So when we’re checking out a boutique hotel, we skip right past the lobby photos and head straight to the photos of the rooms. Why? Because the room is where you actually live during your stay. If it feels like an afterthought- generic, bland, uninspired- it’s out. Sure, a gorgeous lobby is great, but we’re on the lookout for hotels where personality shows up in every corner. From the bedside to the bathroom, it’s the little design details that matter. We want places that feel like someone cared enough to make the special for you and your stay.

The boutique hotels we choose aren’t just places where you crash at the end of the day. Instead, we look for spots that feel like a natural extension of your trip, places you actually want to spend time in. These hotels put real thought into your whole experience starting from your check-in right until check-out and beyond. Thoughtful touches, cozy spaces, a sense of welcome that you feel when you’re there.

We’re not into big, sprawling hotels where you’re one of hundreds of guests passing through. We love places where the staff may remember your name and you don’t need a map to find your room. Our sweet spot is boutique hotels with fewer than 50 rooms. And if each room has its own unique style or store, that’s even better! No cookie-cutter layouts or copy-and-paste design here.

Every now and then, we come across a hotel that doesn’t quite check all our usual boxes. Maybe it’s technically part of a larger group, or it has more rooms than we would usually go for. But something about it feels hard to ignore. But know that if it makes the cut, you can trust that’s something special. We’re not here to follow rules for the sake of it. We’re here to stay open to surprises and help you find memorable boutique hotels during your travels!