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Research Paper On: “Boutique Hotels in Singapore” Compiled By: Amrith Srinivas Balprit Singh Pavneet Singh Khurana Wu Wanlu LB 5218: BUSINESS PLAN Lecturer: Dr. Jenny Panchal James Cook University Singapore

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Page 1: Boutique hotels Research Report

Research Paper On:

“Boutique Hotels in Singapore”

Compiled By:

Amrith Srinivas

Balprit Singh

Pavneet Singh Khurana

Wu Wanlu

LB 5218: BUSINESS PLAN

Lecturer:

Dr. Jenny Panchal

James Cook University Singapore

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BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN SINGAPORE 2

Contents

Abstract: ................................................................................................. 3

Overview of Hotel Industry: .................................................................... 4

Literature Review: ................................................................................... 5

Research aims and objectives: ................................................................ 5

Primary and Secondary Research: ........................................................... 6

Concept of Boutique hotel: ..................................................................... 7

Definitions of Boutique Hotel: ................................................................ 7

Definition in context of Singapore: ....................................................... 16

References: ........................................................................................... 18

Appendix 1: Keywords from Academic Literature: ................................ 20

Appendix 2: Keywords from Hotel Operators Responses ..................... 21

Appendix 3: Boutique Hotel Research Survey: ...................................... 22

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BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN SINGAPORE 3

Abstract:

In most situations, consumers purchase products or services which are per designed; however,

it becomes essential sometimes to modify products to satisfy consumer’s needs and desires. In

the hotel industry, customers have begun to prefer unique experiences. This demand of

uniqueness has given birth to the newest concept in the hotel market today. This concept is

known as boutique hotel. This paper deals with the boutique hotel concept, discuss definitions

and global trends as well as specifies the concept of boutique hotels in the Singapore context.

The environment in Singapore, being distinctive, yields an understandings into the qualities of

boutique hotels in general and their specifications in the South East Asian region. This concept

of boutique hotels has contributed to Singapore variety as most of boutique hotels are the

results of adaptive reuse of old buildings. Boutique hotels are an exclusive combination of

modern design and trendy ambiance. This study considers several dimensions of a boutique

hotel to be unique in nature and things that set boutique hotel apart from the other

accommodation providers in Singapore.

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Overview of Hotel Industry:

This study is based on the service and hospitality industry which occupies a significant

place in the world economy and customer satisfaction is the most essential factor that is to be

maintained to survive in competition. Tourism sector is one of the largest growing sectors. This

sector consists of several key components such as transportation, accommodation, food,

leisure and recreations. The hotel market is considered to be the backbone of the tourism

system. (Campos, June 2012).

A hospitality industry is for those who are away from home which provides them with

services. Hospitality industry consists of those businesses and institutions including

hotels which are of several categories. (Clayton & Barrows, 2009). Hotels are an

important element of the tourism product. Through the standards of facilities and

services offered by them, they help to increase overall tourism experience. With the aim

of providing up-to-date standards of facilities and services in the hotels, the Singapore

Ministry of Tourism has framed a voluntary scheme for classification of operational

hotels which will be pertinent to the following basis (Hotel Management Hub, 2011).

Table 1: Classification of Operational Hotels: Source (Hotel Management Hub, 2011)

BASIS CATEGORY

Location City Centre, Motels, Suburban, Airport,

Resorts

Size of property Small (25-100 rooms), Medium (100-300

rooms), Large (more than 300 rooms), Mega

(more than 1000 rooms)

Level of service Economy, Mid-Market,Luxury

Type of clientele Group, Commercial and Family

Target market Commercial, Convention, Suite,Casino

Based on theme Ecotels, Boutique, Spas, Heritage

Boutique hotels are all across the globe. Each boutique hotel in different geographical

locations has its own characteristics. This study aims to clearly analyze the concept of boutique

hotels in the context of Singapore. This paper is written after a thorough study of the concept

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of boutique hotels all across the world and then matching those concepts to Singapore context.

This study also explores the gap between the academic literature and the way hotel operators

perceive themselves.

