Let's face it. The traditional guidebook is dead. They're thick, clunky and the information is often out of date, and hardly ever appeals to the upmarket traveller. That's where Nota Bene comes in. Savvy travellers looking for opinionated tips on where to stay, what to do and where to eat sign themselves up for a subscription to the slim books, which have covered destinations from Paris, London and New York, to Aspen, Phuket and the Yucatan. (The books are not available in bookstores). Every selection is hand-picked and always stylish. After all, the Nota Bene motto is "If in doubt, opt for the Four Seasons." Upcoming books will cover the Amalfi Coast, Moscow, Rajasthan, Berlin, and Hong Kong. Nota Bene, which means “Take note” in Latin, is the brainchild of London-based Anthony Lassman (who is also starring in an ad campaign for Julius Baer private wealth management). Lassman sat down with iTravel iShop at the always glamorous Berkeley Hotel to talk shop.

How did you come up with the idea for Nota Bene?
I was travelling to the US and read a hotel review in a magazine. I had stayed at that hotel, and all I could think was, “This journalist never stayed there.” So my wife said, “Why don't you do something about it?” and I basically had to put up or shut up.

What is the travel ethos of your guidebooks?
Nota Bene is Latin for Take Note. We analyse everything. You just can't suddenly become a hotel reviewer. For me, travel and hotels was always a part of my life. I travelled so much in my previous career. I don't want to sound arrogant but I feel I am qualified to form an opinion on hotels. I look at all the little things; the linens, the towels, what is the house champagne, how fresh was the squeezed orange juice, what kind of coffee beans do they serve?

What makes a great hotel?
A city hotel is all about efficiency, guest relations and the concierge, and good meeting spaces if you are there on business. If you are more relaxed, the manufactured service isn't as important. It's the things that make you feel good and the way you are looked after.

What are some of your favourite places to visit?
I love Mexico, for the history, the Pacific Coast. I love the art and culture. It has the X factor for me in all the right places. I also love the Bahian coastline in Brazil, with thousands of miles of uninterrupted beaches. I think the Tijuca platform, right before the statue of Christ in the backdrop of the Corcavado, is the finest view in the world.  On a clear day, you could cry because of the beauty.

Where do you stay in Rio?
I don't think Rio has a hotel that is extraordinary, but you make allowances. The Copacabana is as good as it gets. Its where I stay. But Rio is not a hotel led destination.

What is your latest and greatest travel discovery?
I went to Johannesburg recently and felt it was vastly underrated because of all the fear. Everyone talks about Cape Town and ignores Johannesburg but there is so much there of interest. Naples was another great place. Vastly underrated, but it was great. Pulse [our sister magazine] found some great vintage shops there and great restaurants. Its also a fabulous getaway to the islands of Ponzo.

How do you which destinations to cover- which comes first, the hotel or the destination?
It could be either. In the case of places like Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, it's the destination first. We are far more interested in the Seychelles than Mauritius. We all sort of feed off each other in terms of what's hot, but we're not trendsetters.

Where do you go when you just want to get away from it all?
I love Isla Grande in Brazil, the Aeolian Islands in Southern Italy, especially Stromboli. For me its about different things at different times. Sometimes it's Courcheval 1850 or its St. Barths.

Do you like to shop?
I like to discover unusual, beautiful, different stores and see how they display the merchandise. I love finding the un-ubiquitous brands I haven't seen anywhere else. I like finding the new concept store, like when Tad first opened in Rome, or Club Chocolate in Rio. I hate being dragged into big stores like department stores.

What do you like to buy?
If it's a present, I try to find something bespoke or amazing, like great stationery, old pens. If it's for me, I like to find beautiful merchandises, like cashmere scarves. I'm very interested in contemporary art and furniture, plus any new brands. I'm not a compulsive shopper. I like to spend on something that has longevity. If I have a suit made I don't care what it costs because it will last forever. I don't go in for the quick fixes.

Any shopping regrets?
Only when I listen to someone else. I'm quite happy in black, grey and navy. I like fashionable things but you have to analyse yourself. You can be classic and look dowdy or very, very conservative, or you can look stylish. I tend to dress for comfort. American men tend to wear a baggy suit with a wide trouser, which shortens the body.

For suits, I like Anderson & Sheppard. I do think John Lobb is worth it for shoes. I used to buy Brioni. I like Marlowe for cashmere and Loro Piana is fantastic for quality pieces- classic but with a little twist. You should never be a slave to one brand.

What are some of your favourite hotels in the world?
For city hotels, it's about different things in different places. In New York, I always stay at the Four Seasons. It has to do with Gotham and my perception of the city as a kid. The Grand Hotel Feltrinelli is one of my most perfect hotels. It was the private home of Bob Burns and is just perfection in terms of the turn down service, the attention to detail, the beautiful beds and exquisite flowers. I am also a fan of the Four SeasonsHotel Tokyo at Marunouchi.

For resorts, I like Parrot Cay, but not the main building. I prefer the villas. Singita Lebombo in South Africa offers a wonderful juxtaposition of contemporary design in the middle of the African bush. I also like Ksar Char-Bagh, just beyond the Medina in the Palmeraie section of  Marrakech. It has a lovely hammam, orange groves and palm trees.

Click here for Anthony Lassman's Address Book 

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