The boutique resort is designed for a leisurely stay; often a draw to families. The resort, by general structure, is designed for experience, which is why the defining factor of a boutique resort is its independent ownership; the boutique resort is never owned by a larger conglomerate.

The Concept Boutique is built around a particular experience or lifestyle. There are many subsets of the “concept boutique;” the most common include the “art,“wellness,” and “glamping” experiences, however what each holds in common is that these locations are designed to provide as stimulating an experience in a hotel as within its surroundings.

This hotel type is designed for the traveler treasuring a boutique experience at a more accessible price. These are particularly appealing to those active on social media, as the “Budgeted Boutique Hotel” is generally characterized intricately composed design, particularly within public spaces, providing the full experience of boutique aesthetics. The “Budgeted  Boutique Hotel” is an emerging facet of boutique that offers the boutique experience to those who previously may not have been able to feasibly afford it.

The luxury boutique hotel provides unparalleled aesthetic and services. Luxury boutique hotels can be noted by their upscale design, high-quality amenities, luxury, often Michelin Starred food and beverage programs, and spacious rooms. Often the luxury boutique hotel is a beloved destination of recognized cultural visionaries.

Historic boutique hotels gain an element of authenticity by developers applying specific features into a building that is considered historic by the very nature of their beginnings, whether they were hotels to start with or a building that has been adapted, converted and/or renovated to be a boutique hotel. Many times, a hotel may get extra financial assistance or tax credits, as an example, to assist in the development of these properties.

The serviced apartment, unlike its counterpart the sublet, is designed to accommodate long-term stays with the benefit of luxury amenities and services. While boutique serviced apartments are designed most often for the traveling business person required to take long-term stays, it is generally open to the public wishing to travel with the comforts of the home and small luxuries of the hotel.

The classic boutique hotel is what likely comes to mind when one considers the definition of the “boutique hotel;” these locations are essentially living organisms within their cities. Often the classic boutique hotel is decorated with comforting furnishings that emulate the residential neighborhoods within which they are located. Food and beverage services at the classic boutique hotel are generally exceptional as well as locally sourced.

Hotels that are either located near convention centers and offer truly unique, custom services to customers attending events as well as upscale services for travel bookers/meeting planners, or boutique hotels that are connected to a convention center or large meeting space, but clearly fit as an independent boutique hotel.