The Best, Genuine Boutique Hotels in 2026
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We can admit that Quirk Hotel does have some quirks. There’s a weird collection of teacups on one wall, an art gallery (guaranteed oddity!) and a lot of rosy pinks in the branding. It’s perhaps the version of quirky built by someone who gets their thrills giving out fake names to tour guides and has never seen a John Waters film. No matter how vanilla the weird, it’s a lovely space to stay. The building is a 1916 Italian Renaissance-style gem bought in 2015 by the owners of Richmond’s Quirk… > Read Our Full Review
Hotel La Conversation is a little different from most boutique hotels in Paris. Set in the 15th arrondissement, it’s away from the usual tourist routes, and offers a quieter version of the city surrounded by local cafés, boutique shops and residential streets. It feels comfortable, personable and very much at home in its neighbourhood. The design has a handmade quality to it, with carefully chosen furniture, contemporary details and antique touches giving the hotel character. Rooms are on the smaller side, particularly the entry-level options, but they are cosy, thoughtfully… > Read Our Full Review
The Leo Kent might not be the most intimate boutique hotel in Tucson, but the standard of care and upscale style still put it on our list. As one of Marriott’s Tribute portfolio, you can be sure about the basic standard of luxury. Beyond that, however, we’re all looking for something a little special. Here, you’ll find it in the midpoint of typical hotel glamour and southwestern chic. The charming combination is full Buzz Lightyear and Jesse the Cowgirl honeymoon. Cow-print suede under Titanic-worthy glass chandeliers is the perfect answer… > Read Our Full Review
The Glidden House is a charmingly old-style boutique hotel in Cleveland’s University Circle, near the Case Western campus. This is the spot for any culture-vores, in the perfect location for museum-going. The house itself is on the National Register of Historic Places, a 1910 testament to an eclectic French Gothic style. As you might imagine, the architecture is stunning, delicate, though also grand, all red brick, pale stone and multi-paned windows. The interiors are modernized, though perhaps a bit too much for our taste. We’re talking eclectic mixes of antiques… > Read Our Full Review
Hotel Copernicus, in Kraków’s Old Town, is, we feel, fit for a (Renaissance era Polish) king. Its ornamented reddish brick facade just demands attention, even amongst a whole bunch of other lovely buildings. On the picturesque Kanonicza Street, we love how this hotel both fits in and stands out. Furnishings and decor are heavy in the way of antiques, sporting dark woods and the occasional sumptuous black leather. The hotel is the first in Poland to be associated with Relais & Châteaux. The spa operates under L’Occitane and the restaurant… > Read Our Full Review
This idyllic retreat, less than an hour south of Seville, puts you halfway to the coast and fully into relaxation mode. Hacienda de San Rafael is a super-intimate hotel, with only 14 rooms, but occupies the entirety of an old olive estate. The concept was born in 1989, after the building, and presumably its surroundings, had fallen into disrepair. The current collection of wood beams, thatched roofs, and lush gardens emerged through an incredibly thoughtful renovation. The owners were dedicated to maintaining the original spirit of the estate, and now… > Read Our Full Review
This historic boutique in Downtown St. Augustine, Florida is on par with many of the city’s more expensive brands, and it’s much more intimate to boot. A small property packed with style, this museum-turned hotel is a testament to the staying power of St. Augustine’s storied past. It comprises 9 different historical houses, each with its own story. The hotel offers tours of the property throughout the week, and there are plenty of nearby sites to explore. But it’s not just for history buffs. Amenities, decor, and service are all… > Read Our Full Review
Barcelona’s only Relais & Chateaux, partially housed in a 12th-century palace, Hotel Neri fits like a glove into the city’s Gothic Quarter. The building is a legitimate gem. The original courtyard and sgraffito walls offer great examples of the type of architecture that makes the neighbourhood so charming. We’ll admit to being slightly disappointed with the rest of the decor. And we’re not just grouchy, period-crazed damask and brass lovers. We just think the hotel’s contemporary style could do a better job mixing with the building’s historical charm. The quality,… > Read Our Full Review
With over one hundred acres of land and sweeping Hudson Valley views, Wildflower Farms is a boutique retreat with a tremendous location. Accommodation is modern and down-to-earth, and with many natural touches that make it feel warm and inviting. Beautiful wood beams, one-of-a-kind textiles and handmade soaps make everything feel like your well-traveled aunt’s drawing room, if your well-traveled aunt employed a full staff of servers and concierge services. It’s designed as an immersive experience with nature, where you bask in the beauty around you and then return to your… > Read Our Full Review
Hotel Peter & Paul in New Orleans’ Marigny feels less boutique hotel than carefully composed movie set. It’s a reformed rectory, convent and school house, part of the Ash Hotels approach to adaptive reuse, where history is gently amplified into something semi theatrical The atmosphere is pushed along by antique furnishings, muted textiles and highly detailed interiors that make the whole property feel quietly cinematic. We particularly like how each building carries its own mood, with the intimate, School House Rooms being our favorite. The Elysian Bar, set within the… > Read Our Full Review
We’re in the mountains now, and this Outbound boutique hotel, right outside Stowe, Vermont, will help you make the most of it. In more rural parts of New England, these outdoorsy hotel chains get their time in the spotlight. The Outbound chain has only a few other locations, over in the sprawling west around some of the country’s most famous national parks. This newest, East Coast iteration is sure to catch the eye of many a traveler before the year is out. It’s a high-quality, low-fanfare kind of establishment, with… > Read Our Full Review
This Midtown Greensboro hotel sits in the middle of Friendly Center Shopping Village, a slightly odd spot for a pretty cool hotel. It’s a 1990 remake of a 1919 hotel that lived in Downtown Greensboro before its demolition in 1979. This gives the space a historical vibe with plenty of modern amenities. It’s all bright red awnings and brick, and stunning woodwork interiors, both stately and fresh. The atmosphere carries through to the amenities and services. There’s an afternoon tea, a small pool, and a super charming cloister garden (available… > Read Our Full Review
