Can I just say—I love it when Bravo gives our Real Housewives ladies a side quest! Surprisingly, these spin-off series often end up showcasing some of the best moments we get from the franchise. Love Hotel is exactly that: a refreshing take that lets us see these women in a totally new light—away from the typical drama and yelling that takes place on most of the Real Housewives shows. Instead their hanging out, having good conversations with one another, and bonding in truly genuine and heartfelt way.
I’ll admit, when it first came on my screen, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this particular group or women. The cast didn’t immediately strike me as a perfect fit—but I was so wrong and it was evident immediately.
I was excited to see Giselle and Ashley on the show because if you watch Real Housewives of Potomac you know that these two are really good friends and have even gone into business together! I love when Ashley calls out Gizelle during one of her confessionals and it’s evident that they’re truly good friends that hold each other accountable and know how to have a good time! Gizelle is absolutley stunning but her personality is the most relatable. She seems fun and very down to earth, she also seems a little guarded which is ok becase she is in the public eye. I liked seeing her open up with Phil and talking about seeing herself sipping Margaritas in Bel-Air with Phil. She is the most relatable and I hope she finds her forever man!
I am a Luann stan, I have truly really liked her ever since watching Crappie Lake. Seeing her roll up her sleeves on that show and put genuine care into that community gave me a whole new level of respect for her. She’s glamorous, she’s real, she lives on a lake, smokes a cigarette now and then, and does cabaret on her own terms. She is the vibe. And on Love Hotel, she continued to bring that same energy—especially in how she supported Shannon through the argument with Earl. I love a woman who will tell a man he’s wrong and that he needs to correct it.
I was surprised to see Shannon Storms Beador (it’s so fitting she has two last names) however, because she is well known for being a little difficult and very neurotic, I was actually surprised that she would agree to be on the show. However, she was a great addition. The chemistry of the ladies was natural and their friendships felt incredibly authentic. Watching them rally around each other, especially Shannon, was surprisingly emotional in the best way. Gisele and Ashley already had that friendship spark, but to see them blend so beautifully with Shannon and Luann? It was a really nice dynamic to see on this franchise.
Now let’s talk about these men because there are some keepers! My favorite from the beginning was Wale and he really seemed interested in Ashley! I love that he was so open in how he felt including his decorum confessional when he was hurt that she kissed another man. I also share his sentiments about being blown away by Ashley being attracted to a much, much, older man! I really think Ashley should have picked him but we all know that life isn’t that easy and the heart want’s what it wants.
Next up is Earl, he had so much screentime since he was Shannon’s love interest out the gate. And he’s kind of neurotic as well. So they actually were probably attracted to each other in that way in my opinion. Seeing Shannon’s embarrassment of him on the boat though, I knew it would not last long. Shannon is very uptight I don’t see her having fun on a boat listening to Little Big Town in a lake.
I really think casting did a great job of selecting these men because they truly seemed interested in the ladies but didn’t know their backgrounds so I loved that. They were just there to get to know them as people, not as housewives.
One of my favorite moments? Shannon bringing matching outfits for everyone (classic Shannon), and this time, the other ladies actually wore them. That little montage of them all stepping out of their rooms dressed alike—pure Housewives gold. It was sweet, supportive, and showed the kind of fun, lighthearted connection I’ve missed seeing on the main shows.
Other memorable moments:
- Shannon surprising Earl with stepson info.
- Gizelle vibing with Phil.
- Luann telling Earl to fix things with Shannon.
- Wale and Ashley doing the giant swing.
- Luann telling James not to touch Cynthia.
- Ashley kissing Ralph (whatttt).
- Wale’s decorum speech in the confessional.
- Jay saying he will never forget his time with all of them!
Honestly, Love Hotel reminded me why I fell in love with Housewives in the first place; watching fabulous women live their lives, have fun, and build unexpected friendships. Bravo please have less bickering and more bonding, Bravo and Peacock—please keep giving us more of these side adventures. They’re uplifting, entertaining, and give us a whole new appreciation for the women we thought we already knew.
