What happens when you send four Housewives to the luxurious Grand Velas Boutique Hotel in Los Cabos, Mexico on a mission to find love? According to Real Housewives of Potomac star Gizelle Bryant, viewers are in for a “wild ride” filled with “a lot of lust sprinkled with love.”
Joining the 54-year-old on Bravo’s first-ever dating show, Love Hotel — which premieres on the network on Sunday, April 27, at 9 p.m. ET — is fellow RHOP castmate Ashley Darby, 36, RHONY‘s Luann de Lesseps, 59, and RHOC‘s Shannon Storms Beador, 61, where they’ll face a crucial decision — will their potential suitors earn a stay at the Love Hotel or will they check out solo? Here, the reality TV icons sit down with In Touch to discuss what they’re looking for in a partner, their dating dealbreakers, and, of course, who stirs up the most drama.
IT: What can viewers expect to see on Bravo’s first-ever dating show, Love Hotel?
Shannon: I think Love Hotel is very unique — gathering a group of women of various ages and tastes. It is definitely a different twist to other dating shows!
Ashley: Being the ultimate lover girl I am, I almost squealed when I got the news! For decades, viewers have glimpsed into our lives as Housewives, from friendships and business ventures to relationship woes, but for the first time the four of us will be vulnerable and open about our quest for love. We took a huge leap out of our comfort zones and traveled to Cabo San Lucas to meet a pack of eligible bachelors, which, in all honesty, I was more concerned for the men because four Housewives in one hotel is not for the weak!
IT: What are some qualities you’re looking for in a partner?
Gizelle: I’m looking to find a man that I can have fun with and who wants to see the world.
Luann: My dream guy is tall, handsome, successful, fit, funny and kind. Someone who could possibly be a life partner. Did I also mention handsome?
Shannon: I would like a partner that is kind-hearted, intelligent, a communicator, family-oriented and fun.
Ashley: First, I need a man who cares about his physical appearance and has a style that complements mine. I’m willing to do some revisions, but I can’t sign up for a whole reconstruction project. Secondly, it is very important a man values and speaks highly of his mother. Physical fitness and emotional stability are also incredibly important because I’m moving fast and kicking ass in life. My man needs to be doing the same! And of course, my future partner must be financially stable and smart with money. I never had to worry about money in my previous relationships, and I don’t plan to start now.
IT: What are some of your dating red flags or dealbreakers?
Gizelle: Never been in a committed relationship, bad breath, baby feet, wants to be the center of attention.
Luann: This time around, I’m not doing bald, overweight, or anyone with the name of Tom.
Shannon: The biggest red flag for me is someone that doesn’t want to communicate.
Ashley: I’ll try to keep this list a little short so I don’t become too critical but there are a few standout red flags: hygiene and oral health are the first things I notice, and if my eyes start to water when you speak that would be a ‘no’ for me. Inconsistency and lack of efforts are also big red flags. It takes me a minute to feel comfortable enough to fall in love, and I fall hard when I do. If someone doesn’t know how to make me feel safe and valued, there’s nowhere our relationship could go. And of course, if he doesn’t like children, there’s absolutely nothing for him over here.
IT: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your past relationships that you’ll implement moving forward?
Gizelle: Communication is key, and no one can read your mind.
Luann: I’d really like to have someone who is spiritually inclined and has very little ego. I think I’m done with narcissists.
Shannon: I have learned that when I see a red flag, I need to pay attention instead of convincing myself that it doesn’t exist.
Ashley: The biggest takeaway from my previous relationships is the importance of prioritizing myself and my needs. My default was emotional generosity for a very long time, but in this phase of my life I am covering my own bases first and foremost. I’m learning it’s okay to be a little selfish (and I have to thank Gizelle for helping me get comfortable with that).
IT: Which lady brings the most drama?
Gizelle: I think we equally brought our own drama.
Luann: For once, the drama all lies within the men!
Shannon: Unfortunately, I think I brought the most drama!
Ashley: Funnily, we were all crowned the Drama Queen at some point during our time in the Love Hotel. Think about it — we were dealing with matters of the heart and potentially developing real feelings with these men. The emotions were very real and very raw.
IT: Who do you have the most similar taste in men to?
Gizelle: We all had completely different tastes in men.
Luann: I don’t think I have similar taste with any of these 3 women. We are so different in our dating styles.
Shannon: I think that I have similar taste in men with Gizelle and Luann.
Ashley: Even though we all have different types, there was one bachelor who met all of our tastes. Wait until you see how that plays out, and I guarantee you won’t see it coming!
IT: What can you tease on the ending of the show? Are you happy with the way things turned out?
Luann: I’m super happy with the way things turned out. I think Bravo did a great job presenting us with very eligible bachelors. You’ll have to watch and see what happens!
Shannon: I will say that things turned out the way that they were supposed to!
Ashley: Being the love show aficionado I am, I truly believed I knew how my experience in the Love Hotel would go. That was far from the truth. I learned things about myself and even challenged what I thought I knew. Thankfully, the best confirmation I got is that I’m truly ready to love and be loved.
