Boutique hotels have been creating waves on the global hospitality scene for the past couple of decades. But, as consumers, do we really know what this now well-established boutique brand, sometimes also referred to as ‘lifestyle hotels’, is all about; what it’s expected to deliver?

The term ‘boutique’, in this context, is synonymous with, chic, upmarket, trendy, tasteful, stylish and individualized hotel accommodation. In addition, these type of hotels are typically luxury-themed with unique signature features; they are also renowned for their personalized service and attention to detail.

Lifestyle Statement

The boutique design brand represents a movement away from the bland, homogeneous anonymity so characteristic of many large, albeit highly functional, hotels, worldwide.

In fact, one of the boutique hotels’ original objectives was to counter such characterless uniformity by making a lifestyle statement that truly reflects high-end demographic individual tastes and interests.

Fancy a Boutique Hotel Break?

If you feel inspired to give it a go, why not start your research now and book a boutique hotel for your next well-earned break. Check out, for example:

Hotelito Desconocido, Mexico, USA: part of the Mexico Boutique Hotels Group, the romantic, eco-beach themed Hotelito Desconocido, situated along the sweeping Pacific Coastline, approximately two hours’ drive south of Puerto Vallarta;
Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat, Whitsundays, QL, Australia: located on Pioneer Bay, next to Airlie Beach, with a spectacular rainforest backdrop, the Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat boasts a laid-back ambience with unobtrusive, personalized service and a high degree of privacy;
Sun Rocks, Oia, Santorini, Greece: magnificent panoramic coastal views over the caldera, elevated picture postcard position enjoying some of the best sunsets in the world, the ‘couples-only’ Sun Rocks boutique hotel with its chic ambience offers unrivalled tranquility and relaxation;
The Harbourmaster, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, Wales, UK: reviewed recently in ‘The Independent’: ‘… the colourful fishing village of Aberaeron [Cardigan Bay] contains a real treat. The Harbourmaster Hotel is a cool, contemporary boutique hotel in a fine 1811 building.’; www.harbour-master.com;
The Clarence, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK: a delightfully stylish and luxurious Edwardian town-house boutique hotel, The Clarence is situated near the waterfront, close to Portsmouth’s maritime quarter, (www.theclarencehotel.co.uk).


The Way Forward

As with any successful brand, imitators will inevitably want to jump on the bandwagon. But despite accusations of ‘dilution’ the proliferation of inspirational boutique style hotels continues apace.