Bairro Alto Hotel, in the Lisbon neighbourhood of the same name, is a nicely old fashioned, upscale option in the City of Seven Hills. But, at Bairro Alto Hotel, you don’t really have to deal with the hills unless you want to. You’re at the top of a hill here for starters, hence the name, and it’s a pretty much self contained, touristic neighbourhood. The hotel is pretty self contained too. It is the kind of place that you could probably spend a week in, if you brought a nice… > Read Our Full Review
Hotel Collect, Budapest looks instantly captivating. A stately white-stone façade opens into an impressive lobby, elegant hallways, and palettes of beautifully curated colors. There’s loads of rich wood too, and every inch of the space feels deftly intentional. As with many other small boutique hotels, there’s not much else going on in the space. If you wanted every whim (spa itch?), catered to, we’d steer you in a different direction, though it does have a nice little bar. If you like a very beautiful space to lounge about in in… > Read Our Full Review
Tucked off a Portsmouth, NH side street among a small collection of cute clapboard houses, this hotel has a seriously residential vibe. The building was constructed in 1809, recently renovated into a 10-room boutique apart-hotel. It’s a super-charming federal-style work with an arched passageway through the center. We can easily imagine driving a little horse-drawn cart through it to the tiny green shared courtyard behind the hotel. The decor is modern but relaxed, full of crisp greens and soft, welcoming textiles. We’d say The Inn Downtown is more suited for… > Read Our Full Review
One of our favorite cities, Charleston, South Carolina, is lucky enough to have two of the USA’s very best boutique hotels – the smaller, more intimate, Spectator Hotel, and this one here, the very grand, also award-winning, Hotel Bennett. On the large side for a boutique hotel, it has 179 luxurious rooms and suites, and lots of lovely common space including a rooftop terrace with swimming pool, four drinking and dining venues, and a small spa and gym. What are the rooms like? 179 rooms & suites: from 355… > Read Our Full Review
This super-classic seaside resort is a Martha’s Vineyard stalwart, set on the edge of Edgartown spitting distance from the lighthouse. Sure, we’re suckers for a hidden gem or a homey boutique B&B, but sometimes you just want to stay somewhere that feels both intimate and solidly, unarguably luxurious. Harbor View Hotel is one of those. The turn-of-the-century building sits imperiously on a corner, very clearly the hallmark of local accommodation. It’s one of a few that stays open all year, which is a huge plus. If you’re willing to brave… > Read Our Full Review
Hidden behind a relatively understated façade in the 9th arrondissement, La Fantaisie is one of the more original boutique hotels in Paris. It trades the stiff formality of most five-star hotels for something bright and playful. Floral motifs, colourful fabrics and patterns run through the hotel, giving it the feel of a modern fairy tale. The guestrooms are noticeably calmer than the public spaces, but they still have plenty of personality. Handmade details, soft velvets and marble bathrooms sit alongside practical luxury touches such as pillow menus, smart TVs, Bluetooth… > Read Our Full Review
Boutique hotels are not super widespread in Sarasota, Florida, but we like that there are still some smaller, more design-heavy hotels popping up. Kompose is one, though in our opinion, its location may negate some of the attraction, being so far away from anything walkable. But, let’s be real, we doubt anyone came to Florida thinking they were going to walk everywhere. Our other critique is a bit more grounded, having to do with the pricing structure. When booking direct, the hotel offers different rates for different ranges of services…. > Read Our Full Review
Casa Burano isn’t so much a hotel as a collection of gorgeous little houses on the tiny, happily low-key, island of Burano. You’ll wake up in the quiet here, and though the island fairly quickly fills with day-trip tourists, you can see them off in the evening and have it all to yourself. Of course, if you wanted to explore the obvious among the Venetian canals, this isn’t the place, though of course, you can do your day trips. But many regular visitors to Venice, though, Burano is the place… > Read Our Full Review
This red-brick charmer in the center of Birmingham, is the city’s most boutique-y boutique hotel. It starts with a would-be nondescript brick building on the corner across from a mixed-use complex featuring local beers, sushi, a gym, and an event space. It’s an interesting location, and the hotel is very clearly a new and exciting addition to an up-and-coming area. If you go up the chain of command far enough, you’ll find that The Painted Lady comes from the boutique genius of Lark Hotels, one of our go-to small chains…. > Read Our Full Review
One of the newest witch-friendly boutique accommodations in Salem, Massachusetts, The Coach House, near Palmer Grove, is an eye-catching Victorian gem originally constructed in 1879. Fully renovated, and re-opened as hotel in 2022, it displays a crisp balance of historical charm and contemporary chic. It has also gone the way of more than a few boutique hotels in modern times in being self check-in. Some do like the simplicity of self check-in and a hands-off-unless-you-need-them concierge, but if you prefer to feel waited on, you might want to find another… > Read Our Full Review
This standout piece of 1963 Googie-architecture in Midtown Oklahoma City is an attention-getter of a motel with a design-forward vibe and an easy kind of comfort. The Classen Inn is all-in on the retro, so if some kitsch puts you off, we’d take it off your list. If, however, you’re a fan of bold colors and always dreamed of staying in a kind of real-life Barbie house in Oklahoma, this is the one. It’s an odd yet fitting vibe for an otherwise nondescript section of road, a standout in olive… > Read Our Full Review
Easily the most unique of Fargo’s boutique hotels, this beer hall/entertainment center/hotel is the spot for a more fun-loving traveler. It’s definitely not for the historically-minded, Victorian-charm-loving tourist who wants a full breakfast upon waking, but there’s something to it for sure. It’s the brainchild of next door neighbor Drekker Brewing Company. They’re pretty dedicated to being weird, or cool, or edgy, or whatever mix of those things comes up with names like Brewhalla. Thus, you’re unlikely to be shocked by the decidedly steely post-industrial style or the colorful, graffiti-esque… > Read Our Full Review
When we say ‘hidden gem,’ you might roll your eyes at the cliché, but it remains the best way to describe this Weston, Vermont boutique hotel. We didn’t make the rules, we just know that this place is a) in the middle of nowhere and b) totally worth the drive. The entire experience is a perfect combination of small rural town, surrounding forests and the absolute charm of the hotel. It occupies a gleaming white house off of Main Street, both unassuming and elegant at the same time. Once inside,… > Read Our Full Review
