What is a boutique hostel? I'm wondering if we could come up with a definition of "boutique hostel", or if it's just an arbitrary marketing term that doesn't mean anything.
Problems with the term, "boutique hostels":
Are there any facilities that separate "boutique hostels"? It's not private rooms or ensuite bathrooms because those can be found at all kinds of hostels. It might be interior design, but it's a bit arbitrary.
A recent article on boutique hostels in Europe said:
Some people have finally realized that staying in a hostel doesn’t have to be a miserable experience – and bless them for it.
A new trend taking off around Europe is the emergence of the “boutique hostel.” Like the concept of boutique hotels, these hostels have some added frills, modern designs and an urban vibe. Plus, they’re cleaned regularly.
"Clean" is not unique to so-called boutique hostels. The only thing left is "modern designs". The article also implies that staying in a non-boutique hostel is a "miserable experience" which isn't true.
What do you think?
(See also: http://www.hostelmanagement.com/forum/f15/definition-hostel-284.html)
14 years
A hostel that's more like an inn, less institutional feel. No old crummy stuff bad flea market stuff. Lamps and soft lighting, decor and interiors with a theme or at least tasteful and well thought out. Our beach hostel is becoming more of a boutique hostel IMHO. We have beach chairs and beach towels and umbrellas. We create unique breakfast cookies and granolas. Our policies are geared toward the happiness of our guests not just the convenience of the staff. .
14 years
A hostel that's more like an inn, less institutional feel.
I think "non-institutional" is independent of whether a hostel calls itself a "boutique hostel."
No old crummy stuff bad flea market stuff. Lamps and soft lighting,
I think these are differences between a "good hostel" and a "bad hostel," not exclusive to "boutique hostels."
decor and interiors with a theme or at least tasteful and well thought out.
"Modern interior design" is the only specific difference I've seen between "boutique hostels" and non-"boutique hostels"....
...though many non-boutique hostels are just as well-thought out and some have themed designs.
Our beach hostel is becoming more of a boutique hostel IMHO. We have beach chairs and beach towels and umbrellas.
I worked at a hostel that had nice beach gear -- but it definitely wasn't a "boutique hostel." I don't think the amenities are a defining feature, especially looking down this list.
We create unique breakfast cookies and granolas. Our policies are geared toward the happiness of our guests not just the convenience of the staff. .
Many non-"boutique hostels" offer great breakfast and look out for the guests. I'm eating a great cooked-to-order breakfast at a hostel that doesn't describe itself as "boutique" right now for 1.20 euros. :)
My only point is -- what exactly is it that separates "boutique hostels" from "ordinary" hostels?
From what I've seen so far in my travels, the only difference between a "normal" hostel and a "boutique" hostel is the interior design. Not facilities or quality. :)
I think hostels everywhere are improving in general. The media often features "boutique hostels" as if they are different from high-quality backpackers hostels -- but for the most part I think the only difference is a modern design (and sometimes not even that).
Hostels aren't getting better because they are going "boutique" -- hostels are just getting better in general. IMHO, the media is missing the whole story when they only cover "boutique hostels" or "upscale hostels" -- I think it isn't an accurate picture of the industry.
14 years
I think there is such a thing as a 'boutique' hostel, in a similar vein to a boutique hotel or boutique B&B. I dont believe however, the term is being used correctly in this case.
For me, the term boutique brings to mind a cosy atmosphere, antiques and something unique.. a certain je ne sais qua for want of a better term. It's certainly not an easily defined term but I think I'd know it if I saw it. Its by no means a trend or anything in the hostel industry - strikes me as a bit like the term 'flashpacker', more of a buzz word than anything else.
14 years
I think the original use of boutique in english was to describe a small independent clothes shop. Obviuosly it's progressed since then, but to me any boutique hostel would have to be small. A 100 bed boutique hostel to me would be a contradiction. As would a chain of boutique hostels. Due to the fact that it has no real definite meaning, it's just another meaningless marketing word used by places to try and differentiate themselves. The more hostels that use the term however, the more meaningless it becomes.
14 years
I dont believe however, the term is being used correctly in this case....For me, the term boutique brings to mind a cosy atmosphere, antiques and something unique.. a certain je ne sais qua for want of a better term.
I agree that the main aspect of "boutique hostels" is the design. The term is definitely used incorrectly in almost all the current boutique hostel articles out there.
I was slightly exaggerating on Facebook when I said "there is no such thing as boutique hostels". :) Maybe easier to describe them as "designer hostels"?
