Boutique Hotels - From Innovative Concept to Traveler's Mainstay

By Barbara Wade

They started a revolution about 25 years ago. Filling a niche the major chains left void, boutique hotels launched in the mid-1980s with trendy themes and innovative concepts. Originally garnering attention for their more intimate settings and their restaurant and nightlife hotspots, boutique hotels grew from a need for travelers to escape from the generic, cookie-cutter designs chain hotels offered. It is their continued uniqueness that has led to sustained growth for boutique hotels over the past two decades.

Classified as having between 150-200 rooms with locales in major cities, boutique hotels are known for being luxurious, trendy and even a little quirky. Locum Destination Review's definition states, "All [boutique hotels] stress a homelike atmosphere, highly personalized service, and distinctive style with generous amenities including easy access to the Internet. For the more sophisticated traveler, they are the 'right' place to stay." Catering to travelers who demand attention and expect the best, boutique hotels are large enough to be impressive yet small enough to offer first-name, white-glove service to guests.

Travelers continue to show a strong preference toward boutique hotels. In fact, Smith Travel Research reports that boutique hotels are setting new competitive standards for products and services. In addition, Smith Research adds, "Strangely enough, demand [for boutique hotels] seems to increase as supply rises and it falls when the rate of growth in new properties slows down.”

Boutique hotels generally offer:

Superior Guest Services

According to Forbes.com, "[Boutique hotels] aren't clubs in disguise: They put guests first!" That is in part because boutique hotels offer intimate settings. Their scaled size also allows a higher employee to guest ratio that allows hotel staff to keep a finger on the pulse of guest needs and wants.

Eco-Friendly Environments

By some estimations, boutique hotels go farther than chains in an effort to be eco-friendly. With the use of soy inks and recycled paper on letterhead and other printed pieces, environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, in-room recycling bins, organic foods and beverages, and more, boutique hotels are making a profound impact on the health and well-being of Planet Earth.

An Intriguing Atmosphere

Boutique hotels are free to express themselves - each in its own, genuine style. The goal is to be original, innovative, cutting edge and hip. Expressive décor in the public areas and distinctive interiors in guest rooms create a truly unique experience. While guests can depend on corporate standards for guest services to remain constant throughout all hotels, not a hint of corporate branding will be found to dampen the style and panache of each establishment.

Creative Amenities

Travelers today expect certain essentials to be found in their rooms: hairdryers, cable television and alarm clocks included. But boutique hotels do more, many offering WiFi Internet access, in-room honor bars filled with gourmet treats, 24-hour hotel staff that is attentive to every need, in-room spa services, full concierge services, preferred seating at local restaurants and even shoe shines. Boutique hotels also cater to the pets of their guests.

With pet-friendly accommodations, many boutique hotels go above and beyond to make sure Kitty or Pooch are as comfortable as Mom and Dad. Guests may find a complimentary food bowl with coordinating mat, dog bed, complimentary dog treats, bottled spring water and dispose-a-scoop cleaning supplies. Some even go so far as to arrange pet massages.

Before making an automatic decision to stay at a chain hotel, indulge your curiosity and investigate the appeal of boutique hotels. The atmosphere, service and amenities may offer a pleasant surprise that will expand your travel options now and in the future.