The Bonerowski Palace in Krakow’s Old Town can be a family-friendly option, but, with that name, only if your family does not include any 12-year-old boys, of any age, we’d say. The Bonerowski was, ahem, erected in the 14th-century, and modernised in the early 2000s to the upper levels of timeless elegance. They’ve done very little funny business with the decor; it shows much of what you’d expect from a historic boutique hotel. The general design is either period-inspired or that style of classic luxury that’s hard to put a… > Read Our Full Review
The First Musica is a contemporary luxury boutique hotel with a great location in Prati, between the Vatican and the city’s historic centre. The building’s bronze-and-glass exterior signals a departure from the palazzo-style hotels that dominate the city. Inside, bright spaces combine marble, brass and warm wood finishes with a clean, bright, modern aesthetic. With just 24 rooms, The First Musica has an intimate atmosphere, and we particularly like the Tiber-facing categories, with floor-to-ceiling windows and some of the best views in the hotel. Our favourite feature at First Musica… > Read Our Full Review
The Madison location of IHG’s boutique hotel line is good for anyone who wants to be central but with less of a University of Wisconsin adjacent experience. It’s a straightforwardly charming brick building on the east side of the city’s historic district, with easy access to the main attractions. Like most Indigos, there’s a stylish contemporary vibe, with plenty of glass, bold colors and unique furnishings. It fits nicely into the laid-back youth of the city, cheekily toeing the line between fun and discerning. There are events, there are common… > Read Our Full Review
This Santa Monica boutique hotel is enticing from the very start, and nothing inside will contradict the first impressions. Built in 1927 as hotel apartments, the gorgeous building feels both sophisticated and inviting. It’s Mediterranean Revival in style, the exterior intricate and the courtyard beautifully landscaped. It has been a Santa Monica Historic Landmark since 2001 and the decor reflects this history without a hint of pastiche. Palihouse is our favorite of Palisociety’s boutique hotel brands, and their Santa Monica location proves why. Designed primarily for longer stays, the rooms… > Read Our Full Review
If you like the trappings of luxury with an all-out take on themed accommodation, this Salt Lake City spot was just made for you. Somewhat of a hidden gem for those outside of the Utah/Idaho loop, Anniversary Inn is a small chain of quirky, adults only inns. It reaches an almost Disney-esque dedication to theme, and the commitment is delightful, if a bit overwhelming. The South Temple location is already an eye-catcher of a building, and the interior doesn’t disappoint. If this hotel were a TV show, it would have… > Read Our Full Review
If you’re in LA to enjoy Southern California’s natural beauty, this Malibu Hills boutique retreat is for you. Owned by the same family for 80 years, Calamigos Guest Ranch is a 200-acre property offering privacy and relaxation in a stunning natural setting. Sure, it takes a drive to see the Hollywood Stars or the Venice Boardwalk, but when you’re far away from the hubbub of the city, the hubbub is far away from you. If you do it right, that drive might be one of the most scenic of your… > Read Our Full Review
TL;DR • Luxury boutique hotel off the coast of Cancun – a real rarity • No holds barred high-end service with small-scale privacy • Catamaran arrival sets the indulgent tone • Not for authenticity but for full-on pampering • Exclusive Impressions line of upscale Hyatt hotels • Check prices here We’ve got to hand it to Hyatt, they found an untapped niche in Cancun and grabbed it with both hands. While not super-small for a boutique hotel, Impression Isla Mujeres’s combination of indulgent hospitality and small footprint is a… > Read Our Full Review
Tucked away on the quieter edge of the Old Dublin Road, the g Hotel trades a modest exterior for dramatic interiors. The public spaces tilt towards design maximalist, though mostly never quite get there. That colourful energy softens up in the 101 bedrooms, which feel much more grounded. You’ll find natural wood tones, soft lighting, and deep standalone bathtubs, with the best rooms overlooking Lough Atalia. F or the full luxury treatment, the expansive Linda Evangelista Suite adds some serious lounge space. Dining covers both bases: GEO handles high-end tasting… > Read Our Full Review
Hotel Le Germain Quebec was one of the first of the Germain hotel chain’s Canadian boutiques, a 1997 renovation of a 1912 era building. Thus, you’ve got old-style architectural glamour outside Le Germain Hotels’ contemporary interiors. This includes clean lines and subtle colours, more connected to the stone of the building than any heritage. And it’s fine; they both have charm. We’re not of the philosophy that all historical buildings need the complications of period furniture, but if you are, this won’t be for you. Though for the contemporary style,… > Read Our Full Review
Political history nerds, rejoice! This Washington DC boutique hotel sits in literal view of the White House, by the National Mall, and has seen a long list of politically heavyweight guests. The Hay-Adams is a gorgeous 1920s building made in the Italian Renaissance style, with an entrance set back from the road for privacy. It’s also got just the kind of grandeur you’d expect from a hotel where Obama stayed before his inauguration. The site is where the former homes of Henry Adams and John Hay stood, rumored to be… > Read Our Full Review
Tucked away in leafy Didsbury, a few miles south of Manchester city centre, Eleven Didsbury Park feels more like a well-kept private residence than a standard boutique hotel. It offers a much calmer alternative to the city’s busier central addresses, while remaining very well connected. Style wise everything is kept in tune with the classically handsome building. Patterned wallpapers, striped upholstery, soft greys and muted greens lead the way. The 20 guest rooms are nicely kept, comfortable and well equipped. The Veranda Suite is our favourite for its split-level layout,… > Read Our Full Review
This Hollywood boutique hotel is the absolute height of refined luxury. It’s a place for pampering, with an entire floor devoted to wellness and exclusive access to some of the best spaces in the city. You’ll have access to all the amenities you can think of, and some you can’t. Where else can you find a hotel with a recording studio? With a cozy yet central location, you can step out of the chic slate building into the California sun and have the whole of LA at your fingertips. … > Read Our Full Review
Just moments from Saint Mark’s Square, Nolinski Venezia offers an even more polished than average take on the luxury Venice city break It’s part of the French hospitality group Evok, whose boutique hotels have quietly established themselves in some of Europe’s most charming cities. Style-wise, it goes for neither the truly historic nor the contemporary. It sits somewhere mid-20th-century, and is never less than elegant. Classic dark woods and brass are woven throughout, and though it isn’t exactly big, and you’d never accuse it of being extravagant, Nolinski Venezia has… > Read Our Full Review
