Press
BLLA In The News
Hospitality Net
Say Yes to Travel
Giving a Voice to Boutique Hotels
If you are in the world of boutique hotels, you know Frances and Ariela Kiradjian, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind the Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) and Stay Boutique. Frances, with over 25 years of hospitality and travel experience, created BLLA to help give a voice to independent, upscale hotel properties and offer them resources to be able to level the playing field with larger hotel chains.
Travel Weekly
Focus on Hotels: Brand New World
While it may seem as though it’s more challenging than ever to remain a completely unaffiliated, independent property in a post-Covid-19 world, the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA), which counts approximately 300 independent hotels among its membership, is hoping to buck that assumption.
Skift
Boutique Hotels Push Back on Major Chain Brand Conversion Tactics
The world’s largest hotel companies expect independent hoteliers to flock to flag affiliations and their accompanying global reach during the coronavirus recovery to rebuild business. Don’t hold your breath, says an organization representing boutique hotels. The Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association and partner organization StayBoutique launched this week the #BoutiqueStrong campaign and council to provide boutique hotels and businesses with resources to rebuild and succeed during the coronavirus economic recovery.
Magazine
How hotels are keeping travelers, employees safe
Frances and her co-founder and partner Ariela Kiradjian added everyone is “implementing social distancing, a mask and temperature check requirement for employees, hand sanitizer stations, more frequent cleaning of high-touch areas, employee training, and generally only having takeout/grab’n’go at restaurants for now.”
Fodor's
8 Ways Your Hotel Stay Will Be Different Post-Pandemic
The new coronavirus is changing everything about how we live in the short-term, and maybe forever too. Travel won’t end, thank goodness—as Ariela Kiradjian, co-founder and COO of the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association, says “Travel is what brings our world together, it is how we learn about other cultures and is an important part in people’s lives.” But even though travel will resume, we should not plan for it to look the same. Here’s what to expect in the hotel world.
Magazine
How to minimize your Covid-19 risk in Mexico
"Boutique isn't for the masses," said Ariela Kiradjian, co-founder and COO of the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association. "It's for someone who wants a specialized experience that no one else is getting." Boutique hotels are traditionally smaller properties, as well, with a smaller staff and far less daily foot traffic.
The Ringer
Room & Pod: The Hot New Hotel Amenity Is a Podcast Studio
Hosting a studio also emphasizes the boutique hotel’s position as a creativity hub. “Boutique hotels are so much more than a place to sleep,” says Ariela Kiradjian, co-founder of Stay Boutique and COO of the Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association. “They capitalize off of the reality that travelers will invest in unique immersive experiences.” The Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association says it doesn’t currently have hard numbers on the growth of the hotel podcast studio market, but that it’s working on compiling numbers during the next few years. Kiradjian expects the trend to grow, but notes that at least for the immediate future, they’re most likely to turn up only in metro areas and upscale boutique hotels, as their target demographic are more likely to be “creatives.”
LODGING Magazine
Broadening Boutique: Ariela Kiradjian of BLLA and Stay Boutique on the Future of Boutique
The mother-daughter duo of Ariela and Frances Kiradjian is most definitely a dynamic one. Together, they run both the Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) and its publication, Stay Boutique, as well as a several boutique-focused events all over the world. Ariela, who holds the position of COO, connected with LODGING to discuss this week’s Boutique Hotel Investment Conference, the progress of the association’s rebranding initiative, which began one year ago, and how boutique is becoming an industry unto itself.
Northwest Prime Time
'There is a little bit of boutique in all of us!'
The Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA), which was originally The Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association, is the official organization for the world’s boutique lifestyle leaders. Frances Kiradjian and Ariela Kiradjian, founders of BLLA, started the association and corresponding stay-boutique.com website back in 2009.
How to Share Podcast
Ep. 05: How to market your hotel now, with Frances & Ariela Kiradjian.
Frances and Ariela Kiradjian, the mother-daughter duo behind the Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association, and Stay Boutique, are here today to help me answer some of the many questions we face as hotel marketers, owners, and travelers.Episode 4: Boutique & Independent Hotels with Ariela Kiradjian
JustLuxe
Why Boutique Hotels Will Hit the Sweet Spot for a Staycation This Summer
Featured In
BLLA Mission Statement
The BLLA was created to unify, empower, educate and advocate for a growing community of creators within the dynamic realm of boutique lifestyle—not only establishing and maintaining industry standards, but boldly advancing its cultural impact and category innovation.
We are your voice and your megaphone. We are your home and your launching pad. A catalyst for trends and unapologetic pioneer, the BLLA is where the best in boutique gathers to become better—from hoteliers and hospitality entrepreneurs to visionaries in retail, fashion, beauty, fitness, and beyond.
