What is it about staying in a big hotel that annoys you? Maybe its the impersonal service, or the amount of time you have to queue to check in. Perhaps its the buffet breakfast thats been under hotplates for a while, or the fact that your room looks like every other room youve ever stayed in. Large hotels are great for some occasions, but its worthwhile looking at boutique hotels to regain some enjoyment from your stay.

So what is it about small hotels that enchants you? If youve stayed in a boutique hotel before, then we can make a fairly accurate guess:

The design

Properly designed hotels are so different from regular hotels that you notice the difference as soon as you walk in. The furniture, the artwork, the colours and the flooring all convey a message that this hotel has been designed for a purpose; to make you feel at home.

The attention to detail

The purpose of a boutique hotel is to make your stay comfortable and stress-free. The design includes attention to details that enhance your stay. It could be the fact that you can tailor your own breakfast in the morning, or that your shoes are shined and your laundry done overnight. It may be the fact that your bedroom opens directly onto the beach or the welcome tray thats in your room on arrival. Its the details that make a difference, and boutique hotel owners know it.

The numbers

The main characteristic of a true boutique hotel is the number of rooms. A lower room count means that the hotel is dedicated to ensuring that your stay is as perfect as possible. Too many people to look after often results in poorer service, whereas a higher service-to-guest ratio means that you should never have to worry about asking for anything in fact, staff usually anticipate your needs.

The locations

By their nature, big hotels require big buildings. Boutique hotels can run from small, individual buildings, using their unique architecture and features in the design and layout of the hotel. It means better city centre locations, better views and more interesting interiors. Location is as important when youre choosing a hotel as when youre buying a house, and boutique hotels can usually deliver.

Boutique is small and small is beautiful; particularly when its combined with classic design, detail and service.