You are heading out on a girls getaway and you are checking off your to do list:
Fun and inspiring location – check!
Three of your best pals – check!
A great wardrobe for the weekend – check!
Exciting plans for the trip – check!
Chic, hip boutique hotel that caters to your every need – check!
One thing I have learned over the past few years is that I have developed a love affair for boutique hotels. After spending most of my life staying at the traditional chain hotels – the Marriott, the Hyatt, the Hilton – I was shown a new way to lodge while visiting new locations. They are called boutique hotels and what I love about them is that they have character; they reflect the personality of the city that they reside in and you get the feeling that you are staying at your very cool friend’s hip place in the most exciting neighborhood of the city. Boutique hotels really help make the city that you are staying in come alive even while you are in your hotel room. And, you can usually find a better rate at some of these new, smaller hotels than you would find at the larger, less personal chain hotels in major cities.
Here is a guide to some of the boutique hotels I have had the pleasure of calling home on my recent visits. Check them out on your next spirited trip!
New York City – In the city that never sleeps, why would you want to be jam packed into one of the hotels that houses 3000 other people wanting to experience the first city of America? There is a vibe in New York that does not exist anywhere in this country. With all of its eclectic neighborhoods that offer color and a vibrant city life, you can find a variety of boutique hotels that reflect the individual personalities of each area. Here are the ones I recommend to stay at the next time you in New York City. In Soho – stay at the 60 Thompson, you'll find some delectable Asian cuisine and a nightcap on the very comfortable and quaint rooftop deck. The rooms are bright and cozy and a perfect place to rest your head after a long day living it up in the city. Other notables include the Soho Grand, The Bryant Park Hotel and the Hotel Gansevoort in the Meat Packing District.
Chicago – I am thrilled that my hometown is offering up some amazing new boutique hotels. It started with the Hotel Monaco and the Hotel Allegro but really hit the big time when The James opened up a few years ago. I recently had the pleasure of staying at The James and it was awesome. My favorite part – the bar – it is a great meeting place for young urbanites looking for a hip place to meet friends after the long work day. So as a guest, you can mingle with the locals while enjoying a cool libation after some great shopping on Michigan Avenue. A big thing throughout most boutique hotels in most cities is that they are not only a hotel but host a hot bar and top restaurant. The James is home to David Burke’s Primehouse while the newest boutique kid on the block in Chicago – Dana Hotel and Spa – will offer a rooftop indoor/outdoor lounge as well as the well renowned AjaSteak restaurant. I love the Dana so much – and it is not even fully opened yet – that I am looking at it for my wedding room block. The rooms are like nothing I have ever seen in hotels – hardwood floors, modern appliances, high-tech electronics and lush furniture that I would love to put in my home….an amazing new addition to the city that I love.
Los Angeles – In the land of stars, boutique hotels seem to be more common than surfers in Malibu. You can find boutique hotels here that not only project that laid back atmosphere of LA that you want, but also fits your own individual personality. Whether you want to stay in downtown LA and get a more urban vibe at the Standard Downtown, or hit the beach in Santa Monica and experience the ultimate in California modern design at the Viceroy Hotel (another of my favorites) or head up to West Hollywood and have your pick up a plethora of hotels along Sunset Strip including the amazing Mondrian or the Standard Hotel on Sunset – LA has it all. From each of these hotels you are in walking distance of three different worlds of LA – all of which offer amazing food and nightlife (at the Mondrian, check out Cuba de Cuba for dinner and head to the Sky Bar at the pool for after dinner drinks) as well as a cozy bed to rest in when you are ready to say goodnight.
Miami - This hot spot in Southern Florida is also flush with sizzling boutique hotels that offer incredible pools, beach access and food and entertainment that will make you never want to leave. Some highlights include the Delano, The Shore Club and the Gansevoort South.
If you are in the mood for a change of pace from your typical hotel chain, check out some of these little gems that are sure to up the ante on your next weekend getaway!
- Monica Rohleder
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