What Defines A Boutique Hotel?
With opportunities for travelling opening back up and travel companies looking to revive their industry, now may be the perfect time to start booking those well-deserved vacations. Whether you’d like to explore across international borders or would feel more comfortable sticking closer to home, there are so many cities, towns, and attractions that you can turn to that will allow you to get out of the house and reinvigorate your passion for adventure.
Travelling can still feel a bit stressful, so checking a few big items off your to-do list is a great start. When it comes to booking accommodations, there are so many options available, from vacation rentals to hotels, that it can be hard to decide where to start. One type of accommodation that has consistently been a traveller’s go-to are boutique hotels, such as theinncalgary.com. But what exactly differentiates a boutique hotel from regular hotels, and what are its features? Let’s break down what you can expect from boutique hotels below.
What is a boutique hotel?
First appearing in major cities such as London and New York in the 1980s, boutique hotels are smaller hotels with a more personalized touch. While they can be as tiny as containing ten rooms, the maximum capacity that boutique hotels are permitted to have to maintain their status is 100 rooms. The goal is to give individualized attention and care to each guest, so patrons are limited to ensure no one feels overlooked or like simply a number. However, it’s not so small that you feel like you’re living in someone’s home. If there are fewer than ten rooms, then it is considered a B&B or an inn.
Boutique hotels strive to be one-of-a-kind. That’s why they must also be an independent hotel or part of a boutique-only chain to prevent them from feeling corporate or mass-produced. Aiming to attract individualistic clientele, boutique hotels tend to appeal to those who are looking for something more exciting than basic hotel decor.
That’s why when it comes to describing the aesthetic of a boutique hotel, you can never use the word “stuffy”. They aim to be modern and fashionable, so while they may differ in theme and feel, they are never cookie-cutter or basic. They are also all about the little touches that help them to stand out, constantly working to surprise their guests so that they’re excited to return during their next stay.
They also understand that location is everything. Boutique hotels are generally located in the city centre or in very trendy areas, and are often close to shopping destinations. Since they typically attract those visiting from out of town, boutique hotels strive to position themselves in as convenient a location as possible. They want to be part of your experience of the city, not simply a place for you to sleep and store your luggage, and often convey a strong sense of pride for their location’s heritage.
This sense of pride for their city radiates throughout their daily operations. Many provide local dishes and feature local artists in an effort to bring the city right into the boutique hotel. Chain hotels often feel as though you could be anywhere in the world as soon as you step inside; boutique hotels want your stay with them to be a continuation of your exploration of the city.
For those getting ready to pack their bags and head out into the world once more, consider turning to a boutique hotel for your accommodations. Priding themselves in the top-tier customer service and incredible locations, boutique hotels aim to enhance every aspect of your trip.
