Luxette is a luxury-minded hotel review and booking site created in response to a growing and dynamic luxury hotel market, and a belief that all properties and reviews are not created equal. Luxette offers honest, consistent and efficient persona-based reviews, scouring the globe to identify and review the chicest properties on the planet. As a new voice in the luxury travel space, Luxette brings personalization and glamour back to the travel booking process.
The reviewers, âTHE LUXETTES,â represent real-life tastemakers in the luxury travel space, avoiding the confusion and unreliability caused by crowdsourcing. Users will be able to follow a LUXETTE reviewer, as they would a movie or restaurant critic, and have the confidence to book a hotel in line with their own taste and style.
M, the founder and chief reviewer, gave up her pad in NYC to live in hotels for two years and became a bonafide luxury hotel hopper, enthusiast and world traveler.
SERENA, San Francisco based hip mom, lover of all things locavore, organic and boho, reviewer of amazing hotels to suit a boho-chic lifestyle with and without the kiddos.
MR. X, entrepreneur extraordinaire, philanthropist, world traveler and the AX on value for every reviewed hotel.
Favorite Places for Work & Play
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Reviewed by: M
Classic HK in EVERY WAY. The original and only hotel to experience all that Hong Kong has to offer.
Love…Full of mystique, charm and a timeless sense of the city. This iconic landmark just turned 50!
Inside Scoop: High-end suites are to die for, but pricey. Post renovation rooms are fantastic; try to get a view of Victoria Harbour, which does not disappoint.
Bucket List: Views from all around. Don’t miss having tea on the 2nd Floor, a timeless classic reminiscent of old Hong Kong days.
Favorite Place For: Work
Where: Sentosa Island, Singapore
Reviewed by: M
Mystical, relaxing, and efficient with exceptional service, this hotel hits the perfect nexus between leisure and business. It’s my top Singapore pick despite the offbeat Sentosa Island location.
Love…A tropical retreat within a city. One of my favorite “city” hotels, even though the isolated location on Sentosa Island is more palm trees than skyscrapers.
Inside Scoop: Unique architecture and fabulous rooms and service. All rooms are fresh and wonderfully designed with magical views of the water or city. Bathroom layout is a little different and takes some time to get used to, but very luxurious. The big distinction with this hotel, which can be seen as positive or negative, is the Sentosa Island location. It seems worlds away from the city, but is actually only 15 minutes by cab from the major attractions and waterfront (a similar if not closer distance as the Orchard Road hotels in traffic). Just note, there is a toll to enter Sentosa, but the hotel gives you passes for this.
Bucket List: Have a tropical drink by the pool and listen to live music at happy hour, while overlooking the water and cargo ships that pass by.
Favorite Place For: Work
Where: SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil
Reviewed by: Mr. X
Small luxury boutique hotel with fabulous rooms and a great location on Oscar Freire.
Love…The rooms are the best designed of any city hotel I’ve been to, fresh & sleek as can be. Definitely a great place to host a late night cocktail hour.
Inside Scoop: The Suites are sooo sweet – almost as good as my Bachelor pad! It’s hard to want to leave the room, but just know when you step outside, the elegance of Oscar Freire is all-encompassing with spectacular restaurants and shops abound.
Bucket List: Making use of the helipad if you’re up for it!
Favorite Place For: Work
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Where: Miami Beach, Florida
Reviewed by: M
The only place I’d stay in Miami. It’s hard to leave the property!
Love…The best of the best in Miami, from the ocean views to the fabulous bars and nightlife. The beach club has great F&D service with bartenders who bring the bar right to your room – great for a little fun before heading out.
Inside Scoop: The higher-end Beachside Ocean View rooms are definitely worth the splurge. They are spectacular in every way: charming, spacious, luxurious bathtubs and terraces. The Bayside and Side rooms are in an older building, small, and have a lot of wear-and-tear, in line with the nearby Raleigh.
Bucket List: Drink Rosé and eat a Dirty Burger during a beachside conference call. Check out the plunge pool and daybeds on the roof. Hit the bar at the members (and guests!) only Soho Club for an interesting experience in Miami culture.
Favorite Place For: Work & Play
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Reviewed by: M
VIBE & VIEWS!! My favorite place to stay in Rio, chic and sexy all around!!
Love…The views and rooftop pool/bar – they are the big draw at this fabulous Rio hotel on Ipanema Beach. It’s Rio with a European flair.
Inside Scoop: Philippe Starck design with Fasano’s bossa nova vibe and wood furnishings reminiscent of 1960s Brazilian design make for a truly chic and unique experience. Definitely spring for an Ocean View room, where you will face Ipanema beach and Rio’s Dois IrmĂŁos mountains head on.
Bucket List: Hit the rooftop bar for a couple caipirinhas and a stunning sunset over Dois IrmĂŁos Mountains, before dancing out the door to the Ipanema clubs for some Jazz and Samba.
Favorite Place For: Work & Play
Where: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Reviewed by: Serena
Leave the kiddies at home and treat yourself to something that is truly worth the dinero.
Love…The chic, white-on-white color scheme and âmoneyâ vibe of the resort. Filled with people who truly donât care that there is a celeb or two roaming the property. Gorgeous infinity pool, with a no cell phone policy.
