What is a Boutique Hotel?

"Boutique hotel" is a term coined in 1984 by entrepreneur Steve Rubell when he and a partner opened Morgans in New York. The term was popularized in the United States to describe intimate and luxurious or unique independent hotel environments, and the concept has spread throughout Europe and Asia.

Sometimes known as "design hotels" or "lifestyle hotels," boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain/branded hotels by providing personalized accommodations, services, and facilities. Boutique hotels typically have been unique properties operated by individuals or companies with a small collection. However, the concept's success has prompted multinational hotel companies to adopt the term to try to establish their own brands to capture this market share.