Development of a Universal Standard for Boutique and Lifestyle Hotels

When describing boutique hotels, people may use the words of “charming,” “distinctive,” “quirky,” “cutting-edge,” “avant-garde,” “trendy,” “funky,” and “classic.” These adjectives all sound very nice, but they may carry different meanings to different people. The question is: are there ways to set a universal standard and criteria to categorize boutique and lifestyle hotels?

The newly formed Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA; http://www.blla.org/) is determined to answer this question. BLLA is developing a classification system that can “define boutique and lifestyle property types, standards, characteristics, and attributes.” In turn, boutique properties can better “market themselves with their niche;” travelers will find it easier to pick the “right” boutique hotel for their stays.

I support BLLA’s initiative. Industry standards and criteria are important and necessary. Meanwhile, I also see an opportunity for those big franchised boutique hotel brands. Instead of waiting for somebody to set a standard, why not set a standard for the industry? As Steve Forbes quoted his grandpa’s advice at the SHRM Conference --- people who give advices make more money than those who follow advices.

Interested in reading more discussion about boutique and lifestyle hotels? You may search “boutique hotel” under "Search Posts" or check out the following topics:
Boutique Hotels = Unique Experience + Standardized High-Quality Service?
Armani Hotels & Resorts: Another Luxury Boutique-Style Brand
Under the Boutique Hotel Concept, Independent Hotels May Now Join A Franchiser's Family
Porto Vista Hotel San Diego: A Brand that Claims To Be a Boutique Concept

References:
Hotel-online.com: http://tinyurl.com/linchikwokblog07092010
Picture was downloaded from: http://www.blla.org/

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