In the ever growing Boutique hotels landscape, the emphasis of properly identifying new trends that are yet to come, is of great importance. Some of the issues that will be discussed by specialists of the hotel industry during the following Boutique Hotel Owners Conference will be associated with the viewpoints on tendencies in this business. The following points from the speakers Tara Medina, Kimberly Walker, Deborah O’Donnell, & Alexandra Walterspiel give an overview of the changing environment and future of Boutique hotels.
Sustainability and conscious tourism
Sustainability and, as a result, tourism is gaining importance in the context of innovations in the boutique hotel space. Tara Medina, the Co-Founder of MUSA, noted that modern tourists are much wiser and they understand the effects of their actions on the environment and therefore, they look for actual experiences, learning more about nature.
Art, design, and personalization
Art and design are essential for differentiating boutique hotels. Medina notes that hotels are increasingly incorporating distinctive interior designs and art installations to create memorable stays. Kimberly Walker, Creative Director of Nomada Hotel Group, stresses the importance of understanding guest preferences. Personalization, she explains, ensures that guests feel welcomed and valued, enhancing their overall experience.
Transparency and customization
Transparency in pricing and customization of guest experiences are becoming more important as guest expectations evolve. Walker highlights a shift towards clearer pricing structures, with a move towards absorbing amenity fees into the average daily rate (ADR).
Technological integration
Technological advancements are reshaping the boutique hotel industry, particularly in in-room entertainment and personalized experiences. Deborah O’Donnell, Director of Strategic Sales at DIRECTV HOSPITALITY, notes that guests now expect a comprehensive entertainment experience similar to what they enjoy at home. Alexandra Walterspiel, President & COO of Sensei, adds that Sensei, for instance, uses real-time data from wearables to guide guests’ wellness journeys, tailoring services to align with each guest’s intentions and goals.
Wellness and mindfulness
Here, health and wellness together with mindfulness are becoming a distinguishable feature of visits to boutique hotels. According to Medina, the hotels provide guests more and more services connected with wellness, such as spa services, yoga and meditation, and they often use references to the culture of the region.
As the speakers at the Boutique Hotel Owners Conference will point out, it is essential to be aware of these trends and be willing to push the envelope as well as knowing ones guests preferences. So through the incorporation of such trends, the owners of these boutiques hotels is able to come up with something new and out of the norm that adheres to current customers’ standards and guarantees future sustainability of the hotel business.
