Boutique or Chain Hotels?

[kangarooflyer88]

Simple question (I think), which do you prefer a boutique hotel (i.e. Ovolo Woolloomooloo) or a chain hotel that follows a specific brand guidelines (i.e. Holiday Inn, Sofitel, Hilton, Sheraton)? And why? Are there certain circumstances where you would favour one type of hotel over another? For clarity a boutique hotel generally refers to independent hotels (or hotels that are part of a franchise like Accor or Marriott) that don't follow specific brand guidelines and instead are designed on the whims of the hotelier. Contrast that with a chain hotel like a Hilton or Sheraton where there are specific brand rules that must be followed regarding the design of the property, rooms, amenities, etc. The benefit I see with boutique hotels is that they can offer a pleasant surprise, particularly if you're getting bored of the same drab hotel room. The counter argument against Boutique hotels is you aren't 100% sure what you are getting. Say what you will about a Sofitel or Courtyard by Marriott but you know exactly what you are getting and what you are entitled to as an elite.

It should also be pointed out that there are many independent hotels which have a partnership with a major hotel chain. For instance, Ovolo seems to have agreements with Accor and Hilton whereby you can book direct with Accor/Hilton and receive stay night credits and benefits just like you stayed at one of their own properties. Each major hotel chain has their own brand for boutique hotels, which I will briefly highlight:

• Hilton: Signature Luxury Hotel
• Marriott: Autograph Collection
• Accor: Handwritten Collection
• IHG: Hotel Indigo
• Choice Hotels: Ascend Collection
• Hyatt: Mrs & Mrs Smith, Unbound Collection

-RooFlyer88

 

[RooFlyer]

All things being equal, I’d choose an independent or small chain boutique hotel but I choose hotels based on location and price. Since I’ve attained Accor+ plat, that skews choice a bit in their favour but by no means it handcuffs me to them.

 

[p--and--t]

Choosing Hotels.
1. Availability on my dates
2. Location/Price
3. Facilities
4. Reviews
5. Chain I am a member of

 

[Foreigner]

All things being equal, I’d choose an independent or small chain boutique hotel but I choose hotels based on location and price. Since I’ve attained Accor+ plat, that skews choice a bit in their favour but by no means it handcuffs me to them.

Same same

 

[markis10]

boutique hotel generally refers to independent hotels (or hotels that are part of a franchise like Accor or Marriott) that don't follow specific brand guidelines and instead are designed on the whims of the hotelier.

Your definition of a boutique hotel doesn’t match your example

 

[drron]

I like being the odd one out.
Prefer chains. Probably because of our travel in the USA where stayed in all 50 states and often in rural areas. It was much better knowing what you would get as many independent properties were rubbish. In the early days we used lower end properties. But they still got you status.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

All things being equal, I’d choose an independent or small chain boutique hotel but I choose hotels based on location and price. Since I’ve attained Accor+ plat, that skews choice a bit in their favour but by no means it handcuffs me to them.

I'm in a similar way. Although I do keep my eye open to boutique hotels when available, they often are in the destinations I'm staying or the Accor+ price of a chain is so compelling that it doesn't make sense to consider another hotel. For instance, next week I'm staying at the ibis Sydney Barangaroo for $90/night. Hard to beat that, particularly for a Platinum who gets free breakfast and other perks. However, sometimes the opportunity to stay at a boutique does present itself and it's something I do consider.

Choosing Hotels.
1. Availability on my dates
2. Location/Price
3. Facilities
4. Reviews
5. Chain I am a member of

With regards to #3 what do you look for specifically? The reason I ask, is that if you filter by amenities on a travel website, that could very well eliminate what is otherwise perfectly good boutique hotels. Alternatively there may be amenities you realize you want but you cannot specify in search (i.e. having a loft room).

What I do find is an interesting trend is the number of boutique hotels entering into partnerships with chains like Hilton or Accor. They remain boutique hotels with their own unique design and style yet they give you all the benefits of being an elite with the respective program you booked with.

I like being the odd one out.
Prefer chains. Probably because of our travel in the USA where stayed in all 50 states and often in rural areas. It was much better knowing what you would get as many independent properties were rubbish. In the early days we used lower end properties. But they still got you status.

That is always a risk with boutique hotels. The Hilton in Branson, MO may not be all flashy as some boutique hotels but you know what you're getting: a comfortable room with a minimum service and amenity standard. With that being said, I don't think I'm the only AFF member who has stayed at chain hotels and have been let down by properties who haven't lived up to the brand standard. One example that comes to mind is a Doubletree in Minneapolis where I did not get housekeeping for the length of my stay (7 nights) despite me asking the front desk countless times.

-RooFlyer88

 

[p--and--t]

With regards to #3 what do you look for specifically? The reason I ask, is that if you filter by amenities on a travel website, that could very well eliminate what is otherwise perfectly good boutique hotels

Depends on what where why when. Every search has different criteria.

