Boutique Hotels

Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind boutique holiday

Boutique hotels are usually small independent properties with a local flair. Typically, boutique hotels have fewer than 100 rooms. Some are significantly smaller. They often have custom design elements, higher-end amenities and a small but attentive staff.

Not all boutique hotels are independent entities. Some are owned and managed by larger companies. Large or small, boutique hotels set themselves apart with their unique style, intimate settings and gracious service.

Highest rated Boutique Hotels around the World

The Whitehall Hotel, BW Premier Collection
3.5 out of 5
105 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
Stay at this 3.5-star boutique hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (3,394 reviews)
"Amazing staff. Will stay here again"

Reviewed on Oct. 29, 2024

The Whitehall Hotel, BW Premier Collection
Vasanta powered by Sonder
3 out of 5
Carrer de Casp, 31, Barcelona
Stay at this 3-star boutique aparthotel in Barcelona. Enjoy daily housekeeping, air conditioning, and coworking space. Popular attractions Plaça de Catalunya and Barcelona Cathedral are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,054 reviews)
"I enjoyed the stay"

Reviewed on Oct. 9, 2024

Vasanta powered by Sonder
Naumi Hotel
4.5 out of 5
41 Seah Street, Singapore
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Marina Bay Sands Casino and Gardens by the Bay are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Boutique and friendly
"Small and charismatic with a rooftop pool bar to die for."

Reviewed on Oct. 22, 2024

Naumi Hotel
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The Sofia Hotel
3.5 out of 5
150 W Broadway, San Diego, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Petco Park and San Diego Zoo are located nearby.
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,367 reviews)
"Parking was around $18/night. Very cute and clean. Rooms are tiny but have everything you need. Excellent location."

Reviewed on Oct. 22, 2024

The Sofia Hotel
Hotel Rialto
3.5 out of 5
653 Pandora Ave., Victoria, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
Stay at this 3.5-star boutique hotel in Victoria. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal and Victoria Harbour are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (1,855 reviews)
"Hotel Rialoto is our go-to place whenever we visit Victoria. The property is conveniently located next to Chinatown and within walking distance to many shops and restaurants on Government and Douglas streets. The staff and services were top-notch. We would definitely return and highly recommend anyone ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Hotel Rialto
DO Placa Reial powered by Sonder
5 out of 5
Plaça Reial 1, Barcelona
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy an outdoor pool, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions La Rambla and Barcelona Cathedral are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (947 reviews)
Perfect hospitality
"A lovely boutique hotel in a great location. Very friendly, helpful staff. The rooms were very comfortable and quiet with all the amenities that you required. To be able to look out of one’s bedroom window onto the Placa Reial was a pleasure. Great breakfast too. Would go back to this hotel for any ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

DO Placa Reial powered by Sonder
Hotel Max
3.5 out of 5
620 Stewart, Seattle, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
Book a stay at this boutique hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Pike Place Market and Seattle Waterfront are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (1,410 reviews)
"The atmosphere is unique with interesting design and aesthetics really related to the music/artistic theme. It's clean, not super clean but acceptable. The area is fairly convenient but also expect the usual city centre evening atmosphere."

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Hotel Max
International House Hotel
4 out of 5
221 Camp St, New Orleans, LA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
Book a stay at this historic hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, a nightclub, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Canal Street and Caesars New Orleans Casino are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (981 reviews)
"Great property and really enjoyed my stay. Walking distance to some great locations in NOLA"

Reviewed on Oct. 26, 2024

International House Hotel
Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile
4 out of 5
111 W Huron St, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Chicago. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour health club, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk are located nearby.
7.8/10 Good! (1,206 reviews)
"Coffee and fruit in the Lobby, very much appreciated."

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile
The Scarlet Hotel
4 out of 5
33 Erskine Road, Singapore
Fully refundable
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions Marina Bay Sands Casino and Gardens by the Bay are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (985 reviews)
"The staff was helpful and friendly. We would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone."

