From eclectic city escapes to remote jungle treehouses, boutique hotels are the most authentic way to travel.
What is a Boutique Hotel?
What is considered a boutique hotel has changed over the years. These days you will see a lot of hotels branding themselves as boutique, with even major hotels integrating more "boutique" properties into their portfolios.
It seems like any property that offers rooms with anything more than basic white bedsheets feels entitled to the "boutique" label. However, a true boutique hotel has certain characteristics that set it apart from other establishments.
Here is how I define a boutique hotel:
Unique Aesthetic
One of the key tenets of a boutique hotel is their unparalleled style. They are fashionable, quirky and nothing like your typical, cookie-cutter hotel room. But it's not just the aesthetic that makes it boutique,
Their interiors are fashioned with a certain theme or personality and there is a strong attention to detail in design, Much of the artwork is either specially crafted from local artisans or are one-of-a-kind pieces sourced from local antique shops, auctions, or even estate sales.
Intimate Feel
Originally small-independently owned properties - a true boutique hotel will have 100 rooms or fewer. There is a reason for this. These properties were meant to feel secluded and exclusive, despite maybe existing in large metropolitan areas. Here, you'll find communal spaces that create a cozy and inviting environment for getting to know other travelers or unwinding after a long day of exploring.
Personalized Service
Another key characteristic of a boutique hotel is personalized service. In my opinion, this is where a lot of modern "boutique" hotels lose me. The purpose of having a smaller property should be so that staff can be more attentive to guests' needs.
This can look like curated amenities, expedited services, easy check-in technology, hosted nightly events or a top notch concierge for arranging activities in the area.
Authentic Experience
Boutique hotels focus on a curated experience, influenced by their geographical surroundings. This means their restaurants may serve locally sourced cuisines or that their onsite spa offers treatments based on native healing rituals. These types of hotels can be destinations themselves due to their deluxe programming.
How to Find Boutique Hotels
Online Booking (OTA)
You can find boutique hotels on the typical booking engines - Expedia, Booking.com or TripAdvisor. However, you will notice a lot of hotels that have "boutique" in the title don't offer the same level of service or experience as what is stated above. These sites also don't have great filter options for these property types.
Tablet
One of the better options for booking boutique hotels is Tablet. This is an OTA that offers a curated list of boutique properties from all over the world for you to browse and book.
While a great site, not every boutique option in any given destination will be found here. You also have to pay a yearly membership fee to access their exclusive perks and discounts. But, there is a way to unlock these exclusive perks and discounts for free - more below.
Travel Advisor
The best way to find a boutique property that matches your needs is by working with a travel advisor. We have access to libraries of boutique properties - sometimes ones that are not available to the general public. We can help you save time sifting through all the options and reviews to truly find a great fit for you,
How to get Exclusive Perks
Did you know that your hotel booking can come with extra perks - things like free daily breakfast, complimentary room upgrades and credits to use on property - all at no extra cost to you?
As an independently operated, boutique travel company, we partner with the best luxury and boutique properties across the world to get you the VIP treatment you deserve at no extra cost. (Check out our Fora affiliation here.)
With these partnerships we can offer the same rates (or better), than any online booking platform or even the hotel website. Plus, you'll get exclusive perks you won't find anywhere else. Hotel bookings are a complimentary service.
Booking with us is easy and complimentary, just fill out this short form. Once complete we'll send you the rates and then get you booked!
If you are going on a longer trip and want a personalized itinerary and expert planning from someone who has - been there, done that - check out our planning services here,
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