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What is a Boutique Hotel?

Cathy Rogers
Cathy Rogers

A boutique hotel is one that is generally not chain-affiliated, features an intimate and stylish appearance, and provides impeccable amenities. Also referred to as lifestyle or design hotels, the trend and related name began in the 1980s by Northern Americans. Although many of these hotels are small, ranging from single digit rooms to fewer than 100, some in major cities have well over 100 rooms.

Considered among the first boutique hotels are The Blake’s Hotel in South Kensington, London, and the Bedford, a San Francisco hotel. The Morgans Hotel in Murray Hill, New York, is also considered by many to be one of the originals, as is the Hotel Village Court in San Francisco.

Luxury boutique hotel rooms usually offer queen sized beds.
Luxury boutique hotel rooms usually offer queen sized beds.

The definition of this type of hotel is rather vague. They are sometimes hip and at other times historic, and some are unique in design, architecture, or theme. The hotel usually distinguishes itself in these areas: design, service, and target market. Some are themed, and many attempt to be unique by either offering themed rooms or choosing an overall theme for the hotel.

Corporate travelers often enjoy the comfort of boutique hotels.
Corporate travelers often enjoy the comfort of boutique hotels.

A boutique hotel can be equally appropriate for business, a honeymoon, or a vacation. The target market for most is the 25-55 age range, most within the middle to upper income level. For some hotels, the target is the corporate traveler who will provide repeat business, refer others, and is one whose business is not based on a particular season.

Service might be the distinguishing feature of what classifies a hotel as boutique. The goal of a hotel is a level of personalized service not necessarily doable in a larger establishment. At many, the staff may know each guest by his or her name, and most offer 24-hour guest services. Some offer the comforts of canopy beds, bathrobes and fireplaces in the lobby. Others offer healthy food choices, mind, and body themes and on-site bookstores.

A boutique hotel will not have a chain affiliation, and most target middle to upper income clientele.
A boutique hotel will not have a chain affiliation, and most target middle to upper income clientele.

As a boutique hotel varies in other features, so does its technological amenities. While some offer the latest in technology, others focus on a calm, soothing environment. To some patrons, the bed and breakfast concept may be similar. Many hotels have on-site, reputable dining, as well as bar and lounge areas that are also open to the public. As the trend continues to grow, many hotels market themselves as boutique, with most being small, luxury establishments.

Discussion Comments

anon211886

In my experience, a boutique hotel is less expensive than a luxury hotel, often substituting ambiance for amenities. For example, the rooms might be furnished with antiques, but there is no exercise room or pool.

anon139969

What is the best way to transition from a three star to a boutique hotel and best way to stand out among so many other hotels?

anon72706

How can I sell a boutique Hotel. A boutique hotel based in Cape Town is for sale.

anon33788

Love the straightforward answers of WiseGeek!

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    • Luxury boutique hotel rooms usually offer queen sized beds.
      By: robert lerich
      Luxury boutique hotel rooms usually offer queen sized beds.
    • Corporate travelers often enjoy the comfort of boutique hotels.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Corporate travelers often enjoy the comfort of boutique hotels.
    • A boutique hotel will not have a chain affiliation, and most target middle to upper income clientele.
      By: .shock
      A boutique hotel will not have a chain affiliation, and most target middle to upper income clientele.
    • A private hot tub is one amenity that might be offered at a boutique hotel.
      By: emf_images
      A private hot tub is one amenity that might be offered at a boutique hotel.
    • Boutique hotels may feature a wet bar.
      By: Maya Kruchancova
      Boutique hotels may feature a wet bar.