Travelogger

Sep|24|2007

Places To Stay: Boutique Hotels

Posted by Camica as Around The World, Destinations, Hotels

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If you’re a traveler looking for a place to stay, there are other options aside from your regular hotel. Depending on the location, there might be a resort, a bed and breakfast, or a hostel at your destination. The terms can be quite confusing, however, as well as the service each can offer. To help you decide which type of lodging might be right for you, I decided to write about the various lodgings available.

First off, let me tell you about the boutique hotel. Boutique hotel is a term used to describe smaller, more intimate hotels not part of a chain or branded hotels. They began in the 1980s in major cities like New York, London, and San Francisco. The Morgans Hotel in Murray Hilll in New York, and the Hotel Vintage Court in San Francisco is said to be the first boutique hotels in the world. Boutique hotels are usually smaller than your average, mainstream hotel, with room counts of usually a hundred or less.

Boutique hotels pride themselves in being highly individual and unique. Guest rooms are usually furnished in a themed manner. They provide a more personalized level of services and facilities. Guest services are often attended to by 24 hour hotel staff. Most boutique hotels have standard amenities and facilities such as air-conditioning, wi-fi internet, cable and mini-bars. This is not standard, though, since there are some hotels geared for those who want to focus on quiet and comfort, and eschew technology in the rooms. In general, though, most boutique hotels have its own toilet and bath in the room.

Guests who wish to stay in a boutique hotel should be aware that smaller doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper, since some boutique hotels may actually cost more than a regular hotel. They may also not have amenities such as a pool or gym like some larger hotels have. If you’re looking for a hotel that fits your personality, however, a boutique hotel may be a good alternative option for you.

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