1675-4 Boutique Hotel What Is a Boutique Hotel? / Harry Nobles/Dec 2001 Page 1 of 4
Hotel Online Special Report
Harry Nobles
What Is a Boutique Hospitality Consulting
Hotel? E-mail:
hospsvc001@aol.com
Harry Nobles & Cheryl Thompson, September
2001
What specific attributes qualify a hotel for this
appellation? What makes one hotel a boutique
while another is not? We believe there are several
characteristics that contribute to the accurate
application of the term. One is size. What is the
maximum number of rooms allowable for a
boutique hotel? In our opinion, and in the opinion
of some others, 100 rooms seems to be the upper
limit.
Is atmosphere a factor? We Ask Harry and
believe atmosphere is a very Cheryl
important component of all We encourage readers to
boutique hotels. If email us with questions
esnatmosphere is considered on ratings, guest servicescor etc. We'll ,
the sum total of the physical d recctlydrespo d to your
facilities and all the questions. Email Harry
intangibles that comprise a and Cheryl
memorable hotel
experience, this may be the
single
most critical factor. Our definition of atmosphere
includes decor, ambience, personalized service,
the attitude of management and staff, and how all
these ingredients must combine to create a genuine
sense of intimacy.
An intimate atmosphere may be the one absolutely
essential component without which a hotel cannot
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What Is a Boutique Hotel?/Harry Nobles/Dec 2001 Page 2 of 4
be called boutique. In our opinion, the difficulty lies
in creating an atmosphere of intimacy without
familiarity. We define intimacy as caring, warm,
personalized, yet totally professional. Familiarity
involves using guests' first name, hugs, excessive
hand shakes, and other physical contact.
The boutique environment also includes
anticipating guests' needs and desires rather than
simply responding to a request. Knowing what a
guest wants, when they want it, and how they want
it is a major difference between good service and
great service. The goal of any fine hotel, boutique
or otherwise, must be great service.
We suggest that a unique theme is one important
component of"boutiqueness". We are seeing a
variety of interesting themes around the country ,
ranging from a library concept in New York City to
a hotel in Washington, DC for guests interested in
the occult.
We find this quite interesting and feel that a
segment of the public will respond positively. Our
only question is where does a trend end and a fad
begin.
So, what is a real boutique hotel? Can you create a
checklist of very specific characteristics that will
apply to every property? Can you develop a profile
that applies to all?
We suggest it is a hotel that makes guests happy to
be there, makes them feel special, makes them want
to return soon, and makes them want to tell others.
That description makes a boutique hotel sound like
any other fine hotel, only smaller, right?
As with many intangibles, "boutiqueness", like
beauty may be in the eye of the beholder.
II �I
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What Is a Boutique Hotel? / Harry Nobles/ Dec 2001 Page 3 of 4
Contact:
Harry Nobles Hospitality
Consulting
POC: Harry Nobles
E-mail: hospsvc001@aol.com
Phone: 757-564-3761
Fax: 757-564-0076
www.optimumrating.com
Credentials:
• Former head of AAA
Lodging/Dining Ratings
Program.
• An independent consultant
serving the hospitality industry.
• A Special Training Consultant to
the Educational Institute,
American Hotel/Motel
Association
Also See: The Non-negotiable Traits of Leaders/Oct 2001
How Important is Service? /Sept 2001
Front Desk Service Mistakes/Aug 2001
Food & Beverage Mistakes&How to Correct Them/July 2001
Bell Staff Mistakes& How to Correct Them/July 2001
Attitude vs Aptitude/June 2001
Female Business Travelers' Expectations/June 2001
Is Outsourcing Your Training a Viable Alternative? /June 2001
Unique Identity + Consistent Service= Success/May 2001
AAA Standards vs Guests'Expectations/May 2001
Are Your Guests Better Informed Than Your Staff?/April 2001
Are U.S. Hotels Rated Differently From Other North American
Hotels?/April 2001
The Design Theme-AAA/Mobil Ratings Connection/March
2001
Attitude Can Make the Difference/January 2001
How Should Casino-Hotels be Rated?/Dec 2000
Does AAA Rate Resorts Fairly?/Nov 2000
http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2001_4th/Oct01_BoutiqueAttributes.html 4/20/2005
What Is a Boutique Hotel? / Harry Nobles/ Dec 2001 Page 4 of 4
Is Your Property Suffering From Design Deficiency? /Nov 2000
The Future of AAA Ratings/September 2000
What Is Your Optimum AAA Rating/August 2000
If You Disagree With Your AAA Rating...../June 2000
Are AAA Ratings Always Accurate and Objective/May 2000
Creating Atmosphere/Jan 2000
What is "Atmosphere"?/December 1999
Maintaining Your AAA Rating/Nov 1999
Earning a AAA Rating vs Maintaining a AAA Rating: Which Is
More Difficult? /Oct 1999
Can Outstanding Service Offset Hotel Physical Deficiencies in the
Rating Systems?/Harry Nobles/June 1999
Consistency: The Hallmark of a Fine Hotel / September 1999
Who Should Train Your Employees /Aug 2000
Mobil Travel Guide Announces 1998 Mobil Four-and Five-Star
Award Winners/Jan 1998
Key to Success: Training+Follow-Up/June 2000
The Legend of the Pineapple/Harry Nobles/Feb 1999
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