Boutique is powerful. Boutique is captivating. And above all, boutique is a global movement that we are proud to lead. Our mission? To counteract corporate monotony and champion creativity. To forget the forgettable and forge the once-in-a-lifetime. To break down doors and link the most brilliant minds in the industry. To build on our now 10-year legacy of reimagining the multifaceted future of boutique—together.
The association was founded in response to a demand for a collective voice for this fragmented industry. Today the association has members around the world. As the lifestyle industry sees an ever-increasing demand from discerning boutique-seeking clients, BLLA is primarily dedicated to creating greater economic success for independent business owners by helping them level the playing field against larger brands and chains.
We have verified over 10,000 authentic boutique hotels around the world (following guidelines and categories listed here) and we are working with nearly 200 hotels closely with the BLLA-intensive program.
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Leadership
Frances Kiradijan
Founder & CEO
BLLA, StayBoutique
Ariela Kiradjian
Partner & COO
BLLA, StayBoutique
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Latest Press Releases
Though Leadership
1 Hotels To Debut in Japan with 1 Hotel Tokyo: a New Nature-Inspired Urban Icon
Combining Sustainable Luxury and Cutting-Edge Design in Japan’s Capital Miami, FL (December 4, 2024) - SH Hotels & Resorts, the sustainable hotel brand management company founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is proud to unveil plans for 1 Hotel Tokyo. Set to open in 2025, 1 Hotel Tokyo represents a longstanding collaboration with Mori Trust, one of Japan’s leading property developers. After years of planning, the two companies are creating a true 1 Hotels experience that’s deeply rooted in nature and sustainability. 1 Hotel Tokyo will be located in the buzzing Akasaka district, serving as an anchor to Mori Trust’s Tokyo World Gate Akasaka project. This state-of-the-art complex integrates retail, offices, and the luxurious 1 Hotel experience in a pedestrian-friendly and dynamic, masterfully planned development. “Partnering with Mori Trust, we see a vision realized—a shared vision that transcends mere accommodation and embodies a commitment to nature, luxury, and cultural preservation in Tokyo, a city renowned for its innovation and sophistication,” says Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts. “To world travelers, Japan is revered for the beauty of its gardens and the serenity of the soul. We have tried to mirror this with our 1 Hotel Tokyo. It’s part of our pledge to create exceptional hospitality experiences that embrace the next generation of luxury travelers.” “Tokyo World Gate Akasaka is a development project with a vision to create a lush, green oasis in the heart of Tokyo,” says Miwako Date, President and CEO of Mori Trust. “With its deep commitment to nature reflected in every aspect—from design to service—1 Hotels embodies the future of luxury hospitality. We feel it is the perfect flagship choice for Tokyo World Gate Akasaka, and we were excited to bring this mission-driven brand on board. We are confident that 1 Hotel Tokyo will become a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world and our local community, further enhancing Tokyo’s appeal. Through our hotel and resort business, we remain committed to establishing Tokyo as a leading tourism destination.” Sustainability is at the core of 1 Hotel Tokyo, which has achieved the Rank S certification from CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency), signifying the highest level of environmental performance. This prestigious recognition highlights the property’s alignment with Japan’s ambitious environmental goals. “Our commitment to sustainability is woven into the hotel’s very fabric, from energy and water conservation systems to the use of reclaimed materials, creating a sanctuary that respects and enhances its environment,” says Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts. “And with its biophilic design and focus on wellness and nature-inspired, community-minded experiences, 1 Hotel Tokyo brings a serene calm—creating an oasis in the heart of Tokyo’s bustling urban environment.” In keeping with this commitment to nature and sustainability, the hotel’s design draws from authentic materials, traditional craftsmanship, and Japan’s natural landscapes. The design approach embraces the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, celebrating the beauty in imperfection and using raw materials and textures to create a Zen-like atmosphere. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a tranquil space that blends moss-covered boulders, plant-lined walls, and the same Oya stone that Frank Lloyd Wright used in some of his iconic Japanese buildings. On the 38th floor, the main lobby is a peaceful retreat with a sculptural stone water feature that brings the outdoors inside, ample greenery, a ceiling that mimics the raked sand patterns of a Zen garden, and dazzling city views. The food and beverage offerings at 1 Hotel Tokyo are meticulously curated to reflect Japan’s culinary prowess, with a design that underscores the groundbreaking cuisine and mixology that will be showcased here. The main restaurant, accessed from the 38th-floor lobby, features details like locally sourced stepping stones that emulate a Japanese garden pathway, an open kitchen, multiple private dining areas, and spectacular views of the Imperial Palace. The bar has hand-stitched lanterns, walls covered in handmade textured tiles, 360-degree seating, and breathtaking views of Tokyo’s skyline. The 211 spacious guest rooms—including expansive suites measuring approximately 42 to 140 square meters—blend traditional Japanese design with modern luxury. Entrances feature moss walls, lattice wood accents, and natural stone, while bedrooms boast live-edge plank headboards, sculptural TV consoles with integrated planters, and wood-beamed ceilings. The bathrooms are designed with organic materials, including chiseled stone vanities and deep soaking tubs, to create a soothing, spa-like ambiance. 