Reviewed on Oct. 26, 2024

The Scarlet Hotel
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What is the definition of a boutique hotel?

Boutique hotels pride themselves on being unique. They are typically small properties that are independently run or part of a small chain, with a strong personality and attention to detail, creating a more immersive and memorable experience for guests than the average hotel.

Size: Boutique hotels usually have less than 100 rooms. Sometimes as few as 10. Due to the small size, guests tend to get more attentive service and flexibility with special requests.

Guestrooms: Often fitted with luxury bedding, upscale bathrooms, premium toiletries and added unique touches. It's common to find each room in a boutique hotel looks different.

Ambience: You'll find distinctive decor and luxury artwork in every space from the lobby, to restaurants to guestrooms, often influenced by the local community or made by local artisans. There's likely to be several welcoming communal spaces.

Food: Some boutique hotels have a gourmet restaurant or cafe. In-room amenities may include a good coffee machine and interesting minibar selection.

Local community: Many boutique hotels support local businesses and involve the local community. Some boutique hotels are heritage hotels that preserve a cultural significance.

What is the difference between a boutique hotel and a regular hotel?

The main differences come from size, design and individuality.

Additionally, boutique hotels tend to incorporate Intricate designs, standout art pieces, involvement with the local community, and more inviting communal spaces free of crowds. All of these together with more flexible and attentive service, creates a more memorable experience for guests than a regular hotel affords.

Size and Identity: Boutique hotels are smaller, often with less than a hundred guestrooms. Most are independently owned, which gives them the freedom to express a strong unique character -- often chic and luxurious, sometimes quirky or historic. The unique decor and attention to upscale details features centrally in boutique hotels, whereas regular hotels might be more focused on function to cater to more guests.

Design and Individuality: Every space in a boutique hotel is often designed to be not only beautiful, but interesting and engaging for guests. No generic hotel art in sight. Where large chain hotels tend to have similar decor across their properties, boutique hotels are more likely to go for one-of-a-kind effect. They may even incorporate local influences or craftsmanship. It's also common for each guestroom to look completely different than the next.

Experience: The smaller size and independence of a boutique hotel allows staff to offer a more personal experience to guests compared to most other hotels. Larger hotels have to cater widely to many guests spread across a bigger property; hotel chains need to be consistent, sensible and similar across all properties in the brand; other small hotels aren't necessarily concerned with all the frills and luxury facilities. In contrast, at boutique hotels are able to focus on a small number of guests and offer fresh 4-star and 5-star amenities.

Is a boutique hotel the same as a luxury hotel?

No. Some boutique hotels are classed as luxury hotels, while others are not.

A boutique hotel must be small, whereas luxury hotels can be of any size. They are usually much larger, with hundreds of rooms. Boutique hotels are often independently-run or part of small boutique chain. Majority of luxury hotels are part of large international hotel chains. There are many luxury hotels that are not boutiques.

Not all boutique hotels are luxury hotels, but many are. A luxury boutique hotel will likely be fitted with luxury amenities like premium bedding, artisan toiletries and in-room conveniences, upscale decor and expensive furniture. It may also have a gourmet restaurant on-site.

Are boutique hotels expensive?

Not necessarily. The price of boutique hotels varies. Some boutique hotels are expensive to stay in, but others are not.

Most boutique hotels are independent and have upscale amenities. They are also committed to high-quality, attentive guest services. Together, this creates a luxury experience. Therefore it's not uncommon to find boutique hotels classed as luxury hotels with higher rates.

However, there are often affordable boutique hotels too. Especially when they are located outside the tourist hotspots and away from the hotel chains, you might find beautiful boutique hotels that are cheaper. Hotel chains also mean a consistent level of service and guests pay for that brand experience. Boutique hotels are independent and may in fact be cheaper. So it really depends on the hotel and the destination.