Jet-Setting Locations for “The Idea of You”

If you’ve never heard of “The Idea of You,” it’s a novel that was published back in 2017 ~ that has taken off in 2024, due to an Amazon movie featuring Anne Hathaway & Nicholas Galitzine.  It’s about a single mom who unexpectedly meets one of the hottest stars from a boy band….who just happens to be 20 years younger than her.  And they fall in love.  ALL over the world!  There are so many great locations in the book & movie, I wanted to get them sorted!  Here are the top “Jet-Setting Locations for The Idea of You.”

A beautiful “older” woman, played by Anne Hathaway ~ falls in love with a boy band member, in “The Idea of You.” Photo: Amazon.

If you’re wondering which is better: the book or the movie ~ my friends & I agree: definitely the BOOK.  While the movie is “cute,” it follows pretty typical rom-com plot points.  The book is far more detailed & nuanced, & the characters more fleshed out & believable.  I recently finished the book in ONE day during a trip to Las Vegas!

Map of “The Idea of You” Hot Hotels

The Movie

Overview of “The Idea of You” Locations…

Because the book is longer (& more interesting), I’m detailing the key locations from the book ~ most of which overlap with the movie; Coachella being a noticeable exception & change for their first meeting.

Hayes & Solene’s first lunch is at the iconic pink Hotel Bel Air, a spot long-favored by Hollywood stars. Photo: Dorchester Collection.

1. Where Solene & Hayes First Meet = The Mandalay Bay, in Las Vegas.  In the movie, the location where they first meet changes to Coachella (which was an odd change).  But in the book: the first place they meet is at a “Meet & Greet” before a concert, at the Mandalay Bay Resort ($69+/night).
2. Their First Lunch = At the Iconic Hotel Bel Air Restaurant.  With a view of the garden.  The Hotel Bel Air ($1,000+) is one of the top spots in Los Angeles for overall celebrity-sightings…& it’s not surprising that a fictitious young pop star would be staying there before a big gig at the Staples Center.
3. Their First Encounter in New York City = Meet At the Four Seasons (His Hotel) & Consummated at Crosby Street Hotel (Her Hotel).  During gigs in NYC, Hayes & the band are staying at one of the city’s finest hotels: the Four Seasons New York ($1,002+).  This is where Solene first meets his “entourage.”  But later, they take off for a more intimate dinner at her place ~ the more intimate Crosby Street Hotel ($885+), in Lower Manhattan.  And this is where things start to get good…
4. Where Did Solene & Hayes Stay in the South of France?  At a private villa in beautiful Cap d’Antibes.  You can check for villa rentals in Southern France here….or for similar vibes, & another celebrity favorite: check out Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat ($1,226+), which was also featured in Netflix’s “Emily in Paris.”  In the book, Hayes & Solene also have a steamy stop-over at her chic hotel in Cannes: Hotel Martinez ($458+).
5. Back in Los Angeles = Lunchtime Encounter with Her Ex + Hayes….at Soho House.  This is that delicious lunchtime meet-up where Solene is having a friendly drink with her ex….when she unexpectedly runs into her current conquest, & one of the most desirable men on the planet: Hayes.  After which, she meets up with Hayes at perennially-popular Hollywood spot: Chateau Marmont ($590+), for more steamy encounters…
6. Where Did Hayes & Solene Stay in Paris?  Ahhh….the City of Light.  A key part of the book, where Solene & her business partner are working at a busy art fair, promoting their work.  But of course, Hayes rents out the Penthouse Suite at the Four Seasons George V ($1,930+), one of Paris’ most iconic hotels…& a favorite with celebrities.  And there are more steamy encounters here….in elevators, in the shower….you get the picture.
7. Where They Stayed in Miami = At the Setai Miami Beach.  Solene travels to Miami for Art Basel, while Hayes & his band are there to party.  Hayes & Solene cozy up in the chic outdoor restaurant at The Setai ($575+)….before retreating to their Asian-inspired suite at this sexy, oceanfront hotel. 
8. Where Did Hayes & Solene Stay in the Caribbean?  On the same island that Brad Pitt & Jennifer Aniston did….once upon a time: Anguilla.  Hayes & Solene rent a secluded villa on the south shore of the island, with views of neighboring Saint-Martin.  A hotel with a similar position is Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel ($1,030+) ~ a stunning oceanfront property with walls of glass that look out towards Caribbean waters…
9. Where They Stay in Aspen = The Little Nell.  I’ve already written an article about where celebrities stay in Aspen ~ stars like Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, & Rihanna.  Hayes & Solene must have taken note: because my top spot was The Little Nell ($895+).  And that’s exactly where they stayed for a cozy winter getaway…
10. And FINALLY: Where Did Hayes & Solene Stay in South America?  Interestingly enough: at the same hotel that Taylor Swift stays at when she’s on tour….which is, the Four Seasons Hotel ($640+) in Buenos Aires.  The boys are on a massive stadium tour all throughout South America, & Solene flies in to see Hayes while they’re playing at Estadio Jose Amalfitani.

The gorgeous outdoor pool at the Four Seasons Buenos Aires. Photo: Kayak.

A Couple More Photos…

There’s a reason the South of France is in both the book AND the movie: because it looks like this….

The Setai Miami Beach.

Hot Hotels in “The Idea of You”

I hope you’ve enjoyed traveling the world here….& possibly getting ideas for your next getaway.  One spot Hayes & Selene did not go, but that’s very popular with celebrities?  ITALY.  From Venice to Rome, the stars love to play in this beautiful European country….

xoxo Noelia 

Read Next: Where Do Celebrities Stay in Italy?

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