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Interview with Heather Holman of Hotels of the Rich and Famous

Heather HolmanHeather Holman is the owner and architect of Hotels of the Rich and Famous. She currently resides in the United States near the Capital of Washington D.C., has travelled to over 20 countries and visited hundreds of luxury hotels. Her hobbies include wine tasting, shopping, photography and, of course, travelling. Heather hopes to one day open her own luxury hotel in either the United Kingdom or France, two of her favorite countries. What is it that  you do exactly?
I let people know where their favorite celebrities like to vacation by searching the popular media such as television, magazines and of course the internet. Also I receive tips from hotel guests and workers via my website. A typical day for me… I wake up, let my dog out in to our yard, brush my teeth then off to work! Luckily for me I run Hotels of the Rich and Famous out of my home office so the commute isn’t too bad at all! I first check my emails and tips then get to searching for luxury hotels and celebrity hotel related stories. Afternoon I head to the gym and flip through celebrity magazines with my notebook ready to take any notes while on the treadmill or bicyles. When I get home I watch the travel channel and E! with my laptop on my lap. I’m a huge fan of Samantha Brown, I’d rather have her job but mine isn’t too bad!
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Traveling! Last summer my husband and I spent 2 months in Europe. This fall we have a cross country vacation planned in America. I also love talking with celebrities for interviews –  it’s fun! I wanted to combine two billion dollar industries in to one unique idea. People love hotels, people love celebrities – why not have both? Hotels of the Rich and Famous was born! I get excited when I get my tips via email of people spotting celebrities at hotels. It lets me know it’s not just me who loves to share their hotel and celebrity experiences and that I do indeed have a target audience.
What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?
Well, until my website is a bit more established my limit on a hotel room is $1,500 a night which limits me but I’ve still stayed in some pretty great places, Here are my favorite 3: Chateau d’Etoges in the Champagne region of France. The Borgata in Atlantic City – it really has brought a higher level of class to the whole town, the suites are amazing! Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel – my husband and I were married here. It’s an amazing hotel with a deep history and is very luxurious.
What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
I don’t know if this is because I just wrote an article on it and its fresh in my mind but Chateau d’Etoges comes to mind again. If you’ve ever eaten in France you know its quiet a culture shock with the level of service from waiters. I’ve been told the French like to be left alone while they eat and so the waiter only takes your order, drops off your food, and then gives your check an hour later. As an American, I hate this! What if I run out of beverage? What if something is wrong with my food? I don’t want to go chase someone down if I need something – I want to be checked on! At the chateau the wait staff almost out-numbered the dinner guests and it was almost a full house. They also took stand near the wall and watched to see if people’s drinks were low or there were any problems and dealt with this before I even noticed my glass was low. I loved it.
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
I’ve seen Eminem and his posse at the Doubletree Hotel in Philadelphia, Jesse Metcalf from Desperate Housewives at The Borgata, I’ve also interviewed Hal Sparks from Queer as Folk and Mike Holman (no relation but it did get me the in to talk to him) from Jackass on MTV. I have a few upcoming plans for interviews but I don’t want to jinx them so I won’t mention them yet!
What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?
Japan! I’ve seen so many European countries, I’d like to start seeing some Asian ones! Also the country is so rich in history but still so technosavy! It will be a blast!
Thank you, Heather. And good luck with the site.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.

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