Avenue Louise may have traded much of its historic architecture for contemporary buildings, but it remains one of Brussels’ grandest addresses, and this sleek modern boutique hotel fits right in. L-Avenue is at the heart of upscale Brussels but you prefer any kind of grand, historic architecture and atmosphere, no part of this hotel fits that bill. If not though, this is the perfect access to modern stylish luxury in a legendary local address, and at reasonable rates. Their suites & studios accommodation is all contemporary sophistication, Like with any… > Read Our Full Review
Besides the name, we also love The Rookery for mixing moody mystery into the easy comforts of a top-quality hotel. Lots of shadows and stone floors can be a bit risky, but this sister to Hazlitt’s whimsy and Batty Langley’s Miss Havisham-esque charm knows what it’s doing. The super-cute stone building sits on a cosy corner right by Smithfield Market, at the city end of Clerkenwell. It’s all very London, in that it’s got plenty of dark spaces, a bit of a sordid past, and an air of exclusivity to… > Read Our Full Review
Between the iconic Mount Royal and Downtown Montreal, Le Mount Stephen cycles between the historical and the modern. The building is an 1883 Italian Renaissance gem, officially listed as a historic monument, and with plenty of original elements to admire. Though much of the interior has been fully remodeled, the exterior remain full on vintage glory. Le Mount Stephen is essentially divided into new and old. A separate historical entrance and old-world restaurant sit somewhat curious next to a super-chic, contemporary lobby and hotel. We’re talking moulded wood and hand-painted… > Read Our Full Review
The old Darwin hotel was acquired by IHG in late 2024 which marked their voco Atlanta boutique hotel debut. We liked the Darwin a lot before and thankfully the style and character of the place seems not to have been changed. The exterior is still somewhat surprisingly drab, despite the bird motifs, but once inside you’ll notice immediately the same 3D artworks and murals circling the still decidedly cheerful bar & lounge. There’s a boldly colorful decorative surprise around every corner at the Darwin, one which stands its ground well… > Read Our Full Review
Florence’s more local Oltrarno district offers a different perspective on the city, and here we have Ottantotto Firenze, one of those boutique hotels we keep coming back to when looking for character. Occupying a centuries-old palazzo, it embraces its historic shell beautifully, with a subtle interior design style we just adore. We also love the scale. With only seven rooms, this boutique hotel feels more like a stylish private residence than a conventional hotel. Each room has its own personality, combining bare stone walls, patterned wallpapers, warm lighting and thoughtfully… > Read Our Full Review
A rather ecclectic option right between Fondaudège and Quinconces, this 5-star boutique hotel isn’t quite what you’d expect from the outside. Unless, of course, you’d have expected fuzzy chairs and the colour palette of a Provençal hedge witch. From blobby animal sculptures to some stunning hammered copper, there’s a 50/50 split between whimsy and elegance that’s hard to match. There’s no lack of luxury, either. Yndo boasts fine linens, culinary delights and a top-notch staff dedicated to ensuring you have a great holiday. There’s a certain amount of sultry gloom… > Read Our Full Review
Downtown Kennebunkport’s set of 19th-century homes turned boutique hotels is more proof that historical elegance and contemporary flair can be a match made in heaven. Another one of Lark Hotel’s multi-unit historic hotel complexes, each of the four houses was once owned by a sea captain, thus the name. They served as houses and/or small inns until 2021, when they were combined into one very chic campus. The houses are named after their former owners, and each is decorated with its own personality. The styling throughout the property is top-notch…. > Read Our Full Review
The most stylish boutique hotel in Krakow? Well, we wouldn’t disagree. Hotel Stary has delicately turned a 14th-century ruin into a superb, award-winning piece of interior design. The synthesis of present and past is a work of art, placing sleek leather next to half-plastered stone walls that speak of living for centuries. An incredible amount of the original architecture has been preserved in some way. Some, like the weathered brick arches, are physically striking; others have simply been woven into the heart of the decor. We’re talking baroque, we’re talking… > Read Our Full Review
Lauded as ‘Aspen’s only 5-star boutique hotel,’ Little Nell has been a fixture in Colorado’s most chic ski hotspot for over 40 years. It’s got the accolades, and they’re well-deserved. It’s the detail-oriented, customized sort of hospitality you associate with super-luxurious hotels. Bellboys are snagging your luggage on arrival, the concierge is sorting all of your slopes access and dinner reservations, there are even warmers for your ski boots. It’s definitely a haven for the more affluent powder hounds, but we wouldn’t say you must be a skier to enjoy… > Read Our Full Review
This private accommodation outside Wilmington, North Carolina is a golfer’s dream and, particularly good for groups, with spacious suites and almost every room able to sleep 2+ people. You definitely can just stay by the pool the whole time here, but in our opinion, it would be a little bit of a waste. The views from the rooms are lovely, looking over the greens and the pool. Prepare to be coaxed outside by fresh air and green space every morning. The 18-hole Beau Rivage golf course is one of the… > Read Our Full Review
Soho has no shortage of places to stay, but very few boutique hotels commit to a look quite like The Broadwick. This is maximalism as a design philosophy – mirrored tables, velvet chairs, pink leather, hand-painted furnishings – and it owns every inch of it. Think Art Deco meets Euro disco. Minimalists, consider yourselves warned. Rooms are compact – standard doubles start at 18 square metres – but that’s arguably beside the point. The Broadwick’s real draws are its shared spaces, and they’re worth your time. We particularly love the… > Read Our Full Review
There are plenty of cute B&Bs in central St. Augustine, but we like the all-in extra of this historical hotel. The house is fairly simple, an oyster shell lime “tabby house” in an unobtrusive pale pink. Inside, however, you could really watch the walls for hours. The common areas are the real standouts, coated in wall paintings and stuffed with antique elegance. The dining room is bright and friendly, with wood beams and a strangely casual atmosphere for such a beautiful property. A friendly staff helps with this as well… > Read Our Full Review
