How do they do it? Owners of boutique hotels often transform buildings no-one would touch into hotels that everyone wants to go to. It takes a lot of hard work, planning and an eye for design and detail to create a successful boutique.
Imagination
Imagination is a key skill when it comes to creating a stunning small hotel. To see a building that is either derelict or in need of substantial renovation, and know that you can transform it into a stylish, desirable place to stay is a talent that not many people have. You need to be able to see the arrangement of the guest rooms, the provision of public spaces, the kitchens and offices and the outdoor spaces. If you dont have a vision, it can be very difficult to pull off a successful make-over.
Experience
Although many boutique owners are first-time hoteliers, many have either hospitality or design experience. This helps to ensure that every angle is considered and that as much attention is paid to the running of the hotel as to its style. Understanding the market you are trying to attract, and designing your hotel with that in mind means that you are more likely to be successful. Equally, a knowledge of which design ideas work and which dont is invaluable when creating a boutique hotel. Design is a key factor in turning a basic small hotel into an individual chic hotel and you need the experience to get it right first time.
Determination
Transforming a building into a hotel is a long, hard job. You need determination, focus and strict controls to ensure that everything is finished as close to your deadline as possible and within your budget. Research at the beginning of the project should allow you to set realistic deadlines and financial plans which in turn will contribute to the success of your project. There are bound to be times when things go wrong, but determination and a clear vision of the end product will help you succeed.
Personality
Some of the most successful boutique hotels are those where the personality of the owner or designer shines through. This is what gives these hotels their characteristic individuality, which attracts a lot of guests and repeat visitors. Personality can be evident in themed rooms, the choice of art, music or food and in the way that guests are treated during their stay. Never underestimate the importance of a hotels personality when it comes to marketing and occupancy rates.
Hotels have come of age in the past two decades. No longer do you have to choose between a huge run-of-the-mill chain hotel and a dodgy guesthouse. Todays hotels are as varied and interesting as the people staying in them and your room, the bathrooms, the food and the service inside the hotel is as important as what you do outside it.
Every boutique hotel has different ways of distinguishing itself from the competition. Whether its a sumptuous breakfast in the morning, or complementary spa treatments, theres something for you to relish at every one.
Relax
If youre arriving at your hotel after a long flight, a stressful business meeting or with tired children in tow, then nows the time to relax. Let the staff tell you all about the hotel and the facilities available to you, so that you can make full use of them during your stay. Accept the offers of drinks or dinner in your room to allow you to relax in private, or ask for a babysitter service or last minute tickets to a show to take your mind off things. Theres no rush to get breakfast the next day, so wrap yourself in the quality linen and cotton bedding and order some fresh coffee and a paper for the morning. Boutique hotels exist to make your stay a memorable one, so take full advantage of whats on offer.
Ask
Whilst many boutiques excel when it comes to anticipating what a guest needs, there may be some things you need to ask for. Whatever it is, the staff will do their best to help car hire; restaurant bookings, theatre tickets, sight-seeing tours or just some scrambled eggs late at night. Boutique hotels arent the sort of place where you need to worry about asking for something; once you get used to it, youll never go back to a chain hotel again.
Use
Make use of the facilities. If your hotel is particularly small, then youll only be sharing the facilities with a handful of people, if at all. Massages, facials and other spa treatments often come as part of the package and its a waste not to use them. The same goes for food if the hotel says you can eat on your balcony or on the beach, give it a try. All of the services and facilities have been designed to make guests feel at home whilst indulging in some very non-homely treats, so dont ignore whats available.
Chic Retreats has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, African Travel and Travel and Leisure. Chic Retreats is a collection of small, individual hotels around the world that offer the traveller a true taste of luxury and service. Visit our website by clicking on