What exactly is a boutique hotel?

In recent years, boutique hotels have become the most beloved guest accommodation around the world. But the ironic fact here is that no one knows exactly what the actual meaning of the term ’boutique’ is or why this term is used in relation to hotels and what are the benefits of staying in these types of hotels.

But what is very clear among hoteliers is that they know exactly what qualities or what characteristics will make their hotel a boutique hotel. The first quality is none other than the size of the hotel. It is often questioned how many rooms there should be in a boutique hotel. According to connoisseurs of this business, a hotel with no more than 100 rooms can be called a boutique hotel pompously.

The second quality or characteristic is the atmosphere of that hotel. It is strongly believed that atmosphere is a very important factor for any boutique hotel. Here, the definition of ambience is the sum of all the ethereal facilities and services that make a stay exceptional. When used in the context of boutique hotels, the term atmosphere encompasses the décor, the ambience, the personalized service, the mindset of the hotel staff, and most importantly, the knowledge of how all these elements can be combined and create a feeling of closeness among the guests that add more to the popularity of any hotel. According to “Boutique Hotels International”, an atmosphere full of privacy is an essential factor for boutique hotels without which a hotel cannot be called a boutique hotel. The problem arises when you are going to create this atmosphere without knowing each other. In the hospitality industry, privacy is defined as professional attention, professional warmth, and personalized professional services. Please note that the word professional is included throughout which means that everything is handled very professionally. The term familiarity here means calling guests by their first names instead of sir or madam, hugs, big handshakes, and so on.

Another factor that every boutique hotel must have is great service. Let me explain the meaning of “great service”. Boutique hotel staff should anticipate or know in advance the needs and requirements of their guests rather than just respond when requested. Knowing what your guests want, when they want, how they want and presenting it that way right ahead of time is what drives the gap between good service and great service. That is why it is said that a boutique must have great service.

Another very important factor for a boutique hotel to be called a boutique hotel is its unique theme. A unique theme has become a very important factor and with time it is gaining more and more importance. This fact can be supported by the example that we can see different themes in every boutique hotel from New York to Washington. Original artwork in the lobbies, designer fixtures in the bathrooms, complimentary wine and champagne, guest favorite CD collection, these are all very important factors in making a hotel a boutique hotel.

With all these factors included, the definition of a boutique hotel could be, it is an accommodation that makes its guests feel happy and content during their stay there, makes them feel extraordinary, makes them realize that they should come back soon, and makes them Recognize that this hotel is worth discussing with others.