Choosing the right hotel is an important part of travel. After all, it's your base during your whole adventure. With their distinct offerings, boutique hotels can add a unique bonus to your vacation. From the whimsical to the opulent, from the contemporary to the historic, boutique hotels cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a romantic getaway or a bucket-list journey, here are some of my favorite boutique hotels.
THE PACIFIC, CAYUCOS, CALIFORNIA
If you need some time on the sand, this beach boutique hotel just might be for you. Located off Highway 1, just a few minutes from the beach, The Pacific features a collection of 1920s bungalows. Once used as military barracks for the California National Guard, the 6 historic bungalows, housing 7 guest rooms and 13 additional guest rooms have been thoughtfully designed and renovated to create a fresh, luxurious experience. The Pacific combines coastal-inspired interiors with a laid-back approach to service. Guests at The Pacific can use complimentary Linus bikes to explore the small town of Cayucos (population 2.13k) and cruise the beach.
THE PINCH, CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
This southern boutique hotel has a whole different feel. Located in the heart of Charleston, The Pinch is a new boutique hotel housed in 2 original Victorian structures dating back to 1843. It has retained its charming history, though it has been transformed into 22 luxury rooms and suites. The Pinch has 2 different restaurant spaces: a popular oyster and cocktail den and a full-service restaurant with an inviting outdoor cobblestone courtyard. Its enviable location at King & George Street allows you to explore historic Charleston just outside your door.
LOS POBLANOS HISTORIC INN AND ORGANIC FARM, ALBURQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
If you’re planning a romantic getaway with your sweetheart, here’s my suggestion. Los Poblanos is a romantic inn set on 25 acres of lavender fields and formal gardens in New Mexico’s Rio Grande River Valley. Designed in 1932 by the eminent architect of the Southwest, John Gaw Meem, Los Poblanos has 45 luxurious guest rooms. Its charm, lavish amenities, and secluded ambiance allow you to relax and unwind. The historic inn is also an organic farm, providing Campo, the inn's restaurant, with field-to-fork dining. Chef Christopher Bethoney, a James Beard semi-finalist, is known for crafting dishes rooted in fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The inn’s artisan lavender products are renowned and incorporated into spa and wellness treatments at their Hacienda Spa. My favorite is their lavender lotion.
THE TUXON HOTEL, TUCSON, ARIZONA
The Tuxon, a member of Design Hotels known for its one-of-a-kind properties, is the perfect solution for sun-seekers, golfers, and those who love the beauty of the desert. This mid-century original has undergone an extensive reinvention that draws from the surrounding desert landscape and southern Arizona's cattle ranching heritage. On the banks of the Santa Cruz River, this 112-room boutique hotel offers distinctive amenities and a full calendar of community events, from live music to craft workshops.
VILLA ROYALE, PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
This eclectic boutique hotel with a storied history is a 3.5-acre hideaway amidst the desert palms of the Coachella Valley. Opened in 1947, it was a getaway for the Hollywood elite. Today, you can still feel that exciting history. Recently updated, it exudes quiet luxury while retaining its hip, eclectic mix of old California architecture, stylish vintage furnishings, and stunning artwork. The hotel has 7 ranch-style villas around a pool and 30 rooms in its main complex.
THE HOTEL MELROSE, GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO
Colorado’s western slope is known for its peaches, vineyards, and stunning mesas. The perfect base to enjoy this unique side of Colorado is downtown Grand Junction, home to the Hotel Melrose. Constructed in 1908, it’s a testament to the small city's rich history. The boutique hotel is beautifully designed with rich tones, handsome fixtures and dignified details. It has 16 suites, a lively speakeasy bar named The Melrose Spirit Co., and a cozy terrace. Unwind at the Hotel Melrose and then browse some of the town’s unique art galleries and shops. Then, after a good night’s sleep, you can head out to visit vineyards and orchards.