1 Hotel Tokyo will also offer a comprehensive wellness experience that allows guests to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. There’s a spa inspired by Zen gardens, multiple hammams, a fitness center with an incredible view, and an indoor pool with huge windows that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. A serene outdoor terrace space filled with lush greenery allows guests to take in views of the city. In addition to its world-class leisure amenities, 1 Hotel Tokyo will be a top destination for business travel and special events. The property will have approximately 473 square meters of meeting and event space, featuring rough-hewn wood entry doors, minimalist aesthetics, custom carpets inspired by the movement of sand, and stunning views of Tokyo Tower. The setting adds to the allure. 1 Hotel Tokyo will give guests a convenient gateway to Akasaka, one of Tokyo’s most exciting neighborhoods. Here, bustling streets are lined with restaurants, parks, and historic landmarks. As Tokyo continues to thrive as a global hub of culture and innovation, 1 Hotel Tokyo represents a new chapter in Japan’s hospitality landscape. It’s positioned to become an iconic destination, embodying 1 Hotels’ commitment to sustainability, mindful luxury, and a deep connection to nature. ABOUT SH HOTELS & RESORTS SH Hotels & Resorts, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, a nature-inspired lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 with properties in South Beach and Manhattan and now includes Brooklyn Bridge, West Hollywood, Sanya (China), Toronto, San Francisco, Nashville, the recently opened Hanalei Bay flagship property, and the brand’s first European property in Mayfair (London), with projects in development in Cabo San Lucas, Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin, Copenhagen, Riyadh, Melbourne, Seattle, Tokyo and San Miguel de Allende; Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand that made its debut in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship property in New York, with projects under development in Brickell (Miami), Florence, Riyadh, Dubai, Rome, and the Maldives ; and Treehouse Hotels, which premiered in London in 2019 and with projects under development in Manchester, Sunnyvale, Brickell (Miami), Riyadh, and Adelaide (Australia). Leveraging its marketing, design, operational, and technological expertise, SH Hotels & Resorts is the force behind some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic hotel brands in the world. For more information, visit www.shhotelsandresorts.com. ABOUT 1 HOTELS As a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. 1 Hotels—which launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami’s South Beach and Manhattan’s Central Park; followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River, in February 2017; West Hollywood, on Sunset Boulevard, in June 2019; Sanya (China) in 2020; Toronto in 2021; San Francisco and Nashville in 2022; and in 2023, the Hanalei Bay flagship property and Mayfair (London), the brand’s first European property—is inspired by a simple idea: those that travel the world should also care about it. It is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels upholds this vision by channeling nature through design and culinary partnerships while connecting with the local community and taking sustainable steps to make a big difference. The brand is expanding with properties under development in Austin, Cabo San Lucas, Paris, Copenhagen, Elounda Hills (Crete), Riyadh, Melbourne, Seattle, Tokyo and San Miguel de Allende. Additional information can be found at 1hotels.com. ABOUT MORI TRUST Mori Trust Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive real estate developer for urban development in central Japan and hotel and resort business throughout Japan. With its three core businesses of “Real Estate Business,” “Hotel & Resort Business,” and “Investment Business (domestic and overseas),” Mori Trust has 64 buildings, residences, and commercial facilities in Japan and abroad, and 35 hotel and resort facilities (as of March 2024). Through urban development and hotel development that preserves and utilizes historical buildings that serve as tourism resources, we will promote projects that enhance Japan’s international competitiveness. For more information, visit mori-trust.co.jp/english/. Media Contact: Elizabeth Traub/EJ Media Groupelizabeth@ejmediagroup.com212.518.4771, x105
Though Leadership
Designing for Impact: How Rydhima Brar's Award-Winning Approach Shapes the Future of Boutique and Luxury Lodging
