In my getaway to San Francisco last year, I decided to make an unusual choice even by my standards. The choice wasn’t to get tickets to see one of my favorite YouTube comedy bands, but rather to take a vacation from my hotel elite statuses and stay at a boutique hotel.
Although my only boutique status was with Preferred Hotels iPrefer program, I decided to go even further off the beaten path and stay at completely independent destinations in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Regardless of this fact, both hotels I stayed at gave me the royal treatment: at The Mosser, despite the fact that I booked the wrong hotel dates (again), they honored my rate and offered me a bottle of wine for my troubles. At The Warwick, my room wasn’t very big, but they were more than helpful on whatever I may need.
My time at both boutique hotels were delightful and the change of pace I needed from my traditional accommodations. But can an independent boutique hotel – without affiliation to one of the major chains – be equally rewarding in both points and experience? With a little dedication and thought, it is possible. Here’s why you should consider a boutique hotel for your next stay.
Boutique Hotels Offer Unique Perspectives On Cities
When I stayed at The Pulitzer in Amsterdam last year, I was introduced to a whole new way of life that was unique to The Netherlands. With almost direct access to the canals central to the city’s transportation, it was almost as if I was living as a resident and not a guest.
Boutique hotels are often times a reflection of their city in some way, shape or form. It may be in a historic expression of how people lived, or a modern look at where technology is taking them. In every event, it is a far cry from the standard chain hotels – even if it doesn’t come with the amenities we are used to, like a free breakfast. Having a stay that adds new depth and a story to your experience is well worth skipping the free bagel in the morning.
Boutique Hotels Are Sometimes Cheaper Than Chain Hotels
In some situations, shopping boutique hotels can offer under-the-radar deals from our local chains. Without prices dictated by a corporate chain, boutique hotels are often free to offer prices that are in some situations cheaper than their major counterparts.
Where do you find these deals? Apps like Hotel Tonight can help you get a great deal on a boutique hotel, but not just in a pinch: the app can be used to find hotels months in advance. When paired with a flexible rewards card, like the Barclaycard Arrival Plus MasterCard, that stay could even be free by applying your available points to the total on your card.
Boutique Hotels Can Give Back on Points and Miles
Finally, just because a hotel doesn’t belong to a major chain doesn’t mean it won’t help you get closer towards your next vacation. Many cards with a generic “travel bonus,” like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, offer bonus points when you use your card to pay for your hotel. Additionally, using your favorite hotel credit card could earn you points in that program, giving you an extra reward for your vacation. Although it’s not a “traditional” revenue stay, the extra points earned on these cards can help you get a little closer to your next vacation.
On your next stay, think about getting off the beaten path and live like a local. At a boutique hotel, you too can enjoy a great vacation – without worrying about breaking the bank or collecting even more points.
When do you skip the traditional hotels for the boutique stays? Share your great escapes in the comments below!
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