Inside Scoop: Even the junior suites are private and decadent, so donât stress about not being in the presidential suite. Service is professional and adept. Not especially kid friendly (thatâs what the One & Only Palmilla is for!).
Bucket List: Simple stuff – Infinity pool and beach-side dining.
Favorite Place For: Play
Where: Pyla-sur-Mer, France
Reviewed by: M
The ultimate in gorgeous settings to relax by day and feel glam/sexy at night.
LOVE…Itâs a quiet atmosphere, not overrun, and is definitely more off the beaten path for American tourists than the other beach towns.
Inside Scoop: This place is a Starck hotel on overdrive. He incorporates the chic trimmings of a Miami hotel, but thereâs no mistaking where you are: the quaint French beach town of Arcachon. The rooms are minimalist, clean, and beautiful. This hotel has one of the most killer sites I could possibly imagine – the pool overlooks unadulterated sand dunes, beaches, and a sand bar out in the water where you can watch the French parties at a distance. At night itâs a modern party vibe.
Bucket List: You arenât there for the rooms – the reason to come to this place is to do absolutely nothing but drink RosĂ© by the pool all day.
Favorite Place For: Play
Where: Calistoga, California
Reviewed by: Serena
The gold standard for aesthetics and service in wine country, worth every penny.
Love…The modern-barn architecture and super-smooth service. Extremely well-run, well-thought-out property with quiet rooms and comfy beds. Plan to hang out in the smartly designed common areas and grab at least one meal a day at Sol Bar. Robust, quality fitness and spa offerings. All in all, a sublime, gorgeous resort (albeit with a few small issues) worth the price tag.
Inside Scoop: This is one of the few wine country resorts that allows you to cram five people into a room (perfect for a girls trip or medium-sized families!). If you plan on hanging poolside for a day, get a cabana. The pool chairs
are extremely uncomfortable and often, there are not enough. Know that if you bring kiddies (the resort is very kid-friendly, in general), you will be spending the day at a separate kiddie pool. Also, ask the bellman to bring the wine you purchased into your room. You donât want it heating up in your trunk!
Bucket List: Hang in the common areas, play some bocce, watch a movie on the lawn, grab a bite at Sol Bar and get to bed early for early morning yoga.
Favorite Place For: Play
Reviewed by: M
Spectacular views, feel, food and experience make this above and beyond the best place to stay in Big Sur.
Love…Swimming while watching the sunset over the bluffs? Only beat by swimming and watching the same view from your bathtub.
Inside Scoop: This place is extraordinary. The ultimate in luxury, you feel completely taken care of. Offering the best of Big Sur, with incredible beach, bluff, and mountain views. Its central location lends itself to hiking, going to beaches and other off-property activities, but you probably wonât want to leave the property – even in one of the complimentary Lexus convertibles. Secluded and romantic, it’s perfect for a quiet weekend or special occasion. The rooms are expensive, but truly worth every penny. Their restaurant is world class. Not only is every meal Iâve eaten there among the best Iâve ever had, but you feel like youâre floating in a cloud over the ocean while dining. All in all, this is the only place to stay in Big Sur if youâre going high-end. Keep in mind that this is true digital detox; cell service is limited and there are no TVs in the rooms!
Bucket List: Order in Sierra Marâs four course tasting menu dine from your private deck in your bathrobe. You will remember every bite.
Favorite Place For: Play
Where: Pointe Milou,St.Barthélemy
Reviewed by: M
Our top pick in St. Barth’s. Newly renovated, chic modern rooms and our favorite pool by far. Breathtaking views and friendly service.
Love…This hotel for its swanky island vibe, stunning views and relaxing pool. Its Pointe Milou location is a drive from town, but my favorite part of the island!
Inside Scoop: St. Barth’s as it should be experienced: tranquil and gorgeous. Rooms are small, and privacy is definitely NOT the top priority. I prefer St. Christopher to other hotels – it is on the most spectacular part of the island, and still close enough to drive into town or to the best beaches.
Bucket List: Take in the beauty of St. Barth’s with drinks and lunch by the pool, overlooking Pointe Milou. The outdoor shower in the spa is sensational, although you may be modeling for surfers riding by!
Favorite Place For: Play
Where: Paris, France
Reviewed by: Mr. X
If you value service and luxury over a Left Bank location, this is your place. True Parisian decadence.
Love…Phenomenal service with extremely friendly and hospitable staff. Rooms are immaculate and very comfortable. Splurging on a suite will not disappoint. Impressive views of the Seine and Eiffel Tower from every vantage point. The only downside applies to most of the luxury hotels in Paris – they are located on the Right Bank, and I generally prefer the Left. It’s a hefty price tag if you don’t plan to spend much time in the room, but sure to impress any late night guests…
Inside Scoop: Shangri-La does it best, from housekeeping to the concierge. If you want privacy, you will appreciate the discrete check-in service. If you have particular requests or high maintenance travel companions (e.g., the women in my life), this place will make your life easy. I take my sleep as seriously as my work and play, and this hotel offers the best night’s sleep in Paris. The balcony rooms are the way to go – most rooms have one, so be sure to request it.
Bucket List: Head to the bar and order your date a Pink Lady (the signature cocktail). Live like a Napoleon descendant – lounge in the Versailles styled common areas and let the staff indulge you with absurd requests.
Favorite Place For: Play