Literature Review:

Research aims and objectives:

The study intended to identify the gap in the academic literature about the definition of

boutique hotel and real time operation of a boutique hotel in the context of Singapore. This

study identifies the different aspects of a boutique hotel all around the world and then matches

with the presence of boutique hotel in the Singaporean context. This study is expressive in

nature, because, it labels whether there is any difference in the selected location factors. It also

processes the level of difference boutique hotels have over hotels in the industry.

The main aim of the study is to list out the characteristics of boutique hotels generated with the

use of available literature and then match the identified characteristics with the existing

features of boutique hotels in Singapore. This will lead to the actual characterization of the

boutique hotel of Singapore.

The research location for this study is Singapore because respondents have more knowledge of

the location context. The respondents are those who operate the hotel. The sample size was 25

as it was suitable number of samples. This is the most suited sampling technique as because the

respondents volunteered to provide data. This method will definitely reduce the biasness in the

generated responses.

Methodology:

Approaches:

This study uses quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodology to analyze data and conclude

the result. Qualitative research is applied by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting various

academic definitions written by several authors all across the globe. The results are much more

subjective in nature. Qualitative analysis involves a continual interplay between theory and

analysis of boutique hotels. In analyzing qualitative information attained from various research

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articles, this study seeks to discover patterns which are varied from country to country. To bring

a uniformity and meaning quantitative methodology was applied which helped to measure

variation as the meaning and the features of the hotels change over geographical locations. The

mixed methodology was also applied to generate authentic results. Mixed methods advocates

Johnson and Onwuegbuzie (2004) define mixed methods research as “the class of research

where the researcher mixes or combines qualitative and quantitative research techniques,

methods, approaches, concepts or language into a single study” (p. 17). The use of mixed

methods is stronger compared to a single approach design because of three reasons (Teddlie &

Tashakkori, 2003, pp. 14-15). Firstly mixed methods can answer research questions that other

methodologies cannot. Secondly there is a provision of better (stronger) inferences, and thirdly,

mixed methods are the strongest in providing the opportunity for presenting a greater diversity

of different views.

Primary and Secondary Research:

The objectives of our study is to learn and identify the detailed and clear definitions of

Boutique Hotel in context of Singapore. In the process of studying the existing literature, all the

secondary informational data is used examples such as research papers, journal articles and

online websites. An intensive lecture review was carried out by studying the various articles and

journals, firstly similar definitions about Boutique Hotel from different authors and from

different countries were collected. Secondly, the key words from each definition were listed

out. Thirdly, the keywords with the authors were collected and the occurrence of each keyword

was calculated forming a matrix. In this study, a survey questionnaire was designed. Several

boutique hotels in Singapore were contacted and the respondents included the hotel

operators. Questionnaires are the best method to obtain reliable information from the hotel

operators. The important aspects of the questionnaires were to figure out few gaps. Firstly the

gap between academic theory and real operation of a boutique hotel in Singapore and secondly

also helped to define a boutique hotel in the Singaporean context.

The main respondents of our survey were as follows:

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1. General Managers

2. Executive Managers

3. Departmental Managers

These respondents were specifically chosen so as to gather viable information regarding

boutique hotel operations. The profession in which these respondents are involved is the

combination of both theoretical as well as practical implementations of boutique hotel

concepts.

Concept of Boutique hotel:

This study collected the definitions of Boutique Hotels written by several authors and

assimilated keywords which defined the boutique hotels. Boutique hotels is a new concept in

the hotel industry, especially in Western countries. This trend has extended to Singapore.

Nonetheless, there are conflicts regarding the unclear definition of “boutique hotels” which

may ultimately affect the real experience provided by the sector.

