They’re small. They’re chic. And they’re unique.

Beyond that, boutique hotels come in all kinds of flavors: lively or serene; punk-rock or glam; super-luxe or minimalist. Having a hard time putting your finger on what, exactly, defines a boutique hotel? You’re not the only one! As they’ve become more popular, boutique hotels have also become more diverse.

What is a boutique hotel, anyway?

Generally, travel experts agree that boutique hotels have less than 100 rooms, they’re stylish (never dowdy or outdated), and they promise a personalized experience. Covington Travel names some other qualities boutique hotels have in common: They reflect local culture and cuisine, they offer excellent service, and they’re frequently found in hip, up-and-coming urban areas.¹

Beyond that, there’s room for debate. For instance: Is there such a thing as a budget boutique hotel? Some people say no, because part of a boutique hotel’s appeal is the upscale amenities.

We disagree, however. On a recent trip to New York City, I stayed at the Hotel Mimosa, a petite hotel on the Lower East Side. It was surprisingly affordable for Manhattan — weekend rates for a queen were around $145 — but it had all the hallmarks of a boutique hotel. The rooms were immaculate and modern, the lobby was cute, the coffee was delicious, and the staff were unfailingly gracious and helpful. It wasn’t five-star luxury, but it felt boutique-y to me.

Another topic of debate: Can a boutique hotel be part of a chain? Large hotel chains like Marriott (with its Moxy Hotels brand) and Wyndham (under the Tryp by Wyndham flag) are seeking to capture the boutique hotel market — but their properties aren’t quite as quirky and original as independently operated hotels.

In the end, a boutique hotel may best be defined by the feeling it gives you. Do you feel like you’ve discovered a fantastic secret? Do you feel special when you’re staying there? Do you tell your friends, “Oh, you have to stay at this place I found!” Then it’s probably a boutique hotel.

Boutique hotels vs. big chain hotels

Boutique hotels aren’t for everyone. Frequent travelers may prefer the consistency a big chain can offer. You know Embassy Suites always has a great breakfast, but a boutique hotel may serve only yogurt.² Another big advantage of the chains: loyalty programs. If you’re a Hilton Honors Diamond member, for instance, you enjoy free nights, free breakfast, room upgrades and other perks.³ You won’t have the same elite status at a small, independent hotel. Large chains also have better amenities, like swimming pools, gyms and meeting rooms.

However, boutique hotels have their own advantages. Instead of a big fitness center, they may offer free bicycles or passes to a local gym. Instead of rooms with standard amenities, you may find delightful surprises: a curated vinyl library and turntable, luxury bath products, original artwork, even a pet goldfish (at the Soho Grand Hotel in New York, by request). What they lack in consistency, boutique hotels make up for in flexibility, as staff will do their best to accommodate guests’ desires.

A glimpse of some of the world’s best boutique hotels

One more thing we like about boutique hotels: They’re inspiring. Just looking at them is enough to make your dream of visiting a particular city.

In London, we’re in love with Hazlitt’s, a veddy-British boutique hotel with 30 lavishly decorated rooms in four 18^th-century townhouses. Its motto is “Civilised, charming and Oh! So curious,” and Hazlitt’s lives up to those words. Guests enjoy a library with a working fireplace and an honesty bar (which means the hotel trusts you to pay for any drinks you make.) There’s even a resident cat named Sir Godfrey.⁴

If you prefer a lively scene over hushed tranquility, one of the best boutique hotels in Barcelona is The Serras. Located in the city’s Barrio Gótico and overlooking the Mediterranean, The Serras was the site of Pablo Picasso’s first art studio. Party on the rooftop terrace, then retire to a soundproofed, très chic black-and-white guestroom.

The Hotel Drisco in San Francisco, a boutique hotel in a 1903 building, wins the adoration of guests with crisply designed rooms, complimentary bicycles, evening wine tastings, afternoon tea and European-style breakfast. Guests love the little in-room touches: chocolate-covered shortbread cookies, a Nespresso machine, organic teas and Bvlgari soaps.

The award-winning boutique hotel The Twelve Apostles in Cape Town offers an unforgettable experience: watching whales as you sip cocktails on the Leopard Bar terrace. This 70-room hotel features a private cinema, picnic hampers, “sports buddies” who will play tennis with you or join you on a mountain hike, toys and games for children, and other delights.

We could go on and on… but instead, why not experience a boutique hotel for yourself? Just remember to protect your trip investment with travel insurance. Many boutique hotels have strict cancellation policies (being small, they must ensure rooms are filled) — but travel insurance can help if you must cancel your trip last-minute for a covered reason. Browse available plans and find the best fit for your next trip.

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