Boutique hotels began to appear in the UK and the USA in the early 1980s. Small (between six and fifty rooms) and independent, they were an alternative to big chains in cities like London, New York, and San Francisco. More recently, some chains have capitalized on the success of this model by operating smaller properties they market as boutique hotels.
In a large chain hotel, staff are unlikely to remember your name, where you're from, or why you're there. By contrast, boutique hotels have both fewer rooms and a higher staff-to-guest ratio, so they offer highly personalized service. Since many boutique hotels are exceptionally luxurious, they appeal to travelers seeking a different experience, whether they crave luxury, a bit of eccentricity, or both.
The owners are usually your hosts in boutique hotels. Their goal is to be attentive to your needs and yet respectful of your privacy. They want you to feel at home, but exceptionally pampered. It is not always easy to achieve this in a hotel, and success depends on good design and use of space as well as the highest standards of service.
The public spaces of any hotel are an important feature of their character, and they greatly affect the degree to which guests can be made to feel at home. In boutique hotels, where space for public areas is limited, it is easier to create cozy atmosphere. Nevertheless, small public areas call for heightened creativity in the use of the space available.
Boutique hotels offer an informal, relaxed atmosphere. The public spaces of a boutique hotel should lend themselves that communal feel, yet they should also accommodate guests who want to take time alone to read or relax. Comfortable furniture will be important in both cases, but the lighting should meet these different needs.
In a big hotel, your room has the basic elements (bed, closet, bedside tables, en suite bath), but it's just like hundreds of others in the chain. Boutique hotels can approach each room as an individual space, just we all do in our homes. The details will vary from room to room, but it is the attention to detail that is important. Whether it's period furnishings, fine linens and draperies, or an ultramodern look with a flat screen TV and internet access, your room will be as unique as a room in your own home. - 29977
In a large chain hotel, staff are unlikely to remember your name, where you're from, or why you're there. By contrast, boutique hotels have both fewer rooms and a higher staff-to-guest ratio, so they offer highly personalized service. Since many boutique hotels are exceptionally luxurious, they appeal to travelers seeking a different experience, whether they crave luxury, a bit of eccentricity, or both.
The owners are usually your hosts in boutique hotels. Their goal is to be attentive to your needs and yet respectful of your privacy. They want you to feel at home, but exceptionally pampered. It is not always easy to achieve this in a hotel, and success depends on good design and use of space as well as the highest standards of service.
The public spaces of any hotel are an important feature of their character, and they greatly affect the degree to which guests can be made to feel at home. In boutique hotels, where space for public areas is limited, it is easier to create cozy atmosphere. Nevertheless, small public areas call for heightened creativity in the use of the space available.
Boutique hotels offer an informal, relaxed atmosphere. The public spaces of a boutique hotel should lend themselves that communal feel, yet they should also accommodate guests who want to take time alone to read or relax. Comfortable furniture will be important in both cases, but the lighting should meet these different needs.
In a big hotel, your room has the basic elements (bed, closet, bedside tables, en suite bath), but it's just like hundreds of others in the chain. Boutique hotels can approach each room as an individual space, just we all do in our homes. The details will vary from room to room, but it is the attention to detail that is important. Whether it's period furnishings, fine linens and draperies, or an ultramodern look with a flat screen TV and internet access, your room will be as unique as a room in your own home. - 29977
About the Author:
Chris Linch is an avid traveler and author. Chris spends most of his time providing sound advice and information to travelers. Chris has traveled all over the world and writes not only about his experiences, but how to save on travel. Chris also runs a money saving website where you can find Cheap Hotel Rates among other travel deals.
