Boutique hotels’ popularity has been growing over the years. Some of these properties are themed, whilst others support an underlying philosophy such as eco or sustainable tourism. Customisation is one of the properties which have made them popular. Frequent travelers are keen to experience something new as they seem to have tired of similar looking hotel rooms and spaces. Though there are characteristics which are common to most boutique style properties the definition of boutique has become increasingly broad. The essence of boutique has come to mean personalized service. Ashok Malkani examines several aspects of what makes these hotels popular and what is their future.
Large hotels may be overwhelming in size but a boutique hotel has its own awe inspiring beauty as well as service par excellence. It has been found that millennials love boutique hotels. They search for customised experiences which, they feel, are offered by boutique hotels as compared to the experiences that are historically provided by the bigger chains. As one of the regular travellers commented, “We, of the younger generation, prefer staying in a unique location which is more memorable than staying in a chain hotel as they typically offer the same look, feel and interiors all across the world. Boutique hotels, on the other hand employ several techniques to remedy this, including furniture and design of the guest rooms.”
Today’s popularity of boutique hotels is because a part of the society has moved away from the mass-consumer concept to ensure that travellers can once again feel special, experience opulence at its best and enjoy personalised services.
History
Boutique hotels are not a new phenomenon. In fact, if one looks down the corridors of time, it is believed that these hotels are, in reality, the beginnings of hospitality industry which started when Joseph and Mary arrived at the Inn in Bethlehem and the clerk told them that their reservation had been lost. The first wave of facilities offering guest accommodation can thus be traced back to biblical and medieval times.
It is believed that César Ritz a 58-room was one-of-a-kind boutique hotel at Place Vendôme in 1705. The first hotel chain formed in the early 1920s; every hotel before that was a boutique hotel. Fast forward to 1960s and 1970s when America and the Western world further commoditised accommodation and a wave of hotels sprang up and littered the skylines.
What makes a Boutique Hotel?
この記事は Hotel Business Review の January - February 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Hotel Business Review の January - February 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
A Tranquil Paradise! Radisson Hotel Jass Khajuraho
Sprawling in six acres in the midst of the vast open countryside with gentle undulating landscape and clean, fresh unpolluted air, Radisson Hotel Jass Khajuraho is a perfect union of classic design with subtle elegance.
Running F&B Operations
Heading the F&B department of a hotel successfully is both exciting as well as challenging. It becomes evident that running an F&B operation is not a smooth sailing business at all.
Abrogating Attrition
One constant problem that has been incessantly proving a bothersome malady for the hospitality industry is the shortage and retention of skilled manpower, as this makes or mars the future of the property. Possessing innovative and problem-solving capabilities the workforce can add to the success of the hotel. Skills like patience, multitasking, positivity are a few of abilities which attribute to the success of the hotel as it helps in the hotel being able to provide excellent customer service in all circumstances. But shortage of skilled manpower has been a constant problem of the industry. Ashok Malkani delves on several aspects of the shortage and retention of employees.
Women as Impactful Leaders in Hospitality!
The dynamic hospitality industry stands as a shining example of gender equality as more and more women are leading from the front in key positions.
Does hospitality industry have...Gender Equity?
Hospitality industry has been considered as one of the forerunners in growth in India's service sector. Though the hotel industry is an appealing one, with diverse workforce, women have, historically, been underrepresented.
Making Room for Hygiene
Adequate training, strict supervision and ensuring safe and healthy working conditions of the cleaning staff are key to maintaining room hygiene in a hotel.
Legacy Secured
JK Khurana Dedicates Lifetime Achievement Award to Son Vicky Khurana and daughter-in-law Seema Khurana, as he entrusts Venus Industries to the Next Generation.
"It is the Journey Itself, Marked by Innovation and Development that I Relish as much as The Final Product"
Somesh Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, Rockwood Hotels and Resorts
Ensuring Menu Success
A new menu is considered an excellent way to get the visibility and break the monotony. No wonder, chefs are always thinking about introducing new dishes in their menu several times throughout the year.
Wooing Millennial Guests
Understanding millennials goes beyond demographic data and analysis. Interestingly, it involves comprehending their values, preferences, and the desire for offbeat experiences. Latest technology, sustainability elements, and cultural immersions play a key role.