Boutique Hotels

If you’re looking for more character than large hotels usually offer but somewhere with sophisticated facilities, a boutique hotel could be perfect for you. Boutique hotels have stylish character that both reflects and enhances their surroundings, whether that’s the middle of a major city or an idyllic resort.

It’s not easy to reel off a list of what defines a boutique hotel, but you know one when you see it. It’s a medium-sized hotel, typically with between 10 and 100 bedrooms, but it’s neither an oversized small hotel nor a wannabe major hotel. Boutique hotels have a style all their own.

The sense of identity is key for boutique hotels. Whether a converted manor house or a chic designer building, each defines itself, and its particular character reflects that of its location.

Boutique hotels originated in the 1980s to describe stylish, medium-sized hotels in cities like London and New York, and the city-centre remains an important location. The UK has boutique hotels in cities like London, Manchester and Edinburgh, while they can be found in most major cities round the world.

But boutique hotels aren’t just an urban phenomenon. They can be found in almost every environment where hotels flourish, from the heart of the English countryside to the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean. There are even boutique resorts in prime holiday locations, whether you want to explore the Indian hills or sun yourself by the Mediterranean.

If all you want is to stop off on a journey, or stay overnight to catch an early-morning flight, there are plenty of anonymous but reliable brands. Or, if you don’t mind getting nothing but the basics, a boarding-house might provide a personal touch.

What boutique hotels offer is both character and individuality without sacrificing the range of facilities. Most have a wide range of rooms and suites, often sumptuously designed, and the extras you’d expect from a major hotel, from free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV to high-quality restaurants. Many also offer spas that a major hotel would be proud of.

In the end, boutique hotels tend to be perfect for visitors who value being a little different, and who want a hotel that belongs to its location, rather than being imposed on it — boutique hotels and resorts, for instance, are popular with eco-tourists, as well as visitors to major cities who want their hotel to be as memorable as the city itself.

If this describes you, why not discover how much more personal a boutique hotel can make your stay?