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A Guide to Boutique Hotels

Decades ago, lodging experiences fell into a few distinct categories. There were big-name hotels where you could splurge on pricey suites with room service and high-end amenities. As an alternative, mid-range hotels offered features such as pools, on-site restaurants and tennis courts. Motels rounded out the categories. In the 1980s, however, the playing field changed with the emergence of boutique hotels. This new category quickly gained popularity amongst an audience eager to become immersed within local cultures through more personalized, sophisticated lodging experiences.

What exactly are boutique hotels like today? What are the benefits of booking your next trip at one of these properties? Read this guide to learn more.

The Boutique Hotel Appeal

Boutique hotels are quaint, sophisticated and intimate luxury hotels. Perhaps the biggest draw to travelers is that boutique hotels are high-end oases with no more than 100 rooms. Each hotel has its own local touch, interior design style and historical significance. The boutique experience thrives off the heart of the surrounding area and the personality of unique amenities and interior design.

The allure of these properties lie in their intricate features that can include:

• Private tours of local hidden gems
• Celebrity-chef dining options
• Pet-friendly rooms
• Attractive common areas (gardens, libraries, fitness centers)
• Highly trained concierge staff
• Complimentary gourmet breakfasts
• Free bicycle rentals

Boutique Hotels to Book

The beauty in boutique hotels is that no two are remotely the same. While most common in bustling urban areas, these hotels can be high-end extensions of big-name hotel brands, bed and breakfasts, independent hotels and everything in between. The only commonalities are that they’re small, sophisticated, modern and welcoming.

Here’s an in-depth look at some exceptional boutique hotels:

• The Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel
• The Curio Collection is the Hilton Hotel chain’s venture into the boutique hotel industry. Each of its 100 four- or five-star properties boast its own vibe with immersive experiences.
• The Hotel Saski Krakow in Poland, situated in the city’s square, is one of the collection’s newest welcomes. The former 19th-century hotel and concert hall has been redesigned as a boutique hotel in the heart of Krakow. It offers a bed-and-breakfast feel within walking distance of museums.
• Showcasing the collection’s range, the Highland Dallas delivers a very different vibe. This stylish urban stay has been modernized with a spa featuring acupuncture and yoga, a sophisticated bar and steakhouse, heated pool and conference spaces.

• Kimpton Hotels
• The 75 global Kimpton Hotels prove that location matters in the boutique category. Its line-up includes hotels along the white sand beaches of Mexico, near the nightlife in Atlanta and surrounded by the contemporary architecture of Bangkok. Each Kimpton boutique brings its own surprises and styles.
• The Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara is a haven in the heart of the American Riviera, crowned with a rooftop pool and unbeatable views. There, you can savor a glass of local wine upon arrival, then step onto charming State Street for an easy one-mile stroll to the beach.
• Off the tourist path in the Midtown Aertson mixed-use project in Nashville, Kimpton Aertson Hotel is swaying to an uncommon tune. The industrial-chic design celebrates innovation at every turn. Relax by the double-sided ceramic fireplace, or at the seasonal rooftop pool as you toast the Nashville night with a handcrafted whiskey cocktail.

• Thompson Hotels
• With 19 urban destinations guided by resorts deeply rooted in the local scene, the Thompson Hotels offer the best of culture, imparting an authentic experience at each destination. Restaurants and bars are also integral to Thompson, with culinary ventures such as chef Ludo Lefebvre’s Chez Maggy in the Thompson Denver and Le Gratin, the Lyonnais-style bistro that Daniel Boulud brought to the Beekman Hotel in New York.
• One of their few European locations, the Thompson Madrid is a great starting point to explore and experience the new Golden Mile, the vibrant city center where you can discover the real Madrid. Located along the renowned Montera, a street that represents its Spanish heritage with a modern touch, you can walk to iconic locations such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the bustling Gran Via, as well as the city's hidden gems.
• A treasure of downtown New York’s Lower Manhattan since 1761, The Beekman allows you to experience a new side of Old New York glamor. There you can dine on culinary creations by acclaimed chefs Tom Colicchio and Daniel Boulud, mingle on the main floor of the impressive nine-story atrium, or admire curated artwork and singular aesthetics throughout, brought to life by award-winning designer Martin Brudnizki.

Book Your Boutique Hotel Through Hotel Engine

The only question left to answer is which boutique hotel speaks to you? Is it an urban-themed hotel in downtown Manhattan? A beachside villa on the shores of Italy? A mid-western cabin in Minnesota? No matter which you book, one thing’s for sure: A stay at a boutique hotel brings a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

With Hotel Engine, you can get the best boutique hotel suites at reduced rates. Morgan Stanley Reserved Living & Giving members can book a room at more than 750,000 hotels (including boutiques) while saving up to 60% on lodging.