Everything you always wanted to know about Boutique Hotels

The accommodation industry is one of the oldest companies in this world. It has existed since people traveled from one place to another for trade and other purposes. What began as the need for the hour (rest and shelter during long journeys) soon became an industry that offered comfort, convenience and even luxury to their boarders. For example, the Greeks built thermal baths that allowed their guests to rest and recover. Romans built palatial mansions for travelers, while Caravanserais sheltered Turkey along the famous silk route from Turkey to China, not only for men but also for their animals.

In the 21st century, hotels have grown into a thriving business that has become an inseparable part of the travel industry. The styles range from flamboyant features to youthful youth hostels and all-inclusive honeymoon resorts to quaint rural restaurants.

However, when competition grew and hotels started to offer standard services throughout the chain, there was a need for something innovative in the world. market. People, tired of impersonal services, began to move to smaller hotels that offered personal attention and unique experiences.

And so the darling of the hospitality – boutique hotels was born. Today they are the most sought-after accommodation for vacationers and the ultimate name in exclusivity. More and more people choose to stay in boutique hotels, because they almost always guarantee a good time and get great value for money

Given the popularity they enjoy, it is worth taking a look at the fascinating history of boutique hotels and follow their evolution over time.

History of Boutique Hotels

The earliest boutique hotels appeared in the early 1980s, the first two were The Blakes Hotel in South Kensington, London, and the Bedford in Union Square, San Francisco. The term "boutique hotel" & # 39; however, appeared much later in 1984, coined by Steve Rubell. He compared his own establishment, Morgans Hotel, with a small boutique that clearly wanted to emphasize its exclusivity and set it apart from other hotels that surfaced everywhere, just like the monolithic department stores.

This is not to say that boutique hotels are a modern invention. There are numerous documented examples of similar accommodation experiences that date back to the 13th century when stopping places were set up for travelers in Mongolia and China.

Here are some more examples of unique boutique hotels that were popular at that time:

  • In 1705 César Ritz opened a boutique hotel on the Place Vendôme, with which he received much praise from King Edward VII who called him "king of hoteliers and hotelier kings" .
  • In 1822, Venetian artist Giuseppe Rubino transformed an old palace into a beautiful hotel and called it "il Rubino".
  • In 1880, the Sagamore Hotel on Lake George (in New York State) became the first to provide electricity in each of its rooms, not creating a small commotion among visitors at the time.
  • In 1900 Edouard Niiermans, known as the "architect of palaces", transformed the summer residence of Emperor Napoléon III – Villa "Eugenie – into a beautiful and niche hotel."
  • In 1919, Barcelona has a stylish hotel that was equipped with hot and cold water in the bathrooms.

As you can see, there have been countless times through the history of the accommodation industry, when hoteliers have used creativity and offered excellent services to stay ahead or the competition and offer something special to their visitors.

Boutique Hotel of the 21st century – Characteristics that compose it

Today the term "boutique hotel" is used for small establishments can be described as approximately 150 rooms, they are private or part of a small group of hotels and are best known for iconic, memorable and sometimes eccentric design themes. etiquette hotels became a trend after hotelier Ian Schrager and French designer Philippe Starck used unique designs to build their hotels. And now it has become a flourishing industry in itself, complete with unique qualities and qualities.

Here you can view some of the more important ones.

Size Does Matter

Boutique hotels are generally considered small, but they are not in the same category as bed and breakfast hotels or host families with less than 10 rooms. Boutique hotels can have up to 150 rooms, making it seem smaller if you compare it with most hotel chains.

However, it is this intimate scale that contributes to creating a homely atmosphere with peace and privacy. These cozy buildings often have a common "living space" where the guests can sit and communicate with each other.

Personality speaks volumes

Because boutique hotels are independently owned and not connected to a large chain, they are a brand in itself. They have a distinctive feeling for them that distinguishes them from the others. It is their unique personality and the absence of solutions for cookie slicers that guests find refreshing, attracting more and more people to boutique hotels.

Design by Desire

Boutique hotels are known for their intriguing interiors, often made by leading designers and architects. In general, these niche hotels tend to look more upscale, combining historic elegance with chic details. The decor exudes a progressive style and the overall design can vary from contemporary and picturesque to homely and artistic. Each room is individually decorated, complete with exclusive amenities and luxurious linen.

It's all in the charm

You know how to get into a big hotel, but nothing really spectacular or interesting jumps out with you? Boutique hotels have none of that and the first thing that attracts your attention is their eccentric personality. They are funky, trendy and unusual. For example, the Hotel Monaco in Washington DC brings a goldfish in a bowl to your room, if you do not have a pet yourself.

Nice location

Although not & # 39; They are not hard rules where a boutique hotel should be, it is no coincidence that the best of them have a great location for them. When designing boutique hotels, most hoteliers choose the hippest and liveliest places to deploy. You may even find them in high-end neighborhoods, away from the crowds and yet close to the attractions and highlights of the city. Yet another popular choice for boutique hotels would be in areas that are far from the city, in the lap of nature and surrounded by lush greenery.

Superb Service

One of the most distinctive features of boutique hotels is the very personal and exclusive services they offer to their guests. The staff is polite and friendly and will probably know your name from day one. The hotel offers tailor-made luxury amenities such as an extensive pillow menu, customized toiletries and a range of relaxing spa services. A luxurious menu with dishes and drinks is also a characteristic part of a boutique hotel. All these services combined create a unique experience for the guests.

Delectable Dining Options

Another feature that distinguishes boutique hotels from other hotels is their considerable focus on creating extraordinary restaurants and bars that are fashionable and trendy. These hotels have an excellent reputation for themselves, which is independent of conventional star ratings. Thanks to their appeal, they can attract crowds not only locally but also globally.

As you can see, there are a number of reasons why boutique hotels are rapidly gaining popularity among travelers who require more than just comfort and convenience of their accommodation options. They want to be surprised, they want to experience something new, something completely different from what the everyday hotels offer. In fact, nowadays, if you do not stay in a boutique hotel, you will be considered as a parent.

I do not want to suggest that hotels are boring or uninspiring. There are excellent hotels all over the world that offer their guests impeccable service. However, boutique hotels break the traditional form and refuse to be swaddled in by regular standards. By offering visitors style, distinction, intimacy and warmth, they leave guests with an experience that they can cherish forever. And is not that what hotels wanted to do in the first place?

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