Boutique Hotel. Just the words get the imagination going. Even before I dog eared the pages of Herbert Ypma's first Hip Hotels book I was fascinated by the world of boutique hotel properties. "How cool would it be to be the general manager of a cool boutique hotel?" I often found asking myself as I flipped through the pages of his magnificent photos. Working hard to make a career out of the hotel industry, I was convinced that I just had to be involved with a boutique hotel someday.

That someday came true, when in 2004 I was invited to be the general manager of what was and still is one of Palm Springs most hip boutique hotels. I left another huge opportunity just to be a part of this amazing world. The art, the design, the vibe. I had never really worked anywhere with a "vibe". A year later and I knew, I knew what many in the hotel business do not … what it is really like to be the gm of a hip, cool boutique hotel. It's not for everyone and amazing for many.

There is a mini storm brewing in the boutique hotel world, one I don't think most involved in this industry are aware of. With more and more boutique hotel operators entering the playground, more and more bad hiring decisions are being made. The right General Mangers are working at the wrong hotels. Like a square peg and a round hole, some things just do not work. Who is to blame and what can be done?

The Boutique Hotel

First let me first tell you that I have a very narrow view of what really constitutes a boutique hotel. I think that the term "Boutique" when used to describe a hotel is often misapplied. A boutique hotel is not defined by simply a hot design, as many would argue.
In my opinion, a boutique hotel is a property that is uniquely significant in four ways:

1. Architecture and Design.

2. A high level of service. A property must not exceed 150 guest rooms, enhancing the guest to staff ratio.

3. Sell to a specific demographic.

4. Are independently owned and operated (this is where some will disagree with me).

A boutique hotel must be an independent operation. The hotel must not be part of a collection that is more than say, 10 properties. Beyond this you get into having a corporate hierarchical management style that is required in running a large company and maintaining brand consistency. Take W Hotels for example. In my opinion these are not boutique hotels. They look like a boutique hotel, even feel like one. Many boutique hotels would strive to be as great as a W. But a W Hotel is run and managed by a massive corporation. The property level management makes very few decisions about what services are offered and how the property is run. A boutique hotel must be operated as close to the actual physical …

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Boston is one of America’s oldest cities and offers the perfect blend of historic sites and modern architecture and entertainment. Some people even call it “America’s greatest walking city”, as tourists stroll about the streets and historic districts. No matter where you want to stay, there are plenty of cheap hotels in Boston to choose from.

Most people arrive by landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan (BOS) International Airport. You can either rent a car to get to your hotel or take MBTA metro trains. There is convenient public transportation throughout all of the city’s neighborhoods. Vacation packages are available if you want to combine airfare to Boston International and a stay at a nice hotel. You can always buy your plane ticket separately if you wish. Just do the math to figure out which option would be cheaper.

Many tourists like to stay in the Downtown Boston area for easy access to the must-see aquarium, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, City Hall, Orpheum Theater, etc. There are over 200 hotels, inns, and other accommodation to choose from in the downtown area. A few affordable options include Boston Park Plaza, Revere Hotel Boston Common, Harborside Inn, Charlesmark Hotel, and Hotel 140.

Perhaps the biggest thing to draw people to this city is Fenway Park. If you want to join in the excitement of a Red Sox game, you can check out cheap hotels in Boston. The Sheraton is located just 116 yards from Fenway Park, and it’s fairly affordable. Other budget hotels within a mile are Copley House, Midtown Hotel, and Boston Park Plaza.

Cheap Hotels in Boston Near Harvard Square and Airport

If you’re visiting the Harvard area, there are some nice hotels near Harvard Square. They aren’t necessarily the cheapest, but you still might be able to get a good deal with travel coupons. Studio Allston Hotel, Le Meridien Cambridge (MIT), Freepoint, Kimpton Marlowe, and Porter Square are a few to consider.

Only staying in Boston for a night due to a layover flight? There is some cheap accommodation close to Logan International, like the Harborside Inn, the Hilton, and Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor.

If you don’t have any specific landmark or neighborhood in mind, just get a map of the city. What interests you? What hotels will be easy to get to from the airport, bus station, or train station? Which shops would you like to check out? Which restaurants appeal to you? Keep these questions in mind when searching for cheap hotels in Boston. There will surely be affordable accommodation that will suit your preferences.

Get travel coupons online, at sites for comparing hotel rates and booking vacations. You can use promo codes to help you save even more on cheap hotels in Boston. While you’re at it, you might want to book airfare, car rental, and more.…

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