Baltazár Boutique Hotel, Budapest is in some ways reminiscent of a good old-fashioned inn; the downstairs reserved for food, drink and merriment, the upstairs for sleeping it off. It makes for a lively atmosphere built for socialising, and for people watching, where guests too become part of the picture. But it’s still all quite sophisticated – design-led rooms meet excellent restaurant is a formula that mainly the more mature appreciate. Though this, the Buda side, is generally quieter, staying in a small hotel with a super popular restaurant downstairs (though… > Read Our Full Review
Grand Hotel Son Net lies on a remarkably beautiful Mallorcan estate surrounded by the, UNESCO World Heritage listed, Tramuntana Mountains. Its eye-catching pink building – a centuries old mansion – is incredibly lovely and showcases some sublime interior design. It almost overshadowed by the wonderful grounds though – a mix of organic orchards, vineyards, and Mediterranean gardens – and the stunning natural setting. It’s a sprawling yet intimate, high end luxury hotel – the perfect antidote to the crowds and the revelry of the likes of Palma or Magaluf. If… > Read Our Full Review
We love the history buzz of the Royal Mile as much as the next person, but it’s really not all Edinburgh has to offer. The New Town is your alternative, and on one of its classic, bright, open streets, there is the Tigerlilly Hotel. It’s an upscale, inviting hotel and has plenty of youthful panache. Basically, the sum of its parts – it’s got the wallpaper, live plants, and super-designed seating, but the rooms don’t quite bring it home. There’s definitely something quite temporary-feeling about the spaces, whatever it is… > Read Our Full Review
On the north side of San Antonio, TX, near the gorgeous Brackenridge Park, we’ve got yet another remodeled vintage motel. Unlike the many glam or minimalist renovations, this one goes all-in on the retro. It’s done, however, with a soft touch. They’ve retained the original neon sign, but this is more like Hitchcock on a sunny day than the bright pinks and oranges we often associate with retro. The property feels a bit like you wandered into someone’s house party, and they invited you to stay for the summer. It’s… > Read Our Full Review
This Wicker Park boutique hotel is iconic. Sumptuous interiors aside, The Robey’s magnificent Art Deco architecture will draw you in and keep you there, Its rooms and suites are nestled in sunny corners of a sky-high structure. Snag one of these for yourself and you’ll get matchless views of the Chicago skyline from the comfort of your hotel room. We think you won”t regret a sunset cocktail or two on the rooftop bar either. The Robey isn’t just fancy cocktails and great views, however. It fills an old office building,… > Read Our Full Review
Just blocks from Hudson’s main drag, the Wick is a contemporary boutique hotel and one more example of the Northeast’s unswerving devotion to converting old factories. You’ll likely do a double take, as the building doesn’t have the antique fixtures or lush reclaimed wood of many others. What it does have, however, is worth that second glance. The brick has been retained and whitewashed. Inside and out, you’ll find black window frames and shiny new wooden furniture. The exterior is a sleek set of wide windows that let sunlight pour… > Read Our Full Review
We love a refurbished motel – and this ex-Travelodge in the center of Boise, Idaho is another nice example why. Owned by a long-running Boise family, the now-independent hotel shows the creativity that arises when turning one kind of building into another. We won’t lie, it’s definitely still a roadside establishment. If you want to walk out the door onto gorgeous streets to the next-door boutique, this will not do. Yet, any ho-hum interiors and cookie-cutter motel atmosphere have gone, leaving a sleek building with a serious sense of style…. > Read Our Full Review
In Rome’s Monti district, just a short walk from the historic centre, Villa Spalletti Trivelli chooses classic Roman elegance over contemporary design trends. It’s a beautifully preserved aristocratic boutique hotel on the Quirinale Hill, with interiors that are a study in refinement. Marble fireplaces, rich dark woods, tapestries, and soft, classic colour palettes abound. Rooms are limited in number, which adds to the exclusivity. Suites are particularly spacious, and some open out onto private terraces. We particularly love the Garden Suites, with their little pockets of calm in the centre… > Read Our Full Review
If you’re into old-school luxury, The Hermitage, in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee really is the one. The Hermitage is a 1910 building that has served as the city’s premier lodging since the doors first opened. This is no repurposed bank building, post-industrial factory rebuild; it’s a full-on fancy hotel made to be a fancy hotel. The most recent renovation was completed in 2022, making for spaces filled with furnishings that are definitely of the now but have a timeless quality. They fit nicely into the marble, the terrazzo flooring and even… > Read Our Full Review
If you’ve grown sick of the more contemporary Belfast boutique hotel, this classic beauty in the Cathedral Quarter is just what the doctor ordered. The Merchant is basically just historic B&B meets luxury hotel, boutique in size and intimacy rather than style. Originally the Ulster Bank headquarters, the mid-1800s building is a sight to behold. An Italianate facade features rust-coloured stone carved to perfection, the domed entrance surrounded by allegorical columns. The interiors feel like an ode to the architecture. Furnishings are vaguely period-specific, if not legitimately from the 19th… > Read Our Full Review
Texas has no shortage of gorgeous old architecture, but not all have the charismatic appeal of Downtown San Antonio’s Hotel Havana. The building is a gem from 1914, originally designed as (this may shock you) short-term high-end residences. The property bopped around a few different hands until 2010, when it was bought by Austin-based Bunkhouse Hotels, a small, community-focused hotel group. So, we know it’s in good company, we know it’s a great building for a hotel. What makes it special is more of an attitude than a history. With… > Read Our Full Review
This Downtown Pittsburgh hotel, at the intersection of the three waterways, is a lofty old beauty, dating all the way back to 1902. Originally, it would’ve been considered a skyscraper, and it’s a mild surprise that the Industrialist has the intimacy that it does, in such a large container. They’ve eschewed the damask, walnut, and mahogany type classic decor. The aesthetic here is more glass and gray and mottled marble. It’s part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and, as you might imagine, the standards of luxury are high. You’ll have the… > Read Our Full Review
The desert has its own special sort of romance, perfectly encapsulated by this boutique hotel in Tucson’s Saguaro National Park. The Joshua Tree House (one of three similar establishments in the Western US) is a sprawling, pale clay building tucked behind the park, off one of those kind of empty, right-angle roads you see in movies. It’s ultimately just a house, but a very well-connected house on acres of spectacular desert land. As such, it’s less a traditional boutique hotel than an a la carte kind of vacation. You can… > Read Our Full Review