Definitions of Boutique Hotel:

Boutique hotels are small with distinct architectural heritage or design that has a

consistent theme reflected throughout the hotel. It was believed that the location and quality

were some of the great attributes which influence the stay at boutique hotel. Some of the

study concludes a possible definition of a boutique hotel that it should possess a unique theme

and outstanding, personalized service. (Anhar, 2001)

Boutique Hotels can be described as personalized, customized, unique and individual hotels

with non-standard or thematic interior associated with quality, personal attention from staff,

and generally higher prices which are considered reasonable because of the perceived quality

of the products on offer. (Bykova, 2012)

The concept of boutique hotel is strongly opposed to big chain hotels as it describes hotels

reduced in size, located in prestigious areas, furnished with unusual furniture, and designed to

offer an intimate and/or family atmosphere. Unlike big chain hotels, boutique hotels offer a

unique experience. Certainly their small size can offer privacy and discretion to customers.

Boutique hotels are able get to know customers very well and offer services tailored to their

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BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN SINGAPORE 8

needs and preferences that large hotels cannot. (Aliukeviciute, Boutique hotels’ evolution,

2009)

In another attempt to define boutique hotel, distinguishes common features which are found in

today's modern version of boutique hotels. (Hartesvelt, 2006)

Features of boutique hotels:

Boutiques typically range from 20 to 150 rooms. The ability to provide the intense personal

service required of a boutique becomes exponentially more difficult above 200 rooms.

Upscale: It is almost impossible to offer a boutique experience below the upscale level of at

least four stars.

Restaurant: Boutique hotels usually have high-class restaurants.

Not for large groups: Boutiques should have limited meeting space. When a boutique depends

on the group meetingsegment for more than 10%-15% of its weekday demand, the hotel begins

to lose its uniquepersonality.

Building: Boutiques typically are housed in older, unique structures that have been converted

from another use. These structures help the property exude a unique personality and often

bring tax-credits that will help the project pencil out.

Location: for a boutique is not as important as for a branded hotel.

Lobbies: Boutique lobbies generally are much smaller than conventional hotels, which make the

guest experience much more intimate

Hotels dividing their style in modern and classical, as the establishment of country or

metropolitan area, but regardless of category, all ensure safety and quality of service, peerless

charm and easily accessible location, a warm, impeccable receiving. These hotels are often

unique in terms of design and are designed with great care for the framework and with the

central theme, which are visible from the scene until the general environments. It was found in

the materials studied that the hotel's type name differs depending on the design, namely

whether we are dealing with a contemporary design these hotels are called "design hotels" and

those with a classic design / modern bears the name of "boutique hotels".( Rabontu, 2009)

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According to the study by Price Water House Coopers, PWC (2003), boutique hotels have

formed a separate niche market of their own in the luxury/first-class hotel segment without

being dependent on other hotel chain associations. These hotels have unique identities and

highly modern characteristics, having an average of 86 rooms per hotel. The rooms combine

modern designs with high-tech solutions and the most striking feature is the exclusive service

and the genuinely personal customer/guest relations. (Coopers, 2003)

Boutique Hotels are defined by the few terms: Cultural/Historic/ Authentic Individual Hotel/Not

a Chain, Interesting, Unique Services Many, high quality in‐room features, Social Spaces such as

living rooms, libraries with social events, Boutique Hotels are defined by the following terms:

Cultural/Historic/ Authentic, Individual Hotel/Not a Chain, Interesting, Unique Services, high

quality in‐room features, Social Spaces such as living rooms, libraries with social events.

The most important defining features of boutique hotels are cultural, historical, authenticity;

the boutique hotel is not part of a chain and that it provides interesting, unique services.

Boutique hotels are typically small hotels that offer high levels of service. Boutique hotels often

provide authentic cultural or historic experiences and interesting services to guests. Boutique

hotels are unique. (Day, 2012)

A term to describe intimate, usually luxurious or quirky and upscale hotel environments for a

very particular clientele. (BLLA, 2013)

A boutique hotel are generally not chain-affiliated, the features are intimate and have stylish

appearance, and provide perfect amenities. These hotels are referred to as lifestyle or design

hotels. This trend and related name began in the 1980s by Northern Americans. Many of these

hotels are small, ranging from single digit rooms to fewer than 100, some of these are in major

cities have well over 100 rooms. They are theme as hip and at other times historic, and some of

them are unique in design, architecture, or theme. These hotels usually differentiates itself in

these areas: design, service, and target market. Some of the hotels are themed, but many of

them attempt to be unique by either offering themed rooms or by selecting an overall theme

for the hotel.

