Boutique hotels stand for exclusive, one of a kind, beautiful, creative, charming and itsy-bitsy expensive. This type of hotel has existed in Europe for ages but leave it to an American to brand it. It is said that it was Steve Rubell who coined the term when he, together with Ian Shrager, opened a hotel in New York called Morgans back in 1984.

I believe women, like myself, love the idea of staying at a boutique hotel to get away from their own homes (I’m saying this in a good way) for some serious pampering. We see everything in place and artistically decorated. Quirky designs are welcome since it remind us that we all have our quirky side.

JK Place photo by melissa burgess

Florence

The JK Place is located right in the heart of downtown Florence – Piazza Santa Maria Novella – great location! It has a magnificent mix of classic and contemporary design. You’ll want to transform your home by the time you’re unpacking your bags in your bedroom. Now where do I get those zebra prints?

The Continentale is located by the Ponte Vecchio – can’t complain about that. And since your days will be filled with Renaissance art and architecture, coming back to your room at the Continentale will be refreshing. Say hello to its sleek and minimalist design! White sheets, fluffy pillows, beautifully designed bathrooms!

Hi Hotel photo by Diane S Murphy

Boutique Hotels in Nice

Nice has its share of boutique hotels. If you like funky, head for the Hi Hotel. Their 38 rooms are done in oh-so-bold colors like fuchsia, mauve, purple. The rooms are divided to nine wacky concepts such as the Indoor Terrace, filled with teak decking or techno rooms, where computer screens fill the room but as furniture.

If you’re more into innovative and classic design, head for the Beau Rivage. Wonderful rooms with sleek decoration and high-technology. They call it pure design – incorporating simple elements such as beige stone, wood, pebbles and linen – by French architect Jean Michel Wilmotte.

They’ve totally renovated the place in 2004, have a private beach and are in the heart of the old town. Perfect!

Berlin Boutique Hotels

Lux 11 Berlin photo by owagner

Berlin conjures up images of avante-garde fashion and interior. If you want a taste of that during your stay in Europe, stay at the Q! Hotel. They have 77 unique futuristic rooms with some beds actually having minimalist space-age alcoves. Some baths are just beside the bed that if you got out in the morning, you’d immediately land in the bath! One unique feature in the hotel is the spa in the basement with a beach area complete with warm sand between your toes (thanks to underfloor heating.)

Or maybe you prefer bright white rooms with clean lines and a more classic approach, the Lux 11 hotel is the place to stay. They’ve got 72 apartments to choose from. And you can even check out what’s happening in the areas around the hotel – the ground floor has up-to-the minute videos to check things out. For dinner, you can always try their hip restaurant.

So, spice up your next trip to Europe with that chic theme and go boutique!

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