There’s no avoiding Camden on a Maine Coast tour. And, if you planned to hang out for a bit, you couldn’t choose a better base than The Norumbega Hotel. Telegraph and fire alarm bigwig Joseph Barker Stearns, built his ‘Stone Castle by the Sea’ in 1887. It was the inventor and entrepreneur’s dream house, constructed after many years traveling abroad. It served as his fancy-pants mansion for many years, before being converted to a fancy-pants inn in 1985. The 2022 sale and renovation ushered in a new era of fancy-pantsness. The… > Read Our Full Review
Dakota Hotel’s aggressively modern building doesn’t inspire, but step through the doors and things change. Dark timber, bronze detailing, leather seating and low lighting create a cocooning, club-like environment. It has a masculine, industrial-chic aesthetic, yet avoids feeling cold or overly stylised. Bedrooms continue the theme with layered textures, warm taupe and charcoal tones. They are also spacious and have plenty of hotel comforts such as Nespresso machines, rainfall showers, quality bedding and slippers. We like the Garden Rooms, particularly in warmer months thanks to their private terraces, while suites… > Read Our Full Review
A boutique hotel stay in Polanco, Mexico City, is sure going to put you in upscale territory, but Campos Polanco takes that up a notch or two. There are only 12 suites in this gorgeous building, and the residential quality makes each space feel like some celebrity apartment turned museum. Except, you are the celebrity, it’s not a museum, and your fantasy of sipping a glass of mezcal on the rooftop surrounded by lush plants and fellow chic socialites is about to come true. Of course, this type of travel… > Read Our Full Review
A couple of Culver City’s boutique hotels have illustrious histories. The Culver Hotel here hails from the 1920s and the very height of LA glamour. It’s recognized as a National Landmark in fact. It still has that old-time charm in spades, and as a hotel seems intent on honoring the historic architecture. It has received recognition as it happens from The Collective, a group of Proper Hoteliers that select and promote the best in independent boutique hotels. What are the rooms like? Size: 46 rooms ranging from Queens to… > Read Our Full Review
The Verb is of Boston’s most personality-driven boutique hotels, and we like that it never tries to shake off or smooth out its 1959 origins as the former Fenway Motor Hotel. Instead, they go full on for rock-and-roll heritage, from the vinyl-heavy lobby to the recording studio feel of the communal spaces. Airstream trailers are part of the accommodation choices here. And they are our favorite, though the main building’s colorful, music-themed rooms are pretty appealing too. All have record players with curated vinyl libraries and music inspired wall art…. > Read Our Full Review
This inside-out boutique hotel beauty is one of Downtown Des Moines’ most eye-catching places to stay. The 1913 Beaux-Arts building alone is a head-turner, but once you get inside, we’re pretty sure you’ll want to stay. Originally an office building for insurance companies, the interior has been converted into a mid-century but modern gem. It’s a gorgeous blend of contemporary luxury and classic comfort, all buttery leather and white coffered ceilings. Anyone who likes historical charm and elegance, but modern luxury, won’t find a better place in Des Moines. And,… > Read Our Full Review
If you’re trying to picture ‘the most Santa Fe of all hotels in Santa Fe,’ this Downtown boutique hotel beauty should be what comes to your mind. Pair that with Rosewood brand luxury, and we’ve got a winner. The stucco and wood-beam architecture speaks the language of the city, with beautifully crafted woodwork welcoming you into a space that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. References to the region’s original caretakers, the Anasazi tribe, are woven throughout the hotel. They’re presented as an integral part of the area’s character, alongside vestiges… > Read Our Full Review
Palacio Solecio is a meticulously renovated 18th century palace in the heart of Malaga’s Old Town One for amateur historians, for sure, but we don’t think anyone else will have much in the way of complaints. The building’s legacy is absolutely worth diving into, but so are the marble bathrooms and signature cocktails. Buttery stone and gorgeous wrought iron welcome you into a cluster of romantic brick walls. These surround a breathtaking courtyard surrounded by elegant arcades where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. Follow stairs up… > Read Our Full Review
From the marble lobby to the marble bathrooms, Hotel LeVeque has certainly latched onto the trappings of luxury and hung on. They’re well-applied, toeing the edge of gaudy without ever really going over. The hospitality is excellent too of course (it’s Columbus, Ohio, people!), but the focus at Hotel LeVeque is on timeless sophistication. We’re especially drawn to where the historical and ornamental work together. A lot of it is in the high ceilings of the 1927 building, where the sun pours in, glinting off the brass fixtures and warming… > Read Our Full Review
The Box House Hotel, Greenpoint is another post-industrial-chic Brooklyn boutique hotel, set inside, wouldn’t you know it, a converted factory. The interior design is straightforward enough, but you’ve got all the exposed brick, concrete and metalwork you might desire for your Brooklyn hotel experience. Rooms have an apartment like character with hardwood floors and colorful, eclectic furnishings that soften a bit the warehouse edges. Many spaces extend into one-bedroom suites or penthouses with kitchens and balconies, making it especially practical for longer stays. The on-site Brooklyn Lantern Restaurant serves quality… > Read Our Full Review
Though it’s on the larger side of the LA boutique hotel spectrum, Hotel Bel-Air nonetheless embodies all the novelty, beauty and elegance that defines a good hotel experience. Though they’ve welcomed guests from Marilyn Monroe to Ronald Reagan, the appeal goes far beyond a history of star clientele. Established in 1946, the architecture is remarkable and the landscaping genuinely breathtaking. Tucked away in the Hollywood Hills, this pink-walled hotel offers dreamy Mediterranean accommodation for those wanting to explore LA from private comfort and luxury. What are the rooms like?… > Read Our Full Review
It’s simple: the best things are a little bit weird, and/or books. These come into perfect alignment between the bustling Union Square and the more fanciful Theatre District, in the art-covered walls and moody lighting of Hotel Emblem. The first thing you’ll note are the floor-to-ceiling stacks of colorful books forming a wall in one of the common areas. Then there are the references to the Beat Generation, and dedications to creativity, woven into the walls. It might not be the best atmosphere for pinkies-up tea drinking next to bags… > Read Our Full Review
