Insight Guides Launches Luxury Guidebooks

Insight Guides has entered the fantastic luxury fray with "Select Guides," catering to well-seasoned globe-trotters looking for fresh local discoveries.

Even the books are decidedly chic featuring linen covers, ribbon bookmarks, and top-quality writing - these pocket guides offer insight New York, Rome, San Francisco, Istanbul, Hong Kong, and London, with more titles to follow in 2012.

The selective approach of these guidebooks is ideal for independent travelers who like to set their own agenda. Local experts who know the cities inside and out guide the reader through a selection of hip, authentic, and quirky ideas to match their mood complete with clear mapping and evocative photography.

A highlight of the series is the unique "In the Mood For" section, an inspirational, quick-reference guide offering readers the ability to plan their day according to their mood, whether they crave romance, a night on the town, a lazy day, family fun, retail therapy, something free, or a breath of fresh air.

Select Guides also boast a 'dip-into' list of over 100 great ideas organized by neighborhood - things to see and do, cool bars and restaurants to seek out, with plenty of secret corners, local haunts, and off-the-beaten track suggestions thrown into the mix.

And don't worry, Select Guides has even sussed out the best place to lay you head with a separate hotel section listed thematically, including: Hip Havens, Heart of the Action, Away from it All, Rooms with a View, Landmark Hotels, Lap of Luxury, and Affordable Style.