Hacienda San Antonio Millet, an estate nestled in the Yucatán, is more than a destination. It is a living narrative of history, heritage, and hospitality, guided today by owner and general manager Marisa Calderón. For Marisa, stewardship of the hacienda is not just a professional role but a deeply personal calling. “Twenty-three years ago, my […]
Some events talk about the future; others actively build it. The BLLA Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, happening September 29-30 in Westlake Village, California, is where the pioneers, industry leaders, and creative forces behind boutique hospitality converge. This is an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the insights and inspiration that are propelling the industry forward. […]
In an industry filled with platitudes about growth and scale, it can be hard to find a conference that gets to the heart of what really matters. But the BLLA Boutique Hotel Owners Conference is different. This event is a direct conversation about the essential drivers of value in our industry. As Thomas Brown, CEO […]
Find Your Tribe at the Premier Boutique Hotel Owners Gathering
For Kimberly Walker, Founder of Nomada Hotel Group, the story of boutique hospitality is one of restoration, connection, and vision. What began as a passion project in a crumbling 1920s building has grown into a portfolio that is not only redefining independent hotels but also reviving entire communities along California’s Central Coast. From Forgotten Buildings […]
The hospitality landscape is undergoing a significant shift as travelers increasingly seek authentic, personalized experiences over standardized brand offerings. At the center of this change is Frances Kiradjian, founder and CEO of the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA), who has spent 16 years supporting independent hotel properties that many once dismissed as a declining segment. […]
For Atit Jariwala and Spenser Apramian, boutique hospitality isn’t just a business model—it’s a belief system. Their portfolio, which includes the acclaimed Walker Hotels and the serene Marram Montauk, has become synonymous with intuitive design, soulful guest connection, and a bold approach to value creation in overlooked spaces. In a recent conversation with BLLA, Jariwala […]
New AI Agent for Hotels Delivers Personalized, Automated Guest Messaging to Drive Repeated 5-Star Guest Stays Operto is a verified Vendor Partner of BLLA. Operto, a leader in hospitality technology, today announced the launch of its Guest Services Agent, a 24/7 AI teammate that enables hotels to deliver exceptional, personalized service instantly without increasing headcount. […]
This week’s issue reveals how the global boutique sector is thriving through intentional design, quiet luxury, and meaningful origin stories. From West Africa to West Hollywood, independent hotels continue to shape the emotional core of modern travel. The boutique sector is evolving in two directions at once: grounded in history, yet elevated in tone. In […]
California Central Coast, August 7, 2025 – This summer marks the 100th anniversary of theAmerican motel, and Nomada Hotel Group is honoring a century of roadside travel. Nomada Hotel Group is rooted in thoughtful design, retro-chic décor, and warm hospitalitybreathing new life into some of California’s most iconic roadside destinations. Each of the fivereimagined properties […]