Des Moines is a pleasant little city, but even then not all visitors want to be in the thick of things. If you can relate to that at all, this boutique lodge in Clive, about ten miles from the center, might just be for you. It’s called Wildwood Lodge and it’s all in on the rustic-ish Midwestern charm, with lots of polished wood, eclectic design and soft, cozy furnishings. We like that the common areas feel more lived in than the rooms, like you’ve come to the lake house with… > Read Our Full Review
Vivid blade signs with cute typography? Check. Refurbished motor lodge in the heart Downtown Boise? Check. Part of a regional chain where each location has a different bird name? *swoon* It’s hard not to be charmed by this supremely cute boutique hotel, a new addition to Boise’s growing scene. The Nest group, out of Bozeman, Montana, prides itself in taking derelict buildings and completely revamping them into colorful, welcoming hotels. The SPARROW is one of three, a super-contemporary space built on the bones of an old hotel that had gone… > Read Our Full Review
It’s not like you’ll miss the lovely River Walk neighborhood during a San Antonio vacation, but this luxury boutique hotel is hidden away on a small island-like formation that connects the north and east River Walk. Something about having a waterfront stroll on all sides makes it extra charming, and a tad more exclusive. The building is a lovely restored property that stands out a bit but is surrounded by enough noteworthy architecture to make walking around the area decidedly pleasant. The Mokara is very much on the international standard… > Read Our Full Review
Overall perhaps the best luxury boutique hotel in central Budapest, Kozmo occupies a gorgeous building that housed Eastern Europe’s largest telecommunication centre at the beginning of the 1900s. It’s not what you’d expect; however, only certain elements have the all-glass kind of facades we’d associate with media buildings in the 21st century. Nope, here the dusty rose walls are ornamental and soaring, historical without feeling old, modern without feeling sterile. Thus, we’re not surprised to find interiors err on the modern side of things. They’re not minimalist, per se, but… > Read Our Full Review
Finca Cortesin is a stylish, rural boutique retreat an hour from Malaga. Golf is a major focus here, but for those who don’t partake, you’ve still got a full-on upmarket resort, one of the best on the Costa del Sol, to be getting on with. We’re talking pools, fine dining and drinking, padel, tennis, spa facilities, private beach club – the works. It’s a historic, traditional finca, nicely refreshed with a more contemporary, urban sophistication. White walls and lush green plants surround sunny spaces filled with rich wood and charming… > Read Our Full Review
The Lucerne is one of those old school Manhattan hotels that quietly resists reinvention. Housed in a 1904 red-brick building on the Upper West Side, it presents itself as a classic boutique hotel with a calm, restrained feel. Dark wood finishes, soft lighting and traditional detailing decorate the common areas while the rooms are kept simple and functional. There’s nothing aggressively styled here, and that’s a lot of the point. Room categories range from compact Queens at around 150 sq ft to suites of roughly 400 sq ft and above,… > Read Our Full Review
Many hotels in Downtown Boise have a straight-lines, bright colors contemporary vibe. Which is fine, but we love a little red-brick smarm. Enter Hotel Renegade: Some kind of Steve Martin we’re thinking, to the SPARROW hotel’s Selena Gomez. It’s a stately, building of character with handsome insides and a fresh, luxurious vibe. We’re talking brass fixtures, gleaming leather, soft velvet, all the stops. And they do it with taste. Nothing is over the top, and a bit of velvet can work when surrounded by rich wood and chic lighting. It’s… > Read Our Full Review
Esme Hotel, tucked away just off Española Way, South Beach feels like a self-contained Mediterranean-style village than a typical Miami boutique hotel, with striped awnings, string lights and dense greenery set against a very central, energetic South Beach location. The design pulls from Spanish/Mediterranean references but blends them into something looser and more eclectic. Around 145 rooms are spread across small buildings and paseos, with interiors that love plush textures, tiled details, monochrome palettes and muralled accents. Some rooms open onto balconies or seating areas. Dining and social life centre… > Read Our Full Review
Hotel Greystone in Miami’s South Beach, is where restraint, and not excess, defines the mood. It sits just off the main strip, where its restored Art Deco façade stands out in crisp white against the usual South Beach spectacle. Inside, the tone is calm and curated, with a clean palette of whites, pale woods and black accents that keeps the focus on light, space and atmosphere. Rooms are split across two buildings around a courtyard, giving the property a more intimate feel than the 91 room count might suggest. Some… > Read Our Full Review
Tucked off of the busy Calle Granada in Málaga’s Centro Histórico, you’ll find this cosy collection of guest houses. Gently wack concept lovers rejoice, Cristine Bedfor Malaga is inspired by an unwritten book from the hotel’s founder, Cristina Lozano. It tells the tale of Christine Bedfor, daughter of the Spanish Ambassador to a fictional island off the coast of Gibraltar. The island floats around the sea throughout the year, parked off the Málaga coast throughout the winter. Christine is, in this iteration, a young girl experiencing the joys of travel,… > Read Our Full Review
The Whitby in Midtown Manhattan is one of Kit Kemp’s most expressive boutique hotel creations, and we just adore its bold colors, bold patterns, and eye-catching contemporary art. There are floor to ceiling windows here, and we also love how the building’s fairly standard looking glass and metal exterior gives way to these feasts-for-the eyes interiors. The Whitby Bar & Restaurant is the social hub here, has different dining spaces, and a long-standing tradition of afternoon tea. Facilites also include a, nicely old-fashioned, reading room to hang out in, and… > Read Our Full Review
Eco Boutique Hostal Grau is a unique, upscale, private room hostel right off La Rambla, and by Plaça Catalunya – pretty much the heart of downtown Barcelona. It’s a fun, relaxed place, but not at all a typical party/youth hostel. We mean, like, actually relaxed, with plenty of adult, and family-friendly vibes. There’s a post-industrial chic to the whole thing. We’re talking enough pastel paint, butcher block and monstera to open an Anthropologie. Yet, touches of grunge, sneaky floral tiles and plants everywhere, tone down the too-clean vibes. It all… > Read Our Full Review
