Rapport: March 2008

Are you tired of lacklustre hotels and bad service?  We know just the woman who can help.  Tamara Heber-Percy, co-founder of best-selling travel guides Mr & Mrs Smith, tells us how to have the holiday of a lifetime.  LOUIE MATTHEWS reports.

We've all experienced it – that sinking feeling as you arrive at your hotel to discover a bedroom the size of a rabbit hutch and decor that hasn't been touched since the seventies.  But while most of us probably just sighed and handed over a credit card, Tamara Heber-Percy and her husband James Lohan decided to do something about it.

'A few years ago I was working at my mother's dating agency and James co-owned a bar in South London,' explains Tamara, 35.  'We worked long hours so when we did manage to get away, we wanted it to be something really special.  But, more often than not, we were disappointed with the hotels we'd found in traditional guidebooks – even those that cost the earth.  Some of them looked nothing like their photos and others were chintzy or had terrible service.'

During one particularly depressing weekend away in 2001 – stranded in a Lake District hotel with only UHT milk and a saggy bed for company – Tamara and James decided to take action.

'We realised there was a gap in the market for a book that acted like a trusted friend, telling you honestly which hotels were worth the money,' says Tamara.

She and James, 37, were so confident their idea would sell, they emptied their bank accounts and set off on a month-long road trip around the UK.  They wanted to find 52 worthy hotels – one for every weekend of the year.  They ended up with just 41.

'We'd pull up outside some hotels and see a sign saying "Cars left, coaches right" which automatically put us off,' explains Tamara.  'Other places obviously thought it was enough to go minimal but we felt they were just soulless.  We refused to compromise on quality.'

The resulting guidebook, Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Collection, UK and Ireland, went on sale in October 2003 and sold 20,000 copies in three months – far exceeding the publisher's expectations and proving there was a legion of similarly disillusioned holidaymakers.

Tamara and James have since brought out a second edition of their guide, along with various European guides and even CDs that provide the soundtrack to your travels.

For even more luxury, you can upgrade your Mr & Mrs Smith club membership to get your own personal travel concierge.  They will take care of all your arrangements and desires – even arranging for someone to water your plants for you while you're away.  Luxury indeed.

So what, and where, are this year's hot destinations?  'Our Mr & Mrs Smith team are going to be visiting Brazil and Argentina this year on the lookout for new and exciting hotels,' she says.  'We particularly love Buenos Aires because there are some fabulous places to visit.'

Whatever the location, the couple are firm believers in responsible travel.  As well as researching and compiling information on every hotel's eco-credentials, they also offer an online carbon emissions for the holiday they're taking – not just for flights but also for destinations reached by car.  Customers can then offset this by making a donation to a carbon offsetting charity.

'Consumer interest in green issues is growing,' says Tamara.  'As a result, we're finding people are opting not to travel long haul.  Instead, UK breaks are really coming in to their own.  All you need to do is pick up our guide, jump in your car and go.'

MRS SMITH RECOMMENDS

For a road trip: THE NEW WHITE LION, Brecon Beacons

With only six rooms, this is the perfect touring base for a myriad of stunning drives through the Welsh countryside.  The beautiful scenery is guaranteed to leave you relaxed.

For a city break: THE WITCHERY, Edinburgh

This gothic hotel is located near Edinburgh Castle.  Its seven suites are all adorned with antiques, and the decadent roll top baths are big enough for two.

To get away from it all: HOTEL ENDSLEIGH, Devon

A fishing lodge nestled between Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor, Hotel Endsleigh has its own arboretum and comfortable beds dressed with handmade Irish linen.

For taking children: THE ICKWORTH HOTEL, Suffolk

This 18th-century house boasts a stunning rotunda set in 1,800 acres of parkland.  A children's play area and family cycle routes should keep youngsters happy.

For cocktails: RICK'S, Edinburgh

Rick's is more like a designer cocktail bar with 10 rooms attached than a hotel.  Helpful staff know everything about cocktails.  Try their fantastic Manhattan – delicious!

For a romantic weekend away: CA MARIA ADELE, Venice

This 16th-century palazzo in romantic Venice is owned by the family famed for making Murano glass.  It has five concept rooms and great views over the Grand Canal.