What is a Boutique Hotel?
So what exactly makes a boutique hotel different from a regular hotel? The term boutique hotel has been used more and more over the last decade to describe hotels that offer an intimate and memorable experience for the guest.
At Utell Hotels & Resorts, we are aware that each boutique hotel offers something different, but we have broadly identified three main characteristics that we use to determine what we understand by the term boutique hotels:
Size: Boutique hotels are often much smaller than the hotels belonging to a larger chain or branded hotel. Most boutique hotels have anywhere from twenty to eighty rooms.
Service: With fewer rooms, boutique hotels often focus on providing a more intimate experience meaning that the staff can concentrate on providing exceptional levels of service tailored to meet the individual needs of their guests.
Individuality: Many boutique hotels have a theme, which is relevant to the region that the hotel resides in. In addition, the bedrooms in most boutique hotels are unique, with a different look and feel to every room.
Two boutique hotels have been selected from the Utell Boutique Hotels & Resorts Collection , to demonstrate the differences in style and individuality on offer:
The Art Hotel demonstrates how boutique hotels can be extremely different from mainstream hotels. The Art Hotel was created by Martin Kotik, who was inspired by Jan and Pavoslav Kotik, two of Prague’s most famous artists. The hotel is filled with art, making it both a hotel and art gallery in one. The paintings of Jan and Pravoslav fill the hotel.
The hotel has twenty-two double rooms and two very distinct attic suites. Each of these rooms is different, but each was designed with the same modern feel of the artists. The bathrooms are all very different, with strangely shaped tubs and sinks.
The Marina All Suite hotel in Rio de Janeiro was created by architects who really looked to focus on style and the finer details that important for the traveler who wants a unique experience in a homely environment. The hotel has a variety of suites, but the most impressive are the eight design suites, all named after jewels.
The Rubi suite for example has a lot of open space, giving a relaxing, cool feel to the room. Red is used in the room, along with green, to give an energetic feel. It has a direct view of the ocean and has a first-class kitchen, dining and living room. Guests can sink into the king sized bed with the knowledge that the attentive staff will be at their beck and call.
Marina All Suites is located directly on the beach, but is tucked away from the regular, over-populated “hot-spots” of Rio de Janeiro.
The Bar d’Hotel has the acclaim of being the first contemporary bistro in Rio de Janeiro. The restaurant offers fine French food with class and style. It has become one of the popular spots for the celebrities to dine at when they are visiting the city, due to the excellent food and wonderful service.