8 Boutique Hotels For Discerning Travelers

As a person who travels often, you're probably sick of staying at lousy chain hotels, and appreciate when the place you choose takes the time to do the little things right. Each of these options has something special to offer, giving you more than just a place to rest your head, and ensuring your time is as pleasant as possible so you'll want to come back. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

8 Stylish and Comfortable Boutique Hotels

Name Location
The Blackstone Chicago, IL
Borgo Santo Pietro Tuscany, Italy
Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center Lynchburg, VA
Scuba Lodge Pietermaai, Curaçao
Hotel Juliani St. Julians, Malta
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, IL
The Broadview Hotel Toronto, ON
NU Hotel Brooklyn, NY

The Borgo Cooking School at Borgo Santo Pietro

Things To Bring on Your Next Vacation

  • Travel size toiletries that won't take up too much space
  • Keep your dirty clothes separate from the clean ones with a laundry bag
  • A money belt for easy access to cash & cards
  • If you're traveling with kids, you might want to bring along some games
  • Depending on your preference, either a backpack or some nice luggage
  • Cozy pillows can improve any long flight or car trip
  • If you're going to a country where you don't know the language, a translator can be a big help
  • A travel mug for your coffee or tea

Stunning Visuals of the Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites Curaçao

In Depth

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the right hotel can provide relaxation and escape from the everyday. Stylish and comfortable guestrooms, added amenities, and convenience all combine to make an overnight stay enjoyable. Here, in no particular order, are eight hotels that offer unique and luxurious accommodations.

#1 on the list is The Blackstone, a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago. It is surrounded by iconic attractions like Grant Park, Soldier Field, and the Chicago Symphony Center. Its 335 rooms and suites, some with views of Lake Michigan, and event spaces offer a stylish place for meetings, parties, or vacations.

This hotel's on-site restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa, is a Spanish dining destination with an innovative menu. An in-room experience is available through its K'Alma Spa, which offers guests massages, facial treatments, and more. Frequented by US Presidents, celebrities, and other famous figures, The Blackstone is one of Chicago's most admired hotels.

Frequented by US Presidents, celebrities, and other famous figures, The Blackstone is one of Chicago's most admired hotels.

Coming in at #2 is the Borgo Santo Pietro. A five star luxury resort located in Tuscany, its amenities include a holistic spa, organic farm, vineyards, and thirteen acres of gardens. With twenty rooms and suites, each individually styled with bespoke accents, this private retreat offers serenity and romantic charm. Concierge activities are also available, including guided tours, hot-air ballooning, and Vespa excursions.

This hotel's dedication to embracing organic and sustainable living is evident in all of its services. Two farm-to-table restaurants provide cuisine sourced from the hotel's own grounds. It developed its own line of natural skincare, Seed to Skin, which is available as an in-house amenity. Guests can experience the region's culture through interactive cooking classes, wine tasting, art lessons, and a game of bocce.

Next, at #3, is the Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center. Located in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia, it offers eclectic accommodations in a historic building rich with heritage. It pays homage to the location's original use as a shoe factory by including themed details in the decor and services. Guest rooms and suites have high ceilings and accents like exposed brick, and offer views of the James River or the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Guest rooms and suites have high ceilings and accents like exposed brick, and offer views of the James River or the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Amenities at this hotel include bathrobes, exclusively-made Kingsdown mattresses, and continental breakfast delivered via room service. Spaces for meetings, weddings, and other events are available for groups of up to 200. It is situated in an area ideal for history buffs and nature lovers, located close to Natural Bridge, The National D-Day Memorial, Appomattox Court House, and multiple lakes.

In the #4 spot is Scuba Lodge, a small hotel in Willemstad, Curacao. Built in the 19th century, this colorful Caribbean structure has maintained its vibrant character and original architecture since the hotel's opening in 2008. Its location offers guests the opportunity to be near the ocean and within the unique and culturally rich Pietermaai District.

On-site, guests can swim in the hotel's infinity pool, relax in their room with a massage, or enjoy breakfast on the beach. It provides scuba excursions and dive instructors, bringing guests to some of the many snorkel spots on the island. Additional outings include ATV tours, swimming with dolphins, deep sea fishing, and hiking in Christoffelpark National Park.

Additional outings include ATV tours, swimming with dolphins, deep sea fishing, and hiking in Christoffelpark National Park.

Featured at #5 is Hotel Juliani, which offers comfort and convenience in Malta. Combining stylish decor, peaceful ambiance, and personalized service, it provides a unique experience as the island's first boutique hotel. It has a rooftop pool, private transportation, and fitness center.

Its Mediterranean design and cultural accents ensure guests experience the beauty and heritage of the area. Many rooms and suites offer a view of the Spinola Bay. It also offers a disinfection service with hospital grade technology for those with allergies or environmental sensitivities.

#6 is the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. Sitting in the middle of the Chicago skyline, it is conveniently located close to all of downtown's attractions. Once a hat factory, it has been redesigned to feature modern, eclectic design. Inspired by the vibrant city with art sourced from local artists, it also pays respects to its past as a millinery.

Inspired by the vibrant city with art sourced from local artists, it also pays respects to its past as a millinery.

Its restaurant, Fisk & Co., is a mussel and beer bar that features a showcase raw bar where guests can watch the chefs work. Catered meetings and parties take place in the event rooms, which consist of over 4,100 square feet of flexible space. Those looking for outings in the Windy City will find easy access from this hotel to Navy Pier, Chicago Loop, and many of the city's parks.

Coming in at #7 is The Broadview Hotel. With a storied and colorful past dating back to 1891, its current incarnation is a luxury hotel in Toronto. As a home away from home, its guestrooms blend classic elements with unexpected accents to provide a relaxing retreat.

There are four options for on-site dining and five venue spaces, ensuring celebrations of all kinds have the perfect destination. Curated artwork is featured in each room and suite, providing unique character. Other interesting features include vinyl record players and minibars stocked with local goods.

There are four options for on-site dining and five venue spaces, ensuring celebrations of all kinds have the perfect destination.

Finally, in the #8 spot, is NU Hotel. As downtown Brooklyn's original boutique hotel, it offers luxury amenities and distinct personality. The creative energy of the borough creates inspiration for its style and vibe. Artists were given freedom to liven up large guestrooms with murals, giving a unique look to each space.

It has commuter bicycles specially designed for the hotel. As a dog-friendly space, it also offers pet amenities like treats, personalized bowls, and embroidered beds for canine guests. Interesting destinations exist all around NU Hotel, offering visitors numerous chances to experience culture and museums, along with Brooklyn landmarks like Prospect Park and Coney Island.