The obvious draw of this small South American...
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The Gallivanter’s Guide
Independent Luxury Hotel Reviews
Most luxury hotel reviews serve commercial interests. Ours serve yours. Since 1991, The Gallivanter’s Guide has remained fiercely independent — no advertising, no sponsorships, no influence.
We stay in the world’s finest hotels. We test every detail. And we tell you exactly what we find — without compromise.
Trusted for over three decades by travellers who expect nothing less than the truth.
For Our Members
We strip away the polish to reveal what truly sets a hotel apart — and where it falls short — so your time and money are never wasted.
Members correspond directly with Editor-in-Chief Philippe Servais — never delegates, never templates. Whether it’s Rome’s most discreet palazzo or Bangkok’s finest heritage suite, every recommendation is based on first-hand stays and uncompromising independence.
Latest Gallivanter’s Guides
From legendary grande dames to secluded hideaways, our luxury hotel reviews are written for travellers who demand more than glossy promises — revealing which five-star hotels truly live up to their name.
A luxury guide to China today I still...
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Amsterdam has long been a paradox: a city...
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The obvious draw of this small South American...
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A luxury guide to China today I still...
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Amsterdam has long been a paradox: a city...
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For 2025, The Gallivanter’s Guide awards its Hotel of the...
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More than reviews — insider intelligence for discerning travellers.
Join The Gallivanter’s Guide and receive 12 exclusive monthly issues featuring:
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An annual subscription costs less than a single night in a five-star hotel — and could save you from far costlier mistakes.
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What our members say
We stayed for 4 nights at the Tokyo hotel you recommended and are so glad we did. I would never have booked it without your endorsement. It was one of those memorable experiences with service that was nothing short of superb!
R.B.Hong Kong 
Thank you for your terrific Greece guide. Your reviews were great, and the entire edition was excellent. What I love about your personal recommendations is that you tell me all the cons as well as the best features. Wonderful insights.
M.R.Australia
Congratulations on a fantastic year! Your leadership has further enhanced the superb guide, making it truly the most outstanding, authentic, and genuine guide in the global travel industry.
A.M.Australia
GREAT editorial about the "Best" lists! I really admire your knowledge and your absolute honesty! You are truly your own voice, and it makes you so very trustworthy.
P.D.United States
Your piece on the madness of hotel check-in and check-out times should be in Le Monde or The New York Times—maybe then the people running this industry would finally wake up.
H.B.Germany
The Panama/Colombia issue just arrived and it is fantastic! A great choice of hotels/resorts! I really enjoyed this issue – so well done.
L.M.United Kingdom
Incredibly helpful and detailed recommendations — THANK YOU! I'm looking into these properties and dates now! Thank you again.
R.S.United States
Dear Philippe. Thank you so much for your valuable feedback, as always. I've been thoroughly enjoying the guide every month, and you have provided me with some excellent options.
H.A.UAE
A passionate hotel hobbyist, Philippe Servais uses The Gallivanter’s Guide to say what he thinks.
Mary GostelowLuxury Hotel Commentator
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