This Richmond boutique hotel occupies a 1912 Classical Revival building with a beautifully preserved facade and an interior that serves as a testament to local artistry. You’ve got your wrought iron, your century-old friezes and, of course, wall murals designed by local tattoo artists. They’ve shown real respect to the building and a nice understanding of how to delicately apply street style to an upscale space. Inside the rooms, you’re mostly looking at lovely, framed prints and paintings. Big, eye-catching pieces are used sparingly. The rest of the decor could… > Read Our Full Review
This dramatic looking, Lake Geneva-side boutique hotel is one of many stunning buildings on Geneva’s most prestigious street, Quai Wilson. Some of them give magical frou-frou palace, others king’s quarters vibes, while The Woodward swings, more simply; 20th century classic. We’re talking clean lines in white and beige, something that might feel boring somewhere else, but here complements the architecture beautifully. There are enough little touches of design to keep things more or less interesting. It’s also an all-suite establishment, with a small number of rooms in a pretty huge… > Read Our Full Review
This Downtown Grand Rapids hotel might not be the most imaginative spot in the city, but it’s a solid choice with good amenities. We’ll be honest, the name ‘Residence Inn’ doesn’t really fill our hearts with love, today or any other day. The building lit up at night though gives it a certain romance. It’s a wedge-shaped number reminiscent of Manhattan’s Flatiron, but the art deco vibes are reserved for the evenings, courtesy of some clever outdoor lighting decisions. For flair, that’s about it. If you’re looking for oodles of… > Read Our Full Review
This iconic boutique hotel in Santa Monica couldn’t be closer to the beach, and that’s only the start of what makes it a terrific hotel. You’ll be greeted by bellboys in uniforms that match the bold aqua exterior of a building that has been welcoming guests since the 1920’s. The Georgian was specifically designed to catch the eye while providing an intimate, comfortable experience. It’s been refurbished a few times since then, hosting a range of guests from movie stars to factory workers during WWII. What are the rooms… > Read Our Full Review
Location, location, decoration! This Downtown Salem boutique hotel is one of our top picks for both the easy distance from everything interesting and the comfortable mid-century vibes. Another New England gem from Lark Hotels, the Hotel Salem upholds both the brand’s cheerful quirkiness and the city’s moody undertones. It’s a celebration of bright pattern against slick basics, geometric primaries meets exposed brick meets soft lighting and every type of grey we could imagine. It’s a versatile space. We’d judge it perfectly capable of entertaining a child, appeasing a teenage Wicca… > Read Our Full Review
This central Aspen location of a small chain of mountainous hotels is a testament to the brand’s quality. Contrary to our typical favorites, Limelight is no art-deco-inspired boutique or historic motel. Neither is it a converted factory or a quirky B&B with an owner that studied culinary arts in NYC. It is more of a chic, cozy, small hotel. There are few surprise frills, and the straightforwardness is refreshing. The amenities are well-selected and easy to take advantage of. With multiple partnerships, the many Audi mentions, for example, it can… > Read Our Full Review
The historic Schuster Mansion B&B, in the western part of Milwaukee might be a bit out of the way, but it’s perfect if you want to feel cozy and taken care of. The neighborhood is full of stately homes with verdant lawns and grand entrances (many of them also B&Bs), but Schuster Mansion definitely feels like the king. The 1891 bright red brick and terracotta residence definitely stands out, with turret-like elements, plenty of archways, and impeccably managed grounds. Of course, it’s the indoors you’ll really want to get a… > Read Our Full Review
Hotel Le Germain in Downtown Montreal is a bright modern take on boutique hotels that we’re happy to see growing. The Quebecois Germain Hotel chain have been introducing Canada to sophisticated, contemporary accommodation since the 90s. And this, their third hotel, remains one of their most eye-catching. A building coated in colour and stripes welcomes guests to a super-chic, modern interior. The crisp, minimalist-adjacent elegance of the lobby is the perfect foil to the on-the-edge-of-taste facade. It adds maturity that might feel boring if you hadn’t entered from a doorway… > Read Our Full Review
This hotel is another of the cadre of unique accommodation options in the extended mall that is Midtown Greensboro, North Carolina. Across the street from a tire repair shop, you’ll be walking distance from the Verizon store and an Outback Steakhouse. The hotel itself is meticulous design meets the most boring sides of urban living. We like to think it would work well as the set of a Wes Anderson remake of Memento. It’s definitely one of those that works best once you’re immersed. The size is excellent, not overly… > Read Our Full Review
It’s not hard to see why this Downtown Oklahoma City hotel is an attractive option. The building alone is worth the price tag, which is fairly reasonable, all things considered. Comfort, revelry and more are housed in the city’s old Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, a phenomenal mix of red brick, giant windows and gorgeous stonework. In general, the decor is a mix of southern charm and whitewashed post-industrial hip. It gives uncohesive more than eclectic, in our opinion, but it’s still cute and welcoming. There’s also plenty to do,… > Read Our Full Review
Hotel Clermont, in the heart of the trendy Poncey-Highland neighborhood is something a small celebration of the city’s eclectic history. This is an Atlanta hotel with plenty of stories to tell, we’re sure. First built as an apartment block in 1924, it opened as a hotel – the Clermont Motor Hotel – in 1939. It fell into disrepair over the years, and indeed was about to be demolished in 2009, before being bought, restored and reopened as a hotel in 2018. Lovingly resorted is certainly an overused phrase but here it… > Read Our Full Review
This central Montauk motel is – there’s no other word for it – cool. It’s like a friend invites you to stay the weekend in their family’s Hamptons’ summer home – if that home was originally a motel and somebody in the family is a designer for Home Studios in Manhattan. Reality isn’t too far off. Sure, they just hired Home Studios, but Daunt’s Albatross is a family-owned establishment that’s been part of the Daunt line since the ’70s. A 2020 glow-up brought the motel decisively into the boutique scene,… > Read Our Full Review
This sprawling hotel on Mule Alley in the Stockyards of Fort Worth is cowboy-flavored indulgence at its finest. Hotel Drover is a bit big for our standards, but the location is perfection and the property unique enough that we didn’t want to leave it out. We, it must be admitted, are real suckers for neons, especially in cool shapes. And there’s something, isn’t there, about a neon cowboy that makes the grand romance of the American West feel like it might just be real. It’s big, Texas luxury, with a… > Read Our Full Review