The Journal
The Refined Stay
About

About Me

Giuseppe and his family on the Emirates Air Line cable car in London

I’m Giuseppe, a UK-based traveller with a genuine interest in luxury hotels, thoughtfully designed resorts and the small details that can turn a good holiday into a memorable one.

I created The Refined Stay as a personal travel diary to share honest, detailed reviews of the hotels and resorts I visit. I focus on the areas that matter most when choosing a luxury stay, including the room, service, food, pools, facilities, location and overall value for money.

I often travel with my family, so my reviews also consider how well a hotel balances a premium experience for adults with the practicalities of travelling with children. I look beyond whether a property photographs well and focus on what the experience is actually like from arrival through to check-out.

The Refined Stay is independent and based on personal experience. Any complimentary stays, upgrades or hosted elements will always be clearly disclosed.

What I Look For

  • Exceptional service that feels personal rather than forced
  • Comfortable and well-designed rooms or suites
  • High-quality food and a good variety of dining options
  • Impressive pools, grounds and resort facilities
  • A luxury experience that also works well for families
  • Whether the overall stay represents good value

My Review Style

My reviews are practical, balanced and personal. I share what worked well, what could have been better and whether I would genuinely recommend returning.

The aim is simple: to help other travellers choose memorable hotels with greater confidence.