Boutique Hotels

From design-forward inns to wellness-themed properties, there are chic boutique hotels for all types of travelers, no matter their taste or budget. Living + Nomads editors and contributors are constantly on the road, vetting small hotels and rating them based on the quality of accommodations, service, location, food, and overall value. From New York to Tokyo, the best boutique hotels offer the kind of bespoke experience that sophisticated travelers expect.

What is a boutique hotel?

These properties are independently owned—not part of a chain—and often have fewer than 100 rooms. The best boutique hotels stand out for their attention to detail, one-of-a-kind personality, unique amenities, and service that goes the extra mile.

Luxury Amenities

Some 5-star hotels boast Michelin-starred restaurants or world-renowned cocktail bars, deliver crave-worthy room service, stock locally sourced goods in the minibars, or even grow their own produce on the property. Others let guests borrow bikes or cruise around town with complimentary car service. Some organize art openings, wine tastings, guided hikes, and other activities that give visitors an insider’s view of the local culture. Still others sport inspiring design courtesy of world-renowned designers or occupy historic homes, villas, or even castles. Some boutique hotels have been run by the same family for generations and have played host to movie stars, famous authors, and presidents. The best of them convey a vivid sense of place, whether they’re located in the heart of a fast-paced city or on a remote desert island. Want to plan a vacation around vineyard tours and wine tastings? Wondering where to find the quirkiest art-filled hotels? Ready to immerse yourself in an up-and-coming urban enclave? Curious about which small luxury hotels are steeped in the most history? L+N’s coverage of the best boutique hotels will guide you to the place you want to be. Check back often for updates, exciting new developments, and inspiring guides.