Boutique hostels are not a temporary trend or a here-today-gone-tomorrow trend. They’re a growing arena of the hospitality market.
When the 1st “boutique” hotel opened in the Big Apple in 1984, it caused a stir. Losing custom, its full purpose was to turn a paid-for bedroom into a completely new travel experience. People who have followed the basic theme of design-led individuality have experienced superb success and that in turn has generated a new generation of these classy hostels. What are the necessary traits of this kind of hotel which will guarantee its place in the industry? Housed in a good range of buildings, plenty of which were not meant as hostels or perhaps houses originally, they use design and architecture to make totally individual structures and spaces that catch the attention and excite the senses. Whatever theme or style has been selected, you may never stay in a boutique hotel that is precisely the same as the last one you stayed in. It’s what gives them their intimate atmosphere; their air of veracity.
Boutique hostels go for style that is purposely introduced and followed thru to the littlest of details, leading to all-round quality that is actually appreciated by the guests. Service many other bits of the service industry could learn from these tiny hostels. Their low guest numbers gives them the chance to shine when it comes to taking care of residents, and their service is always discreet but immediate; beneficial without hectoring and always nice, never patronizing. Quality discerning guests know quality when they see it; from the best bed linen to the latest ingredients. A boutique hotel takes the time to source materials, furnishings, fabrics and accessories of the highest quality, ensuring that guests are always experiencing comfort and style. Boutique hostels are here for good as we like them. For not too much more cost than a typical high set hotel, they let us enjoy the experience of travelling. They give us good design, a high standard of decoration and fittings and excellent service, reminding us that we regularly set our standards too low when we travel. They let us relax and spend our time exploring and enjoying our destination instead of sorting out issues with the accommodation. They remind us that where we stay is as significant as where we are going.