Every hotel of the smaller variety seems to call itself a boutique hotel. But what does this term actually mean? Unlike the open-to-interpretation meaning of luxury hotel, the definition of boutique hotel is quite clear. Here are some elements that distinguish a boutique hotel from the rest.

First and foremost, a boutique hotel is small. Most hospitality pros agree that for a property to be considered a boutique hotel, it should not be much bigger than 125 rooms. A boutique hotel's intimate size produces its characteristic personal feeling and heady ambiance. Some luxury travelers enjoy the cozy size and enveloping atmosphere of a boutique hotel. Others prefer feeling like observers in a big, busy hotel.

A boutique hotel strives to be one-of-a-kind. It has an independent attitude. It may be independently owned and/or it may be a member of a luxury hotel association. Some boutique hotels wear the boutique label of a larger hotel brand. Sometimes it's a wing of a larger hotel. The boutique section feels more or less like a separate hotel. It has its own reception, lobby, and decor -- not to mention a more exclusive identity and more personalized service.

Boutique hotels tend to be in the city, where their buzzy ambiance feels just right. Often, the small size of an urban boutique hotel affords it a dead-center location in the heart of town. This makes it easy to hit all the hot spots around town.

A boutique hotel is not generic, blah, or bland. It strives to be one-of-a-kind, and has an independent attitude. Its clientele is individualistic, too.

Typically, a boutique hotel's design comes from its of-the-moment point of view. Décor in a boutique hotel runs toward sleek materials and stark palettes with bold color splashes. (Fusty furnishings like chintz, brocade, tassels and swags are not boutique-hotel hallmarks.) If a hotel has cookie-cutter décor and/or is filled with traveling suits, it fails the Luxury Travel Boutique hotel test. Often, a boutique hotel conveys a strong sense of place with a look that reflects the location's heritage.

A small hotel means better service. And a good boutique hotel makes exceptional personal service its mission.

Boutique hotels express their singularity in light-hearted, mildly rebellious room details and guest programs. A boutique hotel can surprise and delight guests with winsome touches: a tiger-shaped faux-fur rug before the fireplace, a vibration-platform machine in the gym, your own (and not very corporate) temporary business cards.

A boutique hotel can usually be depended upon to feature outstanding restaurants and bars that draw a city-wide crowd. Often, the hotel boasts a celebrity-chef eatery in its lobby. And just as frequently, it offers a stylish bar or lounge with a delectable modern cocktail menu.

With all these factors included, the definition of a boutique hotel could be, it’s an accommodation that makes their guests feel happy, content, makes them want to return, and also tell their friends and family.

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