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A boutique hotel is equally appropriate for business trips, a honeymoon, or a vacation. The

target market are mostly is the 25-55 age range, most of them fall within the middle to upper

income level. For some of the boutique hotels, the target market are the corporate traveler

who will provide repeat business, refer others, are the ones whose business is not dependent

on a particular season.

Boutique hotels aims to offer an alternative to chain hotels, with differentiated looks and

design. Boutique hotels typically range from 20 to 150 rooms. A similar feature that all such

hotels share is their small size and low staff to guest ratio which allows them to provide

personalized service and individual attention to their guests. These hotels have unique

identities with artistic interior design s and high technology amenities. Boutique hotels are

generally housed in heritage structures which exude a particular theme and iconic style.

(Aliukeviciute, Boutique hotels’ evolution, 2012)

Service is the distinctive feature that classifies a hotel as a boutique hotel. The goal of a hotel is

to provide a superior level of customer service e. This means that the staff knows each guest by

his or her own name and most of the hotels offer 24-hour guest services. Some hotels offer the

comfort of canopy beds, bathrobes and fireplaces in the lobby to provide an exclusive and

homely feeling to their guests, while others offer healthy cuisines, body and soul themes and

on-site bookstores.

As a boutique hotel varies in other features, so does it in is technological amenities. While some

offer the latest in technology, others focus on a calm and soothing environment. To some

patrons, the bed and breakfast concept may be popular and similar. Many hotels have a range

of restaurants, as well as bar and lounge areas that are open to the public. As this trend

continues to grow, many hotels market themselves as boutique, with most being small, and

luxury ventures. (Rogers, 2013)

Boutique hotel is small, but unique property, which provide the exceptional level of service to

the affluent customers with the high prices. Boutique hotels have the character called ‘location-

specific’ to the travelers. And also boutique hotels can be named as lifestyle or design hotels

(Liana Victorino, 2005).

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Boutique hotel is eccentric, with a sense of humor. These should be appear in their room

service and the design of the hotel decoration (Henderson, 2011).

Boutique hotel is eccentric, with a sense of humor. These should be appear in their room

service and the design of the hotel decoration (Henderson, 2011).

Boutique hotel locations can only tend to be in the city. This means that Boutique hotel has a

Bull’s – eye urban setting. A Boutique Hotel have a contemporary vibe & spirited guests to

match. A boutique hotel is not a generic hotel. It strives to be one of its own kind, and has an

independent attitude. Its custom is individualistic, too (Adner, 2011)

Boutique hotel is eccentric have a sense of hilarity. These should be appear in their room

service and the design of the hotel decoration (Henderson, 2011).

Table 2: Characteristics of boutique hotels

What defines a Boutique Hotel? What does NOT define a boutique hotel?

Unique Old Fashioned

Trendy Traditional

Hip & Cool Business Hotel

Intimate Standardized

Design Oriented Low-Tech

Warm Simple

Thematic Impersonal

High-Tech All-Inclusive

Personalized Service Conformist

Exclusive Bland

Experimental Mainstream

Inspiring Aspirational

(Balekjian, 2011)

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Research and Findings:

This study analyzed the definitions written by several authors and have listed out the

common keywords enlisted by them (Appendix 1). Further based on the research formulate a

definition of boutique hotel which is more universal in nature. “Boutique Hotels can be

described as a hotel which is based on a specific theme which is eccentric, unique and

nonstandard in nature. These hotels have an unusual interior, style, culture and display an

independent attitude. They operate on a medium scale having maximum of 150 rooms and

cater a niche market. These hotels are based on a central theme and the name of the hotel

describes the theme of the hotel. They offer a variety of high class services such as a theme

based bed and breakfast concept, which is rarely to be found in any other type of hotel. This

type of hotels are appropriate for honeymoon, business or vacation.”

