In 1979 our founding editor left his corporate life to travel the world. In his desire for authenticity, he sought out small hideaways in unspoiled corners of the globe, sharing his findings through a monthly newsletter (Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report) under the pen name Andrew Harper.

The idea I had for this newsletter back in 1979 – to share information about peaceful and unspoiled sanctuaries with a limited and compatible group of sophisticated travelers – remains at the core of its identity today. There is no concealing my disdain for crowds, noise, rudeness, fast food, packaged destinations, characterless hotels and copycat resorts.”

– Andrew Harper

In the early 2000s our founding editor retired and appointed a new editor-in-chief, who today, along with his small team of editors, continues to travel incognito. In addition to hotel reviews, our editors write in-depth articles about destinations, including the best restaurants, sights and activities. This coverage has made the Hideaway Report, the Andrew Harper Collection guidebooks and the members-only website indispensable resources for all aspects of an upscale vacation.

First, we curate a list of potential recommendations, in both classic and emerging destinations.
We compile this information through extensive research and feedback from our members.

Second, we narrow the list to the top hideaways and hotels to visit over the next 12 months.
Editors always travel incognito, pay their own way and never receive compensation from hotels.

Third, we rate each by our own standards of luxury, which we have developed since we began in 1979. We seek traits such as distinctive character, personal service and exceptional comfort.

Finally, each hotel we visit — the ones that meet our standards and those that fall below — are reviewed in a series of in-depth reports on each trip. Hotels must receive and maintain a rating of at least 90 out of 100 to be included in our collection of recommended hotels.

99-100: A truly great hotel, among the finest of its kind in the world
96-98: An exceptional hotel of great individuality and distinction
93-95: An outstanding hotel of genuine sophistication
90-92: A fine hotel with considerable charm about which we have minor reservations

89 & below: A hotel that did not meet the required standards

No. Hotels do not pay or elect to be included in our recommendations.
Andrew Harper’s editors pay their own way and do not desire or accept special favors, which would compromise the authenticity of the experience that we are committed to detailing for our members.

Our editors seek out exceptional properties where members can expect the highest levels of personal service and truly unique experiences.

Hotels are selected on an independent basis and only those rated above 90 will receive a recommendation. We remove hotels that fall below our standards, as well as add new, exceptional finds each time we travel.

We listen to feedback from our members to gauge which destinations and hotels should be considered for future anonymous visits and which hotels that members feel we should reassess.

The hummingbird logo captures the true essence of Andrew Harper and the original premise of the Hideaway Report newsletter.

The genteel and unobtrusive nature of the hummingbird symbolizes our ceaseless quest for one peaceful and aesthetic setting after another.”

– Andrew Harper

We have earned our reputation on delivering intelligent travel content that is unbiased and honest. Our members trust our insights and value our travel planning expertise to ensure that they experience the most satisfying and rewarding trips shared with family and loved ones.

Examples of membership benefits include:

Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report
A monthly newsletter featuring anonymous reviews of hotels and travel experiences around the world.

The Andrew Harper Collection
12 indispensable guidebooks updated annually by region, featuring each recommended hotel and restaurant, with additional invaluable information and editor tips.

Travel-planning services
Booking everything from hotels to villas, cruises, private islands, safaris and more, our members-only travel office excels in replicating Andrew Harper’s journeys and creating every imaginable trip.

Hotel and travel perks
Our travel office team partners with the world’s leading independent and branded hotels as well as cruise, tour and other operators who recognize our members as VIPs and provide them with tailored experiences, exclusive amenities and promotional offers throughout the year.

Andrew Harper Auctions
Private travel auctions available only to Andrew Harper members, including packages representing significant and unparalleled savings from Andrew Harper’s most popular hotels.

Andrew Harper Wine Concierge
Personal recommendations, detailed tasting notes and insider access to members-only pricing on some of the world’s rarest wines.

We love to welcome new members who have discovered us and those that have been referred by a friend.

Become a Member
New members can join online at any time.

Refer a Friend and Gift Memberships
Members can refer friends and purchase gift memberships on the My Membership section of the website.

Let us help!
Our Member Services specialists can assist with all membership questions and requests. Contact us by phone at (800) 375-4685 or by e-mail. Our hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

When logged-in to the website, members can renew or extend their membership, refer friends or purchase gift memberships through the Account Details page within “My Membership.”

Our member services team can also assist Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT by phone at (800) 375-4685 or by e-mail.

Members receive unlimited travel-planning services when booking with Andrew Harper’s Travel Office.

Once logged on to the website, you can submit a travel inquiry form or you may contact the travel office directly for assistance Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT by phone at (800) 375-4685.