If i’m travelling to Adelaide for a few days to visit rellies I’ll be renting a car and want free carparking on site if possible. Locality not so important as I will have wheels and know my way around.

Transit through a city I’ve been before eg LAX, airport hotel with free regular shuttle service

If I’m on holiday in Asia or where it might be hot/stuffy (eg one trip I made to Berlin) - airconditioning, perhaps pool, close to other amenities so I don't have to walk far in the heat.

If a more strenuous trip and having a couple days break - hot tub to relax, massage facilities on site or nearby.

Long trip, every 7 days, washing machine & dryer or laundry located nearby.

More generally, if multi storey does it have a lift, Im not carting luggage up 3 storeys.

Overseas, how far away is public transport - subway, bus service, shuttle service. What will it cost to get to/from the airport

If it has an entertainment venue and multiple bars on site with potentially loud music, delete from search.

Not so important nowadays, before I started buying eSIMs, free wifi when overseas.

 

[daft009]

I prefer chains as I know what to expect as a minimum.

Also helps narrow down the search otherwise it seems never-ending/daunting

I try and stick to Hiltons, Accors or IHG as I have good status with them

 

[Pushka]

Yes to both. Dependent on location entirely.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Depends on what where why when. Every search has different criteria.

If i’m travelling to Adelaide for a few days to visit rellies I’ll be renting a car and want free carparking on site if possible. Locality not so important as I will have wheels and know my way around.

Transit through a city I’ve been before eg LAX, airport hotel with free regular shuttle service

If I’m on holiday in Asia or where it might be hot/stuffy (eg one trip I made to Berlin) - airconditioning, perhaps pool, close to other amenities so I don't have to walk far in the heat.

If a more strenuous trip and having a couple days break - hot tub to relax, massage facilities on site or nearby.

Long trip, every 7 days, washing machine & dryer or laundry located nearby.

More generally, if multi storey does it have a lift, Im not carting luggage up 3 storeys.

Overseas, how far away is public transport - subway, bus service, shuttle service. What will it cost to get to/from the airport

If it has an entertainment venue and multiple bars on site with potentially loud music, delete from search.

Very sound search criteria if you ask me. I’d be curious what other rules of thumb people have in choosing hotels as I suspect it would be helpful for those of us new to travel or learning to book travel better.

I prefer chains as I know what to expect as a minimum.

You certainly have a point there. I just received the receipt for the boutique I stayed at last night (Ovolo Wooloomolo) and saw a $5 charge for in room coffee. I’ve stayed at hundreds of hotels globally (including boutiques) and have never been charged for using the in room coffee. Am I out of touch here?

 

[p--and--t]

I prefer chains as I know what to expect as a minimum.

But do you? Example:

Ive stayed at Radisson Melbourne three nights and very impressed. Reasonable price, great staff, great housekeeping, clean quiet & convenient.

Stayed one night in Radisson Blu in Cairo only because I had no other choice and arrived late and tired. Filthy dirty, run down, hopeless staff, lift floors covered with rubbish, mould in the bathroom, leaky taps, broken toilet seat, layer of dust on furniture.

Had similar inconsistencies but not as dramatic as above with Marriott's. Marriott LAX vs Marriott Sophia.

A chain doesn't guarantee consistency IME.

 

[daft009]

But do you? Example:

Ive stayed at Radisson Melbourne three nights and very impressed. Reasonable price, great staff, great housekeeping, clean quiet & convenient.

Stayed one night in Radisson Blu in Cairo only because I had no other choice and arrived late and tired. Filthy dirty, run down, hopeless staff, lift floors covered with rubbish, mould in the bathroom, leaky taps, broken toilet seat, layer of dust on furniture.

Had similar inconsistencies but not as dramatic as above with Marriott's. Marriott LAX vs Marriott Sophia.

A chain doesn't guarantee consistency IME.

Yeah developing countries are hit and miss. I don't have much experience except India...

Even though the chains could be a miss, non chains could be a lot worse I feel

 

[MARTINE]

I do both and research extensively beforehand.

Brands are essentially franchises and individual factors of site/local staff and sociocultural factors play a part.

If I am only staying briefly - bland and functional (but must be clean and in a safe area) are fine. Often the chains will do.

I see destination holidays where I am based longer differently. If the place that best meets my needs is in my loyalty group - great/if not then pass until I find the one that does.

If wavering I will sometimes email hotel and explain my needs and can they meet expectations. If I get a prompt personalised response this can positively sway me.

For some events (like attending Montreux music festival) where you want to experience the music from your hotel room, walk to all the concerts and avoid the crush of 1/4 million pax taking public transport home at the same time — I stay where the action is (worth it).

Important thing is that it’s individual and there is a place out there for everyone.

Having said that some of the worst hotels I have stayed in still make the very best dinner party stories years later.