtesy of the Luxury Bible)
The celebrated and famous probably do more luxury travelling than most. Like it or not we're always interested in their opinion. Who wouldn't like to know what Chef Neil Perry (Of Rockpool fame) thinks of a hotel's food or how Marc Newson, who has designed everything from chairs to aircraft, reacts to an interior design? Not thrilled by Cowley Manor's wallpaper apparently. Our friends at Kiwi Collection have asked Newson, Perry and a series of other celebrity ambassadors to give the lowdown on a number of hotels in the impressive Kiwi portfolio. Their Ambassador Hotel Reviewers also include actors Rose Byrne and Oscar-nominated Naomi Watts, fashion designer Collette Dinnigan, writer Kathy Lette and artist Tom Maguire.
Here is what some of the planet's best know actors, fashion designers, chefs and artists think of luxury hotels round the world.
Naomi Watts (Actor)
The Bowery Hotel, New York
We have stayed at the bowery many times - our NY getaway. We love how cosy it is - it feels like our own home. The design and attention to detail is superb. We love inviting friends to join us on the terrace of the special suite. It is a great spot to entertain.
Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles
I love the old mythology that lives and breathes through the walls of Chateau. It's a very chic place to be.
Collette Dinnigan (fashion designer)
Imperial, New Delhi
The Imperial would be one of the best hotels I have stayed in. It feels as though you have stepped back in time and landed in a grand imperial palace.
Upper House, Hong Kong
I really appreciated the REN products they provided - they are sulphate free and environmentally conscious which scores high on my list.
Le Meurice, Paris
Honestly I can't imagine a better location. The hotel is a focal point of the ultra stylish 1st Arrondissement. I have stayed here at the height of summer and in the middle of Fashion Week. However, it is impossible to deny the excitement and energy of Paris during Fashion Week.
Rose Byrne (Actor)
L'Ermitage, Beverly Hills
L'Ermitage is tucked away on a tree-lined residential street not far from Rodeo Drive it is not a scene, nor achingly hip, but rather a serene escape from the madness of LA. I saw Carine Roitfeld in the elevator once. That is a stamp of cool in a far superior way.
Neil Perry (Chef & restaurateur)
The Palace Hotel, San Francisco
It's called the Palace Hotel and it plays the part perfection. Our kids truly believed they were staying in an old palace. They imagined that a princes and princess used to live here many years ago and they absolutely loved it.
Claridge's, London
High Tea is a classic English tradition that is executed so perfectly in this hotel it makes you feel like royalty. I would be remiss not to mention the signature restaurant of Gordon Ramsay, that infamous, foul-mouthed celebrity chef.
Marc Newson (Designer)
Hotel Grand Bretagne, Athens
The Hotel Grande Bretagne could not be in a better location. Virtually every significant attraction in Athens is within easy walking distance. Or, if you'd rather relax than traipse around with the tourists, you can sit next to the rooftop pool and take in the stunning views of the Parthenon and The Acropolis
Tim Maguire (Artist)
Naoura Barriere
Here is a paradox, The Naoura Barriere is one of the few big hotels to be situated within the ancient walls of the Medina (the medieval centre of Marrakech, but once you enter through its fortress-like walls, you could be anywhere. The hotel turns it back on the bustling chaos, sounds and choking traffic smells of old Marrakech.
Kathy Lette (writer)
Savoy, London
My riverside suite was so absurdly sumptuous I never once got up before the crack of noon. Would you when you're served breakfast in bed by a tautly-buttocked butler? One night in the Savoy and you'll be smiling as smugly as a canary filled cat.