To narrow down the concept of Boutique hotels in context of Singapore a survey was

conducted in which 14 boutique hotels of Singapore participated. The survey was addressed to

find out what exactly the boutique hotel operators think they are. There were few open-ended

questions and few of the questions had multiple choices. These questions were answered

briefly and the results were as follows.

Q. What makes your Hotel’s name unique?

The answers to this question were varied. Every hotel has its own unique name and no

two hotels have the same reason to justify. The responses that were collected were closely

examined to find out any kind of similarity between two names, but every single answer was

unique in nature. The hotel operators choose their name which closely resembles the theme of

the hotel and the concept of the hotel. This fact was stated in the examined literature of all

boutique hotels in the world.Out of the responses it is evident that every boutique hotel in

Singapore has its own significant name and the meaning behind it. Some of the names had

their own meaning in some other language as well as origin. Their names are different to the

rest of the hotels in the hotel industry.

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Q. Describe the theme of your hotel?

The responses reveal that every boutique hotel operating in Singapore has its own

distinct and unique theme. No two boutique hotels have the same concept. Based on the

responses the key theme can be concluded to be true in the context of boutique hotels in

Singapore. Some of the themes were based on the use of color in the hotel interior, based on

the historical facts and on the basis of different moods and nature of the environment that the

hotel intends to provide.

Q. Why did you choose this location?

Most of the responses said that the choice for location was because Singapore is

strategically located in Asia and is a tourism hub of south East Asia. Most hotel operators tend

to choose Singapore. Every hotel had its own reason to choose their location. Singapore being a

center for both business travelers and leisure travelers. Some of the operators highlighted that

Singapore is known to provide "local hospitality with a personal touch." The hotel operators

choose a location near to some of the most highlighted places of Singapore are mostly

preferred by the travelers. These hotels are majorly located at places which are surrounded by

MRT stations, shopping and food centers and are located in the heart of the city where there is

easy access to tourist spots.

Q. Is the hotel an independent entity or part of an international franchisee?

This question was put forward to the hotel operators to examine the individuality of the

hotel. Hotels which are part of some hotel groups have to follow the guidelines and instruction

framed for operation. Boutique hotel is created to provide something more than manufactured

experience. Out of 14 responses from the hotel operators, only 3 are an international

franchisee or a part of a hotel group. It can be concluded that most boutique hotels in

Singapore are operating independently.

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Q. How many rooms do you have in your hotel?

This question was left open ended for the hotel operators to answer. It was intended to

create a range of the number of rooms. Boutique hotels in Singapore operate having

minimum17 rooms and the maximum is more than 200. Majority of boutique hotels possess 40

rooms on an average basis.

Q.What is the average age of your guests?

A range of age groups has been provided for the respondents to choose from. From the

responses obtained, the age group of guests visiting boutique hotels are from 26 years to 35

years.

Q. What is the gender of your guests?

Out of 14 responses recorded, it is found that 71% (10) of the guests in a boutique hotel

are males and the rest 29% (4) are females.

Q. What is the type of trip that your guests come on?

From the universal definition of boutique hotels, respondents were provided with 4

options: Business Travelers, Family Vacation, Honeymoon and others. After analyzing the

results, it is clear that boutique hotels are frequented primarily by business travelers (10) and

secondly by families on vacation and couples on honeymoon trips.

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0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Purpose of Trip

Gender

PROFILE OF GUESTS IN BOUTIQUE HOTELS, SINGAPORE

Male Female BusinessT rip Family holiday

FEMALEMALE

Q.Do you provide personalized service to your guests?

From the 100% result obtained in favour of personalized service, it can be concluded

that boutique hotels do provide personalized services and individual attention to their guests.

Hence this keyword has been proved to be right and appropriate.

Q.Do you have distinctive interior designs such as artistic decor and state of the art lighting

systems?

93% of the respondents agreed that they had distinctive interior designs in their

boutique hotel. Hence, this keyword in the global definition of boutique hotels has been

confirmed to be true.

Q. Do you provide guests with a unique experience?

The result concludes that all boutique hotel operators do have a unique and distinct

theme which results in delivering an equally unique experience to their guests.

