The personal touch

Finding the right hotel can make or break a holiday. Jonas Anderson caught up with Managing Director of The Hotel Guru, Hugh Graham-Watson and discovers the secret to planning the perfect getaway

The Hotel Guru is one of the few truly independent hotel recommendation websites. Set up in 2010 by renowned hotel critic Fiona Duncan, the site has evolved and expanded rapidly over the past nine years from a small selection of properties in the UK, France and Italy to a worldwide offering that encompasses destinations all over the globe.

­Their mission is pure and simple - to find the very best places to stay around the world, including lavish hotels, charming B&Bs, cosy guesthouses, gastropubs with rooms, five-star luxury grand dames, hot-o -the-press openings and more besides.

­The company has a raft of leading reviewers and journalists on board, who share their best kept holiday secrets. ­The editorial team scour travel guides, newspapers and hotel awards lists to ensure that the selection of recommended properties are as up to date as possible.

Explains managing director, Hugh Graham Watson: “Some of our favourite finds include the stunning Fife Arms, a luxury hotel cum art installation tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, and the Crosby Street Hotel in New York – part of the reliably cool Firmdale group, where top notch service comes as standard too.”

“Or how about a rustic finca in central Mallorca? Finca es Castell, is heaven in the sun, offering quiet, laid back, relaxation away from the crowds - a million miles away from the huge resort-style properties you’ll find across the island.

In the Caribbean we love Lone Star in Barbados, a stunning beachside restaurant with rooms and an ‘A’ lister favourite, Hermitage Bay, Antigua with stunning suites and superb staff.”

­The Hotel Guru also has endless city break suggestions (Rocco Forte’s Hotel de Rome in Berlin is top of the list currently), not to mention Greek island treasures like the Semeli on Mykonos - a chic little oasis of calm on the outskirts of Mykonos Town that’s very reasonable value in low season.

­The website is extremely simple to use and also provides a unique insight into every destination, from which neighbourhood to stay in, to what not to miss when you’re there. Friendly location gurus are also available to discuss specific requirements, advise on properties and even make reservations.

www.thehotelguru.com