Hotels.com is back with another celebrity round-up that explores the travel stories and memories of some of the biggest names in entertainment. In its latest installment of Perfect 10, a rapid-fire digital interview series, the booking platform is tapping into the music industry with several chart-topping and buzzworthy artists.
Of the artists featured in this round-up — an undeniably award-winning cast — there’s one city girl in it for the gworls (read: girls). Rapper JT of the dynamic duo City Girls is currently basking in her breakout solo era. The Miami native is living in her moment, and with good reason. City Cinderella is JT’s debut solo project, which drops today (July 19). The EP’s second single, “Okay” (released in April), is already in regular rotation on summer party playlists, so the artist has plenty to celebrate.
The ambitious rapper also released a mini-documentary earlier this week, JT: The Making Of City Cinderella. The mini-doc, which already has nearly 200K views on YouTube, takes viewers behind the scenes with JT, from the studio to the stage. As she lets fans into her world — sans plus one — fans are finally getting a chance to discover the self-proclaimed, hardworking perfectionist.
JT spoke with Travel Noire about her recent Perfect 10 episode, her first time at the symphony with Solange, and noteworthy Miami spots to save for later.
JT-Approved Stays And Hotel Must-Haves
JT’s Perfect 10 episode is a combination of humorous sentiments on hotel preferences, guest etiquette, and memorable hotel moments. In the two-minute and 44-second clip, her personality shines as she recounts what hotel amenities matter most. However, with promotions ramping up for both her mixtape and mini-documentary, JT’s schedule leaves little room for personal travel.
“I honestly don’t get the luxury of traveling for vacation because I work so much,” JT tells Travel Noire. “I love to go home. Miami is a vacation within itself.”
Aside from enjoying her home city, JT also nods to France for its food, beauty, and warm welcome at the Shangri-La Paris, a five-star luxury hotel. Reliving her first visit to Paris, the artist dotes on the service the world-class accommodation is known for.
When it comes to arrivals, the luxury is in the details. JT isn’t shy about loving premium hospitality and the importance of personalized touches during her hotel stays.
“I love a mini-bar [and] I love them to have my favorite drinks and fruit,” she shares on her in-room must-haves. “I love to have a note with a chocolate or a little dessert. It’s so welcoming after a long trip. Food always makes people feel good. When I walk in, if I don’t see something to chew, you don’t want me here. I love a cheese board — the meat, cheese, and fruit; I love to grab a grape. I need the warm-up for what we’re about to do.”
As for other hotels that have left a lasting impression, JT highlights Tokyo’s Bulgari Hotel and the Equinox Hotel in New York. While she appreciates the added amenities offered by many of the high-end stays she visits, she prefers staying in, sharing, “I love a good pillow and bedding.”
On Milan Nights With Celeb Friends
Earlier this year, in February, JT found herself whisking off to Milan, courtesy of a brand deal with Italian retailer Diesel. During the exclusive Milan Fashion Week appearance, the in-demand it-girl also found time to connect with her friend, Solange. The pair enjoyed an evening at the symphony — a first for JT that she describes as “rich.”
“It was like a Disney dream,” she recalls of the experience. “We were the only Black girls there. We had a skybox and it was the most rich experience ever. I thought I was gonna be bored, but I never took my eyes off of the orchestra. I’m not gonna lie, I never took my eyes off [them]. I was scared because I thought I was gonna miss something. I was so into it, and I wanna go to another one.”
JT’s Picks For Things To Do In Miami
When in Miami, JT has a few favorite spots, but what she loves most about the city is its “playground”-like vibes that cater to a variety of interests.
“In Miami, it’s everywhere,” JT tells TN about her home city. “It’s very diverse [and] Miami has a little bit of everything. It is truly a melting pot.”
On the hotel front, the artist swears by two exciting stays: Faena Hotel Miami Beach and The Setai Miami Beach. JT credits Faena Hotel Miami Beach as the location for her second album cover. The Setai is another luxury Miami property the artist considers one of her favorites.
Being from Miami, it’s only natural that JT also knows where to find the city’s best food. Her picks for the best places to eat include Sunday’s Eatery in Miami Gardens, Fingalicking (also known as The Licking), and Tippy’s in Liberty City. These celebrity-approved restaurants are Black-owned, serving a variety of soul food, Caribbean, and seafood dishes that reflect the city’s blend of cultures.
New episodes of Hotels.com’s Perfect 10 series are now available on their website and the company’s YouTube channel. Alongside JT, catch episodes featuring the rest of the music-themed cast, including Grammy nominee and CMA’s New Artist of the Year Jelly Roll, eight-time Grammy award-winning artist Anderson .Paak, and Afrobeat DJ and producer SPINALL.
This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