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Q. Do you provide a safe environment for your guests?

The responses obtained shows that safety is priority for both hotel operators as well as

the guests. As a result, this keyword has been confirmed to be true.

Q.Is your hotel based on an exclusive theme?

From the 12 responses obtained, it can be seen that boutique hotels are based on an

exclusive theme. According to literature, this statement holds good and is true.

Q. Do you have an Independent Attitude?

From the 14 responses recorded, it can be concluded that all boutique hotels do have an

independent attitude. The academic literature and the real time results prove the true

relationship between them.

Q. Which of the following best describes you as a respondent?

Out of 14 respondents, it was found that 50% (7) were from the Middle Management, 43% (6)

were Associates and Entry Level and the rest were from the Top Management.

Definition in context of Singapore:

The survey responses were evaluated and quantified. These responses were used

further to generate some of the keywords that would enable to formulate a definition of

boutique hotels in Singapore context. (Appendix 2) These keywords were further matched with

the keywords generated from the academic literature study. Some of the questions asked in the

survey were to confirm the characteristics of boutique hotels in Singapore. Some of the key

findings of the quantitative methodology were as follows:

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A set of keywords were found and collected from the academic literature such as:

distinctive interiors, personalized services, safety, exclusive theme, unique experience and an

independent attitude. Our aim was to confirm these keywords existence in the boutique hotel

definition in the case of Singapore. As per the results from the survey, it was confirmed that the

existence of these keywords in the boutique hotel definition in Singapore.

In Singapore, boutique hotels can be characterized by:

• Medium to luxury services;

• Central themes (usually unique, stylish and modern);

• Matching interior (and sometimes exterior) design; and

• Caters to a niche market (mostly business travelers).

In Singapore, boutique hotels can be defined as “accommodation that offers medium to

high quality services based on central themes that are typically unique, stylish and modern as

typified by the property’s interior (and sometimes exterior) design, and usually caters to

business travelers as the niche market”.

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References:

Adner, R. (2011). Lifestyles of the Rich and Almost Famous: The Boutique Hotel Phenomenon in

the United States.

Aliukeviciute, M. (2009). Boutique hotels’ evolution. Hospitality Services, 2-3.

Aliukeviciute, M. (2012). Boutique hotels’ evolution. International Journal of Contemporary

Hospitality Management, 1-3.

Anhar, L. (2001, December 13). The Definition of Boutique Hotels. Retrieved from

Hospitalitynet.org: http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4010409.htmlLucienne Anhar

Balekjian, C. (2011). Boutique Hotels Segment: The Challenge of Standing out from the crowd.

London: HVS Global Hospiltality Services.

BLLA. (2013). Boutique Hotels - Definitions. Retrieved from blla.org:

http://www.blla.org/lifestyle-hotels.htm

Bykova, N. (2012). Boutique Hotel. The Global Travel and Tourism Partnership, 1-5.

Campos, D. F. (June 2012). Perceptions of Quality and Expectations of Hotel Services. Journal of

Operations and Supply Chain Management, 5, 1-3.

Rabontu, C., G. N. (2009). BOUTIQUE HOTELS - NEW APPEARANCES IN HOTEL INDUSTRY IN

ROMANIA. Annals of the University of Petroşani, Economics.

Clayton W.Barrows, T. P. (2009). Introduction to the Hospitality Industry. New Jersey: John

Wiley & Sons. Inc.

Coopers, P. W. (2003). Will the expected Rapid supply growth restrain the lifestyle hotel

sector’s. Hospitality Directions, 11-15.

Day, D. (2012). Boutique and Lifestyle Hotels: Emerging Definitions. 2-5. Retrieved from

http://mbrowndotwordpressdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/blla-white-paper.pdf

Hartesvelt, M. v. (2006). Building a better Boutique Hotel. Lodging Hospitality, 14.

Henderson, J. C. (2011). Hip heritage: The boutique hotel business in Singapore. Singapore:

Nanyang Business School.

