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The Monobrow: October 2006
I don't know about you, but I am so over slumming it. If I manage to grab a holiday, I want to relax in style, not suffer for the sake of an authentic experience. Eventually I think most of us outgrow the Lonely Planet gap year worthy dedication required to thoroughly "do" each location, in favour of a more laidback approach that embraces holidays – or indeed weekend breaks – as a time for relaxation.
Catering for those of us who want a slightly more luxurious accent to their holiday experience are the Mr & Mrs Smith series of hotel guides, focussing on unique boutique hotels in the UK, Europe and beyond (although the rest of the world is still a little thin on the ground). Perfect for a romantic getaway (if you are into that kind of thing – you pervert), and a welcome change from business chain uniformity.
But you don't even need to buy a guidebook to access their online guides to the various destinations served by Smith-endorsed hotels. Summarising the basics on one simple printable webpage (allbeit with a slightly irritating penchant for all things nouveau riche), the Smith online guides are perfect for those last minute minimum effort breaks. Sometimes there just isn't time for extensive preparation – and it saves you forking out for a fat guidebook at the airport.
It does seem awfully nice of them to provide this information for free, but you can always show your appreciation by booking one of their accompanying hotel recommendations through the website. And if you really like what they do, sign up online for £10 or buy one of the guidebooks to get your own Mr & Mrs Smith membership card, entitling you to special offers on their hotels and bonus champagne, room upgrades or picnic hampers at your chosen destination. If only the rest of life were so easy.
Read the Mr & Mrs Smith online destination guides.
Buy Mr & Mrs Smith guidebooks from their online shop.
Sign up for your own Mr & Mrs Smith membership card.