Los Angeles, CA – Interior designer Rydhima Brar, founder of R/terior Studio, was honored by IPAX Global for her exceptional work in the interior design industry. Winning three prestigious awards — Best Hotel Suite Interior for the Cornell Inn, Best Residential Project for the Winter Palace, and Best Bathroom Design for the Denver Square Project — Rydhima’s projects highlight key design trends and approaches boutique hotels can embrace to elevate their guest experiences. Creating a distinctive, memorable guest experience is more important than ever in the competitive world of boutique and luxury hotels. Thoughtful, high-quality design plays a crucial role in this — and Rydhima Brar’s approach offers valuable insights for those in the boutique hospitality industry. For boutique hotels, the ability to blend aesthetic appeal with everyday usability is a key differentiator. Rydhima’s work exemplifies how careful consideration of each element — furniture, materials, layout, and design details — can create a lasting impression. This approach enhances the entire guest experience. One of the standout elements of Rydhima’s designs is her emphasis on personalization. From custom furnishings to unique design features, she shows how boutique hotels can stand out by offering spaces that feel bespoke and tailored to the individual guest experience. In a crowded hospitality market, guests are increasingly seeking environments that reflect their tastes and provide a sense of place. By integrating personalized elements into their designs, boutique hotels can create environments that feel exclusive, elevating the guest experience and fostering lasting connections. The design decisions for boutique hotels can significantly impact guest satisfaction and a hotel’s brand identity. Rydhima’s projects highlight the importance of attention to detail — small design choices such as lighting fixtures, artwork, and custom furniture can shape the atmosphere and functionality of a space. Boutique hotels, in particular, can stand out by creating spaces that are not only luxurious but also practical, with design elements that are beautiful and functional. As Rydhima’s work demonstrates, design is about creating a space that enhances the quality of life for those who use it. Boutique hotels looking to create a high-end, memorable guest experience would benefit from prioritizing design that blends elegance, comfort, and individuality. For More Information To learn more about Rydhima Brar and R/terior Studio, visit https://rteriorstudio.com/ or contact us at rydhima@rteriorstudio.com
Though Leadership
Elegant Hotel Collection marks first year with ‘A Global Movement’ campaign
The luxury soft brand celebrates first year by inviting independent hotels to join its global community London, UK - 12 November 2024: Elegant Hotel Collection - the pioneering luxury soft brand providing global sales, marketing and revenue opportunities to independent luxury hotels - marks its first anniversary with the launch of ‘A Global Movement’ campaign. The campaign seeks to shape and inspire the future of luxury representation through a shared vision that brings together discerning travellers and independent luxury hoteliers to celebrate the rich diversity of people, places and cultures. As the Elegant Hotel Collection expands to 31 independent luxury hotel members worldwide, the development of the community reinforces hotel experiences rooted in authenticity and connection. Powered by HotelREZ, Elegant Hotel Collection delivers a comprehensive approach to luxury representation combining a personalised service together with global marketing and technological innovation, leveraging best-in-class solutions that drive measurable financial returns. Member hotels can unlock new and valuable commercial opportunities by accessing a network of 60 sales offices worldwide and harnessing the soft brand’s expertise to implement tailored sales and marketing strategies designed to reach discerning travellers worldwide. “Meeting the evolving demands of modern luxury travellers while ensuring optimal sales and marketing performance can be a challenge for hoteliers. Building on our first year, this campaign is designed to champion the inspirational and passionate hoteliers who are delivering the unforgettable experiences that discerning travellers are searching for,” said Catt McLeod, Vice President, Elegant Hotel Collection. “As a soft brand we empower independent luxury hotels to unlock their true global potential without compromising on their individuality,” said McLeod. “We want to open doors for both hoteliers and travellers to a more meaningful world, by shaping and inspiring the future of luxury representation.” Since its inception in October 2023, Elegant Hotel Collection’s portfolio has grown to include leading luxury independent hotels such as Exclusive Collection (UK), Cresta Palace Celerina (Switzerland), La Sultana Oualidia (Morocco) and Paresa Resort (Thailand). Building upon the company’s initial success, leading UK luxury destination hotels and resorts like Rockliffe Hall (County Durham), Bodmin Jail Hotel (Cornwall), The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa (North Yorkshire), Flemings Mayfair (London), and The Castle Hotel (Somerset) have also recently joined the Elegant Hotel Collection community. Neesa Premji of Durrants Hotel said of the campaign: “Driven by a professional team with a clear vision for elegance and excellence, we are confident that Elegant Hotel Collection will deliver unique, high-quality experiences for guests and hotels worldwide.”By working with a curated collection of independent luxury hotels sharing the core values of authenticity, inclusivity, innovation and sustainability, Elegant Hotel Collection seeks to help its member