Beyond Boutique Hotels.

Given a choice of hotel, I would automatically pick a standard brand like a Hilton or a Marriott for any travel whether holiday or work. I think the reason (apart from the fact that you get to stack up on hotel points) is just that it’s so familiar; I can walk into the room blind folded and I’ll know where to find what.

Boutique hotels on the other hand seem to be getting popular not just for their local charm and appeal but for their themed furnishing and décor and the fact that they’re individual and chic.

On my work trips to Kuala Lumpur, I’ve always stayed at the Renaissance, tho’ the Maya next door looks very impressive and is similar in terms of price and facilities. In Izmir…. No, am not staying at the Hilton but a block away at the Beyond hotel.

The first thing that struck me about the Beyond is the color themes…. So yes, each floor is a different color right down to the lighting and the bed covers. Its six floors of color – Purple, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red! I’m used to and comfortable with neutral colors in a hotel room, but I’ve been assigned a blue room and since my room back home has shades of blue, I have to admit I feel right at home.

On the day I got here, I asked the reception about a gym and the guy looked at me like why would anybody want to run indoors when you can run right next to the sea..  I have to agree, I’ve started to enjoy running outdoors. However, the fact that they decided to put in a gym 3 days after I reached the hotel is unbelievable. Swimming pool? Who needs one when you have a Jacuzzi in the bath tub! And no, they haven’t put one in as yet!

So large buffet breakfasts, comfortable dinners, customized service… I have to admit, boutique or chain I’ve had extraordinary experiences at both types of hotel… So given a choice would I still choose a boutique hotel? I’m really not sure!