Like Art, a Boutique Hotel is hard to define, but you’ll know when one you see it. Some key aspects may help to distinguish the concept behind this trend in hospitality.

Just like a “boutique” in French defines a small upscale shop to differentiate it from a big department store, similarly a Boutique Hotel distinguishes itself from a large Hotel Chain, which is identifiable with standardized features and looks.

A Boutique Hotel is typically a small independent property which is not restrained by the standards dictated by a Hotel Chain. As a result, Boutique Hotels are unique in their style, decor and character and are developing in more and more destinations. This trend is now one of the most significant phenomenon in the hotel industry since the establishment of franchise Hotel Chains in the 50’s and 60’s.

Back then, the concept was to replicate the features of a hotel in various destinations. With Boutique Hotels, the emphasis is laid on the uniqueness and individuality of the property.

As a matter of fact, prior to the 50’s, virtually every hotel was a Boutique Hotel. Family run and of small dimensions, hospitality was one-of-a-kind before switching to mass production. Currently, with Boutique Hotels, there is a comeback to the warmth of a family feel, a return to a homey and more personalized experience. Just like fashion periodically comes back to past evergreen roots, so Boutique Hotels hark back to the genuine origins of hospitality.
What characterizes a Boutique Hotel is the high quality service which is specifically geared towards the needs and expectations of the guest. Although many Boutique Hotels are hosted in historical buildings, they all offer a variety of up to date amenities that satisfy the wishes of the modern traveller, such as Internet and business facilities, Spa, swimming pool and often Restaurant and Lounge Bar.

Other Boutique Hotels make of cutting-edge design their greatest strongpoint. Renowned interior designers and architects are often engaged in decorating and shaping the contemporary Boutique Hotel. Ultramodern conveniences, high-tech equipment and trendy furniture assure the guest a compelling hotel experience.

In fact, be it in a manor house, a castle, or a futuristic structure, the goal of a Boutique Hotel is to provide the traveller with an unforgettable setting for his or her journey. A Boutique Hotel is always a one-of-a-kind lodging experience.
In a world that is becoming increasingly standardized, where commodities, stores, restaurants, indeed society in general is developing into a homogenised entity, Boutique Hotels are beacon for diversity and originality.

Boutique Hotels in a Nutshell

The Guestrooms

Often each guestroom in a Boutique Hotel is different from the others, by colour, setting, view and furniture. Antique or avant-garde furniture, drapes, old paintings or plasma TV, the stress is always on comfort and style.

The Bathrooms

Quirky Georgian-style or large high-tech with Jacuzzi, the bathroom is an essential sanctuary in which to relax and rejuvenate.

The Lobby

Smaller and more homey than those in hotel chains, lobbies in Boutique Hotels are often dimly lit, filled with artworks, a fireplace, comfortable ethnic or design furniture, all stimulating convivial and relaxing moments.

The Service

Great attention is laid to the service. Owing to a smaller number of guestrooms to attend, it is easier for the hotelier in a Boutique Hotel to supply to the needs of each guest with a personalized approach.

The Food and Drinks

Some Boutique Hotels offer a very special opportunity to taste the gastronomic idiosyncrasies of internationally acclaimed chefs and a superb choice of fine wines and liquors.

Locations

There is no definite location for a Boutique Hotel. It could be in a crowded city, in the peaceful countryside, close to a dreamy sandy beach or even on a glacier!