Boutique hotels are springing up all over the place; however, many people have not heard of the term before. To be fair, the word “boutique” is a rather broad term with no set parameters. According to Google, a boutique hotel is one which only houses between 10 and 100 rooms. Certainly not a bad thing for smaller and intimate hotels right?
Boutique hotels are a great way to stay in an interesting, intimate space while getting a different experience than you would at a chain hotel.
However, when you take a different road than the mainstream options, there are pitfalls you may experience. It’s important to know what they are so they can be avoided well within the time. So, if you are thinking of booking a boutique hotel, here are a few things to consider.
Book Directly to Get the Best Rate and Cancel Without Penalty
As a general rule, an easy way to get the best rate is to book directly with the hotel. That way you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and can cancel without penalty.
You may also be able to find deals that aren’t available through third-party websites.
Booking directly with boutique hotels can help you stay within your budget because there are no hidden fees from middlemen and booking sites.
Location
Location is an important consideration for any hotel, but it’s particularly important for boutique hotels. For business travellers and tourists alike, location can make or break a trip.
If you’re travelling to see family or friends and have time off from work or school, finding the perfect locales will likely help your stay feel more relaxed and fun. And if you are staying at the beach resort of your dreams, being close to everything can save you time in between boardwalk excursions!
Facilities and Hotel Amenities
It’s important to consider the hotel amenities and facilities before booking a boutique hotel. Many boutique hotels with restaurants offer luxury, but what exactly does that mean? A luxurious experience could be defined by several factors, including an on-site spa, fitness centre and pool; an inviting restaurant or bar serving local cuisine; complimentary wifi; free parking; and all of the usual amenities like laundry service or room service.
Some hotels may even offer added extras such as free breakfast in the morning. Your goal is to find a place that offers everything you need for a comfortable stay at an affordable price!
Reputation
The best way to find a reputable boutique hotel is by word of mouth. Ask for recommendations from friends and family who have stayed at boutique hotels before, and see if they have any tips for you. If you don’t know anyone who has stayed in a boutique hotel, keep an eye out for reviews on social media—if there are many positive reviews, it’s likely that the hotel has good customer service and quality rooms. You can also visit their website and look through their galleries or read the “about us” section to see if they sound like they care about providing great customer service.
Look into what other people say about the area where your boutique hotel is located as well; often times travellers choose certain buildings because they want to stay near certain landmarks or neighbourhoods that are known for being safe or fun areas with great restaurants.
Conclusion
Boutique hotels are perfect if you want something different from the norm. While you should still expect a certain level of service, these hotels are often a better value than four-star or five-star hotels. They tend to offer more amenities and services than traditional hotels, plus they can be more affordable and intimate. But keep in mind that there are no set standards, so it’s important to do your research before booking. Have fun booking!