What is a Boutique?

BLLA is taking the lead in developing a universal standard for the definition of a boutique property. Together with a well-recognized Board of Advisors comprised of hospitality experts and influential industry forces, as well as with boutique properties and other industry professionals, we will work together to collaborate on definitions and terminology to clear up and eliminate confusion within our industry’s vernacular by agreeing upon their meanings.

BLLA will clearly define boutique and lifestyle property types, standards, characteristics and attributes, addressing the differences within each region. We will address these regional and distinct features that make our hotels standout and help travelers understand they are choosing to stay somewhere special.

The outcome of the process is earmarked to become the industry standard.

To date however, it has been largely subjective as to what a boutique is. And each has been valid. As such, BLLA is providing options to satisfy each and every one, in order to leverage every customer revenue-generating opportunity.

Criteria for Membership:

Currently, BLLA’s fundamental criteria is as follows:
• Boutique: < 100 rooms
• Lifestyle: <300 rooms
• Must have a distinctive design, style and atmosphere
• Must have on-site food & beverage

Boutique properties are intimate, distinctive, quirky, cutting-edge, avant-garde, trendy, funky, classic, and luxurious. They go by different names to express their unique amenities: lifestyle hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns, villas, boutique resorts, boutique hotels, spa hotels, wellness hotels, designer hotels, signature hotels, or trendy hotels, to name only a few. What makes them stand out in the hotel and hospitality industry is their incredible attention to detail and distinct qualities.

These boutiques can be found in the surf, safari, or the city. Travelers can find them near wineries, world heritage sites, or in the country. Boutiques are often frequented by the sophisticate, the artist, the politico and all those travelers who have a taste for something different.

When “Googling” “boutique” gets you 268,000,000 sites (yes, that’s 268 million), and “boutique hotels” gets you 32,700,000 sites. as such, it is difficult to discern a difference.

The Boutique Lodging Glossary of Terms below will be better defined as the process of developing a universally accepted definition unfolds. This is a brief starting point. 

Boutique Hotel

 A term to describe intimate, usually luxurious or quirky and upscale hotel environments for a very particular clientele. 

Lifestyle Hotel
A property that combines living elements and activities into functional design giving guests the opportunity to explore the experience they desire.
Luxury Boutique Hotel An extremely luxurious hotel environment created to express unique lifestyle experiences that are synonymous with health and wellness. 
Trendy or Modern Hotels
These top hotels strive to have special experiences in properties that have a unique design, exclusive restaurants and become notable hangouts due to their modern theme and 'happening' atmosphere. 
Design Hotels
Distinctive hotels with unique architecture, where the room design is as important as the mattress. Style, along with environmental concerns, are important factors. Design hotels vary by the unique abilities of the people who create them. Artistic expression, functionality, and imagination combine to make the most successful design hotels, and keep guest not only comfortable during their stay, but in a constant state of awe with the hotel designer's creative vision. 
All Suite Hotels 
A hotel that claims ‘All Suite’ status is expected to have at least one separated bedroom off of the living area. Often these hotels offer mini fridges or kitchenette features. 
Architectural Hotels
Architectural hotels flaunt unique design and building achievements through the hotel's design concept. They attract hotel guests who are interested in staying in a place that breaks the mold of building design inside and out. 
Artistic Hotels
Artistic hotels are a combination of high-end lodging and a work of art. Guest of artistic hotels get the exhilarating sense they are living in a modern art museum exhibit. These special hotels are the latest combination of artistic expression and new-age lodging. 
Avant-Garde Hotels
Avant-Garde hotels are an example of artistic hotels. Hotel designers push the limits of our expectations of what a 'hotel room' can be by creating lodging accommodations in this style. Unusual, quirky, artistic, funky and certainly unique may all aptly describe what an avant-garde hotel can be. 
City Hotels 
City hotels are more than hotels settled within a city's primary zip code. These hotels reflect the ambiance and character of their cities along with optimal location within the city's boundaries that allow guests easy access to explore. 
Classic Hotels
Classic hotels are a throw back to the days when dramatic lobbies, adorned with stunning chandeliers and welcoming décor, were the industry standard. Classic hotels buck the stripped-down, no frills environment of today's mega-chain hotels and serve as relics of what a hotel should be. 
Classy Hotels
Classy hotels attract the luxury traveler who expects a refined lodging experience. Visitors expect classy art work, ambiance, and high-end service during their stay. 
Comfortable Hotels
It may be easier to define comfortable hotels by what they aren't: squeaky, drafty, and cramped. The traveler who wishes to find a comfortable hotel expects thick walls, a comfortable bed, cleanliness, and a restful environment. Anything less would never be described as 'uncomfortable.'
Conference Hotel A conference hotel primarily offers amenities for business meeting, banquets, or other special events.
Contemporary Hotels Contemporary hotels reflect the sleek and stylish sect of the 'artistic hotel' family. They boast modern amenities along with a dash of unique artistic inspiration. 
Corporate Hotels 
Corporate hotels are for the business traveler who requires a seamless transition from the home office to the hotel room. Today, this means a quality workspace, dependable Internet and other technology, along with quick service and sensible accommodations. 
Country Hotels
Country hotels are where travelers go to get away. Above all they are quiet and charming. Country hotels can offer a wide range of amenities depending on their price points and location.
Designer Hotels
Designer hotels vary by the unique abilities of the people who create them. Artistic expression, functionality, and imagination combine to make the most successful design hotels, and keep guest not only comfortable during their stay but in a constant state of awe with the hotel designer's creative vision.
Distinctive Hotels
Distinctive hotels are similar to boutique hotels in that they come in several shapes, sizes, quirks, and degrees of funk, yet they stand out in the area of surrounding amenities. Distinctive hotels are not only unique marvels on the inside but are found in highly desirable locations, most often in travel destinations off the beaten path.
Extraordinary Hotels
Extraordinary hotels couldn’t possibly go by any other name. For travelers, these hotels are the destination. There are no limits to what an extraordinary can entail: made of ice or other unthinkable materials; built underground, in a tree, or jutting out into the ocean; featuring triple king sized beds or lavish Jacuzzi features. There are not limits to the extraordinary! 
Funky Hotels
Funky hotels feature unique spins on lodging staples. Guests are hit with creative use of color, abstract design and unique furniture in funky hotels.