hotels to meet the evolving demands of modern luxury travellers. Hoteliers benefit from a results-driven alternative to traditional luxury hospitality brands and can capitalise on the soft brand’s focus on performance over high fixed fees to compete effectively in the market. Media contactsMichelle Brown - +44 (0)7779 993 976 - michelle@haynesmarcoms.agency Ryan Haynes - +44 (0)7919 510 051 - ryan@haynesmarcoms.agency About Elegant Hotel CollectionElegant Hotel Collection is a full-service luxury soft brand committed to delivering best in class distribution operations, technology and sales and marketing services to a curated global network of independent luxury hotels. The independent flag is committed to sustainable, curated, invitation-based expansion centred around its five fundamental pillars - authenticity, inclusivity, innovation, distinction and sustainability. Elegant Hotel Collection is represented worldwide under the HO GDS chain code powered by HotelREZ. Contact Detailswww.eleganthotelcollection.comwww.eleganthotelcollection.org (Hoteliers) Email: press@eleganthotelcollection.com Membership Enquiries: info@eleganthotelcollection.com Social Media LinksLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/elegant-hotel-collection Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elegant.hotel.collection/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090266725457 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@elegant.hotel.collection
Though Leadership
CIIC PR Named Top 10 Agency by Travel Weekly in the Magellan Awards 2024
BLLA Vendor Partner, CIIC PR has been recognized as one of the “Top 10 Agencies” in Travel Weekly’s 2024 Magellan Awards, celebrating its excellence in travel and hospitality public relations and marketing. New York, NY (November 5, 2024) - CIIC PR announced today its recognition as one of the "Top 10 Agencies" in Travel Weekly's 2024 Magellan Awards. This marks the first year this prestigious category has been introduced, honoring agencies with the highest number of client awards, and placing CIIC PR among the industry’s top achievers. “It is truly an honor to be recognized with this award, as we take tremendous pride in our years of public relations and communications service in the travel and hospitality industry,” states CIIC PR CEO & Founder Carolyn Izzo-Feldman. “Our team works tirelessly on behalf of our clients to bring awareness and recognition to their brands and bring their ‘stories’ to life. To have our agency receive this recognition for our efforts on their behalf is a testament to the creative drive and continued dedication to the industry that our team delivers each and every day for our clients.” According to Melissa Cooper, Director of Marketing for the Northstar Retail Travel Group, “These Top 10 Agencies went above and beyond to tell their clients’ stories of creativity and innovation and brought home the most Gold and Silver Magellan Awards.” With a record number of entries from across the U.S. and around the world, the Magellan Award winners represent the best in the travel industry and salute the outstanding travel professionals behind it all. CIIC’s award winning submissions included entries on behalf of Palladium Hotel Group, as follows: 2024 Magellan Awards Silver / Hospitality - Overall-Luxury Hotel/Resort for Hospitality for TRS Yucatan Hotel 2024 Magellan Awards Gold / Hospitality - Overall-Family Resort/Hotel for Hospitality for Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres 2024 Magellan Awards Gold / Hospitality - Overall-New Resort/Hotel for Hospitality for FS at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa 2024 Magellan Awards Gold / Hospitality - Overall-All-Inclusive Resort/Hotel for Hospitality for TRS Coral Hotel 2024 Magellan Awards Gold / Hospitality Marketing - Campaign-Advertising/Marketing for Hospitality for FS at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa About the Magellan Awards:The Magellan Awards honor outstanding design, marketing and services in a broad range of industry segments including Hospitality, Travel Destinations, Cruise Lines, Online Travel Services, Airlines and Airports, Travel Agents and Agencies, Tour Operators and Ground Transportation. The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another, instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the long experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this high standard of excellence, a category may have multiple winners, or may have no winners at all. For a complete list of silver and gold winners, please visit www.travelweeklyawards.com. About CIIC PR:CIIC is a full-service, award-winning public relations and marketing firm specializing in creating dynamic campaigns for the travel & hospitality, food & beverage, and lifestyle industries. CIIC draws on its 28 years of experience offering services in public relations, marketing, social media strategy, brand partnerships, event planning, and media / influencer relations. With offices in New York and Miami, with affiliate offices in Los Angeles, Canada, and Mexico, CIIC is also an exclusive member of latamPR, furthering its reach in Latin America. CIIC is certified as a woman-owned and operated business by WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council). For more information about CIIC PR, or to inquire about new business relationships, please visit ciicpr.com, email connect@ciicpr.com or contact (845) 358-3920 x11. CONTACT:Adriana Daves CIIC PRadaves@ciicpr.com845-358-3920 Ext. 27
Though Leadership