The Future of Independent Boutique Hotels

Why Travelers Will Go the Extra Mile for a Boutique Hotel Experience

As travel has slowly returned to normal, it’s clear that we are on the brink of an enormous travel boom. Of all the recent travel trends that have emerged, one is particularly promising for boutique hotel owners, and that is that boutique travel is very much in vogue. 

Travelers in 2021 no longer want the same travel experiences as their friends and neighbors. They want a unique experience handcrafted for their trip. Travelers seem to be moving away from large chain resorts and towards independently owned and operated boutique hotels. The trend of seeking out irreplaceable experiences and doing away with cookie-cutter trips has seeped into every aspect of travel from planning onward. 

To find out what’s in store for The Future of Independent Boutique Hotels, continue reading below.

Trip Planning

The term “boutique” in reference to the hospitality industry has been tossed around for 40 or so years. Originally, boutique hotels were independently owned, often family-operated, hotels that were seen as a more wholesome, service-oriented travel experience than what was offered by larger hotels. Much of that reputation remains, but now the term boutique more nearly represents individuality.

Today, larger hospitality groups often reinvent properties or open up uniquely branded concepts under the label boutique. When a traveler is planning a trip searching for a boutique hotel, they are looking for a diamond in the rough, a property with an individualistic charm that cannot be replicated. While large hotel groups have entered the boutique hotel space, it’s easy for travelers to snuff out the faux-boutique boutique template business model.

Travelers typically book trips through two methods, online or over the phone. While booking online may be a quick and convenient method, many customers still choose to pick up phone. Having someone available 24 hours a day 7 days a week is a vital part of the level of customer service that is expected of boutique hotels. Using a professionally trained call center, allows you to have knowledgeable agents at your service 24/7. These agents know the inner working of your property and are able to convert more calls to reservations, usually at a higher rate. 

The Experience

The boutique hotel experience is an experience worth writing home about. As we mentioned, boutique hotels are first, and foremost, service oriented. This passion for excellent service stems from the pride boutique hoteliers feel as small business owners. Every guests’ experience is valued the same, but each experience is unique. Having a reservation department or call center that fulfills that level of service on every call is vital to creating a service-oriented experience, the kind of experience travelers won’t get from digital booking platforms. 

Travelers book boutique hotels to create lasting memories, not just to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This emphasis placed on experiential travel is a trend that appears to be here to stay. Boutique hotels far exceed their larger competitors at creating one-of-a-kind, authentic travel experiences, in part, due to the fact that boutique hotels are independently owned and operated. This allows hoteliers and hotel employees to think outside of the box when it comes to entertaining and hosting guests.

Departure

For many guests, their relationship with their favorite boutique hotels doesn’t end at check out. Boutique hotels often attract regular guests who return year after year to visit their favorite destinations and stay at their preferred property. 

Guests fall in love with the boutique hotel experience and find that that high level of service cannot be replicated by larger hotel groups.

Truly one of a kind

True boutique hotels cannot be put in a box. Each is unique. Boutique hotels may be luxurious, hip, convenient, and so much more. There are several types of boutique hotels, as defined by the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA). Under the all-encompassing boutique label, one might find classic and luxury to adventure to hipster to boutique on a budget. The experiences at boutique hotels are designed to enrich guests’ lives through authentic travel experiences and quality service.

In today’s dynamic travel space, it pays dividends to offer travelers an experience tailor-made for them. As travel returns in 2021, and likely booms in 2022, more and more guests will flock to boutique hotels, chasing one-of-a-kind experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

About Travel Outlook
Given its progressive approach to the voice channel – in terms of performance, training, transparency, testing and the tools used to measure performance – Travel Outlook Premium Hotel Call Center has become the premier voice reservations team in hospitality. Travel Outlook’s valued client list includes Viceroy Hotel Group, Outrigger, KSL Resorts, Proper Hospitality Group, Pacific Hospitality Group, Highgate Hotels, Columbia Hospitality, The Irvine Company, Catalina Island and many others. Travel Outlook’s team and approach increases sales conversion and helps to create more effective voice communication between hotels and their guests, resulting in improved social scores in addition to increased voice channel revenue. For more information, visit www.traveloutlook.com.

Travel Outlook is a member of BLLA – view their listing in the Marketplace here