I love boutique hotels because they’re intimate and unique, with a focus on personal service and exclusive amenities you won’t find in large resorts.
They also typically immerse you in your surroundings through design and amenities, and offer thoughtful perks the big chains can’t match.
When I travel, I try to book boutique hotel chains whenever possible. I know that each stay will give me an authentic, locally-infused experience, while still providing the signature amenities I’ve come to expect from that brand.
Here are the four boutique hotel chains I always check when selecting a place to stay.
1. Kimpton
Considered the OG of boutique hotel brands, Kimpton brought the boutique hotel concept to the U.S. in 1981 and continues to offer some of the best amenities in the business.
In every one of their 85+ hotels around the world, you’ll find a custom-designed Gaiam yoga mat in the room, plus on-demand wellness programming on your TV. Most Kimpton hotels also offer in-room Pelotons with a “sweat suite package” and complimentary bikes for all guests to explore the neighborhood.
In-room bathrooms also come well stocked with exclusive Malin+Goetz toiletries and luxurious Frette robes, and Kimpton’s “forgot it? we’ve got it!” service can provide anything you might have accidentally left behind, from toothbrushes to curling irons.
Kimpton hotels also offer an amazing hosted nightly social hour with complimentary wine and small bites, and a Morning Kickstart, serving free coffee and tea in the lobby or other common area.
Other perks extend to furry guests as they welcome “any pet that fits through the door” without extra charges and will provide beds, bowls, and treats at no extra cost.
Pro tip: Kimpton regularly creates a secret social password that gets you a special perk like mini bar credit or a room upgrade, so check Kimpton’s official social media platforms or search Google before you check-in.
2. Staypineapple
The pineapple has long been the symbol of hospitality and Staypineapple hotels have embraced their namesake with cheery décor and a variety of inviting amenities.
At all nine of their boutique hotels across the U.S., the benefits start at check-in where you’ll receive a token for a free welcome drink, and all Staypineapple hotels provide reusable water bottles that can be endlessly refilled with still or sparkling water at stations located in the lobbies.
The brand’s signature “naked experience” encourages guests to dive into beds wearing as much or as little as they like, taking comfort in knowing that every room comes with the cleanest, softest linens, along with plush robes, fluffy towels, and large European-style double duvets so you’re not fighting over the covers. Then, cuddle up to watch your favorite shows in bed via Staypineapple’s in-room streaming capabilities equipped with Chromecast and enjoy a cup of Coulée Coffee, which replaced plastic-laden single pods for a premium and sustainable pour.
To help guests explore their surroundings, bikes are available for cruising around; just make sure to head back to the hotel in time for their signature afternoon delights, when pineapple-shaped sugar cookies and freshly brewed coffee are available in the lobby.
Furry friends are also welcomed with take-home water bowls, waste bag dispensers, and unlimited dog treats.
3. The Hoxton
This beloved London-born boutique hotel brand has come to the U.S. boasting the same unique amenities that have made them a European and U.K. favorite.
Their open house philosophy across all 19 hotels encourages locals to make themselves at home in their public spaces, offering guests an authentic experience.
But before you even get to your Hoxton hotel, you can take advantage of “flexy time,” which is a perk provided to guests allowing them to check-in and out as early or late as they want for free, just by booking the hotel stay directly on their website. You’ll also receive a $20 discount if you arrive by train and present your receipt upon check-in.
Once on-site, take advantage of the highly-styled lobby, where you can socialize or work, with many outlets and café service, or head to your room, which you can expect to be filled with thoughtful features like blackout curtains, book collections curated by local tastemakers, and a mini fridge stocked with free water and milk. There’s also a kettle with coffee and tea bags, and breakfast bags of overnight oats, orange juice, and fresh fruit are available for $5.
Traveling with little ones? Tell them you need “tiny hox” and they’ll provide cribs, Coterie diapers, a family-approved neighborhood map, bath essentials (anti-slip shower mat, baby bath, baby soap, and lotion), and board games, along with a tote, coloring book, and a kid-friendly breakfast all for free.
If you have a dog and ask for the “hound hox,” you’ll receive a bed, bowl, treats, and a mutt manual so you can sniff out pet-friendly local spots.
4. Club Quarters
Club Quarters has 16 boutique hotels in major cities across the U.S. and the U.K. and, because they market themselves more to business travelers, their amenities tend to be practical rather than whimsical but, honestly, they’re the reason I try to book one of their hotels whenever I’m in New York.
My favorite—and the one I wish every single hotel would adopt—is the hydration stations they have on every floor, where you can grab as many bottles as you want and refill them as often as needed. I take them back to my room and also toss a couple in my bag, knowing I can leave them to be recycled when they’re finished. This has saved me so much money.
I’m also a big fan of the self-serve guest request closet, which is located on every guest floor, and has bailed me out more times than I care to admit. This lifesaver lets you use your room key card to access a pantry-like space filled with toiletries and extra pillows and towels without having to call and wait for housekeeping.
I also love the 24/7 coffee/tea station in the lobby, where guests tend to gather and socialize, and check-in and check-out is a breeze on the lobby tablets if you don’t want to wait in line to speak to a clerk.
Club Quarters also welcomes pets, providing them with self-heating beds, bowls and placemats.
The Shortcut
Boutique hotels are smaller in size compared to large resorts, but often offer bigger perks.
A boutique hotel boasts their own distinct personality, but provides the signature amenities you can come to expect from the brand.
Boutique hotels often tailor amenities to children and pets, as well.
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