What does the word "Boutique" mean in hotel descriptions in Greece?:
The latest trend in Greek hotel naming is to include the word "boutique". This is a term like "organic" - no one is quite sure what it really means, but here are some clues below.
Less Grand than a Grand Hotel:
In general, boutique hotels in Greece fall into two categories - ones that are newly built and others that are newly renovated. In the case of newly renovated properties, the "boutique" designation usually implies that the actual building is a vintage structure that is interesting from an architectural standpoint.
Brand-new Vintage Hotels:
When the hotel is newly-built, it usually means that the structure itself will be architecturally interesting in some way. But the big reasons for the "boutique" designation come when you go inside.
What to Expect in a Boutique Hotel:
Boutique hotel lobbies usually have put a lot of thought, time, and money into the interior furnishings. It's not uncommon to see a rotating display of fine art, or beautiful antiques, or cutting-edge modern furniture, fixtures, and wall treatments. In some eclectic boutiques, you may find all of these arranged together in either an appealing mish-mash or a chaotic frenzy. Hint - what's fun in the lobby may be overwhelming in your room.
Colorful? It's Probably a Boutique Hotel:
If you like vivid color, more than the standard Greek blue and white, a boutique hotel may be for you. The designers may not flinch at including high-contrast colors, deep or vivid reds, metallics, 1960s style op-art wall coverings, and other bold strokes. As with the furnishings, you may delight in this or find it a bit overwhelming.
The Greek Boutique Hotel's Dirty Secret:
While this is not true of all boutique hotels, the designation sometimes can be translated as "great furnishings crammed into a tiny room". If space is important to you, you may want to look at the boutique designation with caution.
What Will You Pay for a Boutique Hotel Room in Greece?:
Here's why the "boutique" term is important to Greek hotel-keepers. It allows them to charge more. In the past, hotel rates were tightly regulated and based on things like the square footage of the lobby, or how extensive a breakfast was served in the morning. With the boutique designation, hotel owners are allowed to charge higher prices even though they may not meet all the traditional requirements for a deluxe hotel designation.
So, What Are Some Boutique Hotels in Greece?:
Here's my list of a few of the many "boutique" choices available now in Greece.
Planning your trip to Greece? Find and compare hotel rates at many locations in Greece:
Hotels in Greece
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Now, get to Greece!:
Planning your trip to Greece? Find and compare hotel rates at many locations in Greece:
Hotels in Greece
Compare airfares to Greece here: Find Greek Airfares