Hotel Management Hub. (2011, July 25). Classification of Hotels. Retrieved July 19, 2013, from

Hotel Management Hub: http://www.hotelmanagementhub.com/

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BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN SINGAPORE 19

Liana Victorino, R. V. (2005). Service innovation and customer choices in the hospitality industry

(Vol. 15). USA: Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Rogers, C. (2013). What is a Boutique Hotel? Retrieved from Wise Geek:

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-boutique-hotel.htm

Hotel Management Hub. (2011, July 25). Classification of Hotels. Retrieved July 19, 2013, from

Hotel Management Hub: http://www.hotelmanagementhub.com/

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Appendix 1: Keywords from Academic Literature:

Author Repetition

Personalized (Bykova, 2012), (Rogers,

2013) & (Balekjian, 2011)

3

Unique (Bykova, 2012),(Aliukeviciute,

Boutique hotels’ evolution,

2009), (Cecilia IrinaRabontu,

2009), (Coopers, 2003), (Day,

2012), (Rogers, 2013),

(Balekjian, 2011).

7

Interior (Bykova, 2012) 1

Experience (Aliukeviciute, Boutique

hotels’ evolution, 2009) &

(Day, 2012)

2

Safety (Cecilia IrinaRabontu, 2009) 1

Quality (Bykova, 2012),(Cecilia

IrinaRabontu,2009)&(Day,

2012)

3

Theme (Cecilia Irina Rabontu, 2009)

& (Rogers, 2013)

2

Unique Name (Cecilia IrinaRabontu, 2009),

(Rogers, 2013) & Liana

Victorino, 2005

3

Niche Market (Coopers, 2003) 1

20 to 150 rooms (Hartesvelt, 2006) 1

Cultural (Day, 2012) 1

Luxurious (BLLA, 2013) 1

Stylish (Rogers, 2013) 1

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BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN SINGAPORE 21

Business, Vacations and

Honeymoon

(Rogers, 2013) 1

Location (Hartesvelt, 2006), (Cecilia

IrinaRabontu, 2009) & (Liana

Victorino, 2005)

3

Independent Attitude (Adner, 2011) 1

Eccentric (Henderson, 2011) 1

Appendix 2: Keywords from Hotel Operators Responses:

Care

Comfort

Trendy

Distinctive

Sophisticated

Modern

Personalized

Unique

Premium Quality

Influence mood

Cultural heritage

Independent attitude

Stylish

17 to 200 rooms

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Appendix 3: Boutique Hotel Research Survey:

Q1. What makes your Hotel’s name unique?

Q2. Describe the theme of your hotel.

Q3. Why did you choose this location?

Q4. Is the hotel an independent entity or part of an international franchisee?

Q5. How many rooms do you have in your hotel?

Q6. What is the average age of your guests?

18-25 (1)

26-30 (2)

31-35 (3)

36-40 (4)

41-49 (5)

50 or above (6)

Q7. Gender of your guests?

Male (1)

Female (2)

Q8. Most of your guests come for:

Business Trips (1)

Family Holidays (2)

Honeymoon (3)

Others (4)

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BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN SINGAPORE 23

Q9. Which of the following best describes you as a respondent?

Top Management (1)

Middle Management (2)

Associates (3)

Q10. We provide personalized service to our guests.

Yes (1)

No (2)

Q11. We have distinctive interior designs such as artistic decor and state of the art lighting

systems.

Yes (1)

No (2)

Q12. We provide guests with a unique experience.

Yes (1)

No (2)

Q13. We provide a safe environment for our guests.

Yes (1)

No (2)

Q14. We are based on an exclusive theme.

Yes (1)

No (2)

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BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN SINGAPORE 24

Q15. We have an Independent Attitude.

Yes (1)

No (2)

Q16. Please rate the general quality of your hotel.

Strongly

Agree (1)

Agree (2) Neutral (3) Disagree (4) Strongly

Disagree (5)

Hospitality &

Friendliness

(1)

Bedrooms &

Housekeeping

(2)

Food Menu

(3)

Pricing (4)

Style of

service (5)