It's certainly not an easily defined term but I think I'd know it if I saw it. Its by no means a trend or anything in the hostel industry - strikes me as a bit like the term 'flashpacker', more of a buzz word than anything else.
If someone says, "I'm looking for a boutique hostel in Lisbon," I know they are looking for a place like Travellers House. But even though Travellers House is often listed as a boutique hostel, it's facilities aren't much different from other hostels (except the great interior design). The bathrooms are shared...
I think journalists often get confused between "hostels are improving" and "boutique hostels" -- they are different things.
...to me any boutique hostel would have to be small. A 100 bed boutique hostel to me would be a contradiction. As would a chain of boutique hostels.
Many of the most-frequently cited boutique hostels are over 100 beds and/or chains...
One of the most impressive "design" oriented hostels is Czech Inn (a chain).
Oops Hostel appears to have over 100 beds based on availability on Hostelworld.
The more hostels that use the term however, the more meaningless it becomes.
I agree :)
If anyone is interested, here is Wikipedia's definition of boutique hotel:
Boutique hotel is a term popularized in North America and the United Kingdom to describe intimate, usually luxurious or quirky hotel environments. Boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain/branded hotels and motels by providing personalized accommodation and services / facilities. Sometimes known as "design hotels" or "lifestyle hotels", boutique hotels began appearing in the 1980s in major cities like London, New York, and San Francisco. Typically boutique hotels are furnished in a themed, stylish and/or aspirational manner. They usually are considerably smaller than mainstream hotels, often ranging from 3 to 50 guest rooms.
Boutique hotels are always individual and are therefore extremely unlikely to be found amongst the homogeneity of large chain hotel groups. Guest rooms and suites may be fitted with telephony and Wi-Fi Internet, air-conditioning, honesty bars and often cable/pay TV, but equally may have none of these, focusing on quiet and comfort rather than gadgetry. Guest services are often attended to by 24-hour hotel staff. Many boutique hotels have on-site dining facilities, and the majority offer bars and lounges that may also be open to the general public.
14 years
Interesting -- when I asked this question on Twitter someone used Af Chapman (sailboat hostel in Sweden) as an example of a boutique hostel.
14 years
I would call a place like this a boutique hostel:
http://www.hostelfair.rs/english/index.html
(Just discovered it via Twitter.)
For me, it's the interior design that makes a hostel "boutique" -- fashionable or quirky -- not the facilities or service, which are independent of the design.
What do you think?
14 years
Boutique Hostel is about 6 to 8+ dollars more.
They also feature more private rooms. thus for me taking them away from the deff of Hostel
(Also what Scotch said quoted by Hostels)
My definition of a Hostel (and I have this posted on the info wall here) is.../
Supervised, Budget oriented, Social
Over-night Lodging place with dormitory accomidation
and shared facilities.
Boutique hostels would be better defined as low cost B&B
14 years
Hello to all of you~
The answer to me is simple.... boutique hostels were bound to come. It is just a case of smart and helpful hostel owners filling a demand.
I'll explain. We all know that certain type of 'hosteler'. The one who doesn't understand why they should do a chore or help out. They don't do their dishes. They whine about all there is to whine about and act like spoiled children, because they were or are one. They don't understand the concept of hosteling, they are only looking to stay cheap, but still want all the luxury items they think they deserve. No one wants them in their hostel, no matter whether they are staying in one you're in or one you own.
Well, thank goodness for the boutique hostel owners. Now we not only have a 'type' for these 'hostelers', we also are fortunate enough (provided there is a boutique hostel near you) to have a place to send them.
To simplify matters, I say we now call these people "booties" and the next time you find one of these 'booties' in your hostel, just give them the bout(ique) and everyone will be happy.
You have to love that silver lining! :D
14 years
Hello to all of you~
The answer to me is simple.... boutique hostels were bound to come. It is just a case of smart and helpful hostel owners filling a demand.
I'll explain. We all know that certain type of 'hosteler'. The one who doesn't understand why they should do a chore or help out. They don't do their dishes. They whine about all there is to whine about and act like spoiled children, because they were or are one. They don't understand the concept of hosteling, they are only looking to stay cheap, but still want all the luxury items they think they deserve. No one wants them in their hostel, no matter whether they are staying in one you're in or one you own.
Well, thank goodness for the boutique hostel owners. Now we not only have a 'type' for these 'hostelers', we also are fortunate enough (provided there is a boutique hostel near you) to have a place to send them.
To simplify matters, I say we now call these people "booties" and the next time you find one of these 'booties' in your hostel, just give them the bout(ique) and everyone will be happy.
You have to love that silver lining! :D
Great 1st post. Hit the nail right on the head!
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