What is a boutique hotel?

bou·tique ho·tel
noun
a small stylish hotel, usually situated in a fashionable major urban location.

In a nutshell, the definition is correct, but for most boutique hotels, there is so much more to them. When travelling abroad for pleasure, I prefer boutique hotels over the mainstream chain hotels because I cannot pass up the charm only a boutique hotel has.
Boutique hotels started popping up in major cities around the early 1980s. It seems the term ‘Boutique Hotel’ is attributed to Steve Rubell. Rubell was the owner of the famous disco Studio 54 in New York. He compared his hotel (Morgans Hotel) to a boutique, and the rest is history.
Boutique hotels tend to be themed, trendy and very stylish. They are typically small (usually 10-100 rooms).

They have character

The best way I can describe a boutique hotel is a cross between a major hotel brand and a typical bed & breakfast. Unlike major hotel chains, the boutique hotel offers another flavor that tends to be more trendy and fun. Because they usually have a lower number of guests, they can offer a better guest experience, and for the most part, they will go above and beyond to offer the best hotel stay for their guest. Attention to Décor is paramount to a boutique hotel. The design tends to be contemporary in most boutique hotels, but isn’t a requirement. Their goal is to set themselves apart from everyone else. To offer the customer something they can’t get anywhere else.

They tend to be themed

Not all, but most boutique hotels I’ve stayed in have been themed. For instance the budget boutique hotel Levi 25 Hour hotel in Frankfurt, Germany is themed around, you guessed it, Levi Jeans. The walls are covered in real denim, and on an off-note, they have the best eggs I have ever tasted. Another example, my personal favorite, the Buddha Bar Hotel in Paris, France. It is themed in an Asian style closely resembling upscale Chinese styling. However, if you plan on staying in the Buddha Bar, be prepared to fork over a hefty chunk of change.

Dining

The food is usually locally sourced, high quality and fresh. It might also mimic the theme the hotel is trying to accomplish. I have never had a bad meal at a boutique hotel. I’m certain there is a hotel that offers a bad dining experience, I’ve just never experienced it.

Every boutique hotel is different and they cater to all types from rustic to the super luxurious. It’s a very unique experience, and I encourage you to find one on your next trip. Just be sure to hop on over to TripAdvisor for some recon & guest reviews before making your ultimate decision.