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When you’ve traveled to a few places, you can find yourself guilty of visiting the same kinds of accommodation time and time again. Who can blame you? You liked something and decided to stick with it. However, this can result in rather repetitive experiences. Especially if you opt for the same chain of hotels. And really, do you want your life to be the same all the time?
Travel should bring new experiences and change is part and parcel of that! So why not try out something a little different on your next trip. I always mix it up. I’ll stay in hotel chains, boutique hotels, glamping sites, private rooms in hostels, AirBnBs, all-inclusive resorts and pretty much anything different that still manages to be comfortable! But I’m here today to introduce you to boutique hotels and why you should take a look at them when you’re planning your next trip.
What is a Boutique Hotel?
Boutique hotels are an a fun, classy alternative to your average hotel chain (no offence to chains, I’m a big fan of some of them). First things first, boutique hotels are usually small. For a space to be considered a boutique hotel, it should have fewer than a hundred rooms. This may sound like a fair amount, but compared to larger establishments with hundreds, or perhaps over a thousand rooms, it makes a big difference.
Now, don’t let the petite size of a boutique hotel fool you. It will be by no means dull. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. They tend to have a more intimate feel with bolder and more unique decoration.
Unlike chains, they don’t tend to have to stick to a theme with their interior design. This often results in quirky, alternative color schemes, furniture, and facilities. Think funky themed rooms that you won’t forget and unusual hotel facilities or activities! The term “boutique hotel” was only coined in the 80s so it’s a relatively new concept but has become extremely popular since then.
The Best Cities For Boutique Hotels
London, United Kingdom
London has plenty of boutique hotels on offer, so finding the right boutique hotel in London can prove quite the task due to the sheer amount of choice available. What you want to ask yourself is what do you plan to do while you’re in the big smoke? If you’re planning on watching some of the finest theatre and musicals in the country, you should opt for something near the West End.
If your aim is to check out alternative bars and test out their craft beers and ale, search out a place near Shoreditch or Dalston. If you intend to take a tourist route around the sights of Central London, choose somewhere close to tube stations and other public transport links, such as Eccleston Square Hotel. Foodies might want to stay near Borough Market in the London Bridge area of the city. London is a lively, vibrant city so why not stay in a boutique hotel which is just as unique as this sprawling capital city?!
Paris, France
It’s not surprising that Paris, the city of love, has plenty of intimate little boutique hotels to offer. Take time to visit the Montmartre’s Moulin Rouge in the capital’s 18th arrondissement if you’re a fan of the movie, of course. I also HIGHLY recommend the 13th arrondissement for street art and stunning architecture. Oh and the Musée des Arts Forains, it’s a spooky old-world, carnival museum – I loved it!
Hotel R. Kipling by Happy Culture is an adorable boutique hotel packed with character and friendly reception staff. If you’re looking for somewhere with a touch of luxury, take a look at Le Roch Hotel and Spa. Cosy living spaces with rugs, soft sofas, and an array of books will have you feeling like you’re at (a fancier version of) home.
AND PRETTY MUCH ANY MAJOR CITY IN THE WORLD!
So, next time you fancy a city break, why not book a room in a boutique hotel? You can explore the big city during the day, seeing the sights and taking in all sorts of wonderful cultural experiences. Then you can return to a cozy, quirky, plush room in the evenings to recuperate for all of the next day’s adventures. It’s worth trying anything once, right?!
Have you stayed in a boutique hotel before?
What’s your favourite?
Recommended Reading
– The Perfect Girly Weekend in London
– Street Art and Architecture in Paris
– Brick Lane Street Art in London
– K-West Boutique Hotel and Spa, London
Your post makes me want to go back to London. These are nice pictures.
I have a lot of friends who prefer boutique hotels than chains. They recommend it because as of their experiences, boutique hotels are cheaper than chains. I’m excited to try it out the next time I travel. Anyways, great post! Cheers!
I love boutique hotels. They are so much better than chains! For my next visit to Paris, I’ll book a boutique hotel.
Great Info. I was not a big fan of boutique hotels. But after reading your blog it feels why not give it a try to some of them. Will be in London soon and have noted down some hotels from your other post. Helped thanks, Tara.
Thank you so much for sharing this great article. Now i understand about the differences between Boutique and chain hotels
Love You.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post this! appreciate you so much! i love what you’ve written about boutique hotels
Hi Tara,
Amazing skills that you have to explain anything. This is my love for boutique hotels that I got my job in Xva Gallery Art Hotel & Cafe, Dubai. Nothing more here in UAE that is more boutique than this hotel. This place puts together three of the best things about travel: a comfortable stay, unique art, and delicious food. Thanks for sharing your list and I wish I could visit Paris at least once in my life.