Boutique hotels Vs Chain Hotels


Boutique or 'independent' hotels are rising in popularity thanks to the likes of Air BnB, Mr & Mrs Smith and Doris & Dicky, sites which offer millennials the ultimate 'Instagram' experience at low cost prices - rooms that look good on pictures that don't always have the five star price tag. Many young people are now looking for travel experiences that can outdo their friends and they want something that will not only give them a fun experience, but something that will look good on their social media accounts.  Boutique hotels often fill that gap by offering quirky themed rooms that give travellers that unique experience, beyond being a simple place to stay. 

Chain hotels are just as popular, but for a different reason. Chain or branded hotels like Radisson, Hilton to name but a few, are great for those looking for stability and travellers who want to know exactly what they are getting. Many travellers will have a hotel chain that trust and love and will go back to again and again. What they lack often in individuality, they make up for in amenities and their general monopoly over the travel market. 

Here's a simple guide to help you decipher which hotel is best suited to your trip.

Rooms

If you're looking for something with individuality and flair, boutique hotels have that covered, but they generally have a lot less rooms in their hotels which makes booking sometimes an issue and because of their limited availability they can charge a premium. Chain hotels often have the same style room in every hotel which varies in size, but you often know what you are getting and can be assured that will have a comfortable stay.


Facilities


With chain hotels generally being much bigger buildings,  it means they can offer more amenities such as spas, pools, bars and restaurants and sometimes evening entertainment. Boutique hotels will usually have a restaurant, but depending on their size, it can often limit what they have to offer.

Location

Many chain hotels are often based in the heart of the city or town and take up the top spots for tourists. Boutique hotels in a city can be pricey - look for those rural boutique hotels that offer you the best of both worlds, an escape from the city for the evening and the ability to experience what the city or town has to offer during the day.

Local knowledge

Boutique hotels are great for local knowledge as they are mainly ran by people who have grown up in the area or have staff who live locally. Also, from my experience smaller independent companies often like to help each other out business wise so you are likely to get cheaper hotels, advice on great locally ran restaurants and discover some hidden gems from the people who know a lot about the location.

The experience

If you are looking for somewhere luxurious that has all the amenities, posh restaurants, city based, but may not be able to give you 100% of their attention chain hotels are great. Boutique hotels are great for those looking for a unique experience and where they can get to know the area that little bit better. With less rooms to service, Boutique hotels are usually great at adding those personal touches to your stay.

Cost

Prices vary from hotel to hotel and are very much dependent on location and the star rating of the hotel you go for. Boutique hotels are often pricier because they have less rooms and have a high demand, but also thanks to a lot of great comparison sites out there you can get some fantastic deals. 

What do you prefer, boutique or chain hotels?
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29 comments

  1. I'm definitely a boutique girl. But, sometimes if I am travelling, a chain hotel is the sensible option - it's that 'everything will work as you expect' bit, which can be a comfort when you are overseas.

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  2. I rarely have to bother with accommodation while travelling to be honest. Sometimes I'd think I'd prefer a boutique but with chains you know what to expect roughly.

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  3. There is something great about little boutique hotels and the way they have been put together, I wish I could visit more. x

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  4. Being a huge fan of Airbnb, I do like the individuality, locality and uniqueness of boutique style places, but you can normally wangle a better deal with the chains when you're looking to get a bargain. I don't normally stay in hotels anyway, but i I did, I would generally choose it because of location as I'd be out exploring more than spending time in the room.

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  5. I like both! I love the individual, bespoke look of boutiques *and* the amenities and size of chains, too!

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  6. I love both. I like hotels which make me feel at home whilst at the same time are not to up themselves if that makes sense. I like my comforts and always want to book somewhere that has a bath and not just a shower x

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  7. I like both style of hotel, depending on the circumstances. Chain hotels are great for unplanned, last minute stays. Boutique hotels are lovely when there is the time to plan in advance and choose the perfect place.

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  8. I think if I'm going away for a treat a boutique hotel would definitely be my preference but they can be crazy expensive xx

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  9. I love the combination. I'm more of a boutique girl in a way that I need to have something quirky in every hotel I stay at, BUT chain hotels are starting to embrace that now which makes it so much easier to choose hotels!

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  10. I must say I am more for boutique hotels when I am galavanting in Europe than chain hotels for for travels further afield from home I do want known hotels

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  11. I am definitely more of a chain hotel kind of girl, I like to know I'm getting the best experience and the fact you have solid reviews and the well known factor. I have not had the reason to try boutique hotels though, I wouldn't be opposed to trying some out

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  12. I have been to more chain hotels than boutique ones, so will have to go for chain hotels.
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  13. I have not really stayed in many hotels but boutique hotels always seem like the best choice because its something different and less manufactured.

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  14. Boutique hotels are the aspired choice. I meant to go to one a year ago, but for different reasons I didn't...I've shamefully only been in chain hotels

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  15. I can definitely see why people are choosing boutique hotels nowadays. I do like staying at chains a lot of the time but I wish some of the travel sites would include lesser known hotels as options.

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  16. It really depends on what I am doing and where I am going as to which I pick. I love the look of boutique hotels but sometimes the chain ones just have a better location if it's only a quick trip x

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  17. I always like going to a boutique hotel, as I just find that the service is always so much more personal.

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  18. I prefer Boutique all the way, I travel a lot with work and spend far too much time in chain hotels so when it's a holiday, it's Boutique for me x

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  19. My mummy swoons over Mr & Mrs Smith hotels! We'd take a boutique hotel with character over a chain any day!

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  20. I love hotel stays, especially boutique hotels are they have so much character! xxx

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  21. Fab list of what to take into consideration when booking a hotel! I do prefer boutique hotels as they are more luxurious and often you get better care and attention but I do use chains too!!

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  22. i love boutique hotels when I'm abroad so i can get a feel of the country/area I'm in

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  23. I really want to stay in a boutique hotel, have only stayed at chains!

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  24. Personally we always stay in chain hotels when we have the children with us as they are great value for money, you know what you are getting and they are always clean and family friendly. If my husband and I are going away on our own we prefer something a little different and would probably go for a boutique hotel

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  25. I haven't stayed in a hotel in forever but would love to stay in a boutique style one x

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  26. I am definitely more of a boutique kind of girl - I have spent too many nights in generic chain hotels and they all look and seem the same!

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  27. It can depend on the location for me but then it also depends on the look of the hotel and the reviews for it.

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