If you are going to visit a faraway place, do you want to pull up to your accommodations and have a familiar reception area, uniforms that match, and already know what it looks like before you pass through the front doors, or do you want a more unique and immersive experience? Boutique hotels and bed & breakfast accommodations are gaining in popularity because of what they offer that chain hotels don’t. Do you know what the differences are and which one is right for you?
Boutique Hotel Versus Bed & Breakfast
When it comes to deciphering whether a boutique hotel or a bed & breakfast in Charleston will best suit your needs, it is important first to know how they differ. Inns were originally designed to provide a room to rent where you could sleep overnight and then be on your way. Over the past several hundred years, however, the notion of inns and overnight accommodations has changed many times over. Boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts are experiencing a new resurgence because they offer a unique feeling that chain hotels simply can’t match.
What is a Boutique Hotel?
A boutique hotel concept is nothing new; they first began popping up in London and New York in the 80s. The allure of a boutique hotel is that it is typically nestled in the heart of a city alongside other buildings and commerce. Although not typically built for housing vacationers, they provide all that people need to enjoy an overnight stay. Boutique hotels don’t have any specific definitions that they have to adhere to, but they usually have less than 100 rooms and focus on an individual experience that is unique and tailored to their guests. The major advantage that a boutique hotel offers is that it differs greatly from the big box chains because they are independently run and designed to be a one-of-a-kind experience versus a cookie-cutter one.
What is a Bed & Breakfast?
Bed & Breakfasts are exactly what their name implies: they provide a bed with breakfast in the morning to follow. Traditionally, a bed & breakfast is maintained by people who not only own it; they usually live in it, too. Bed & breakfast establishments are often revamped historic homes that allow people the comforts of home with unique room conditions that are supposed to allow you to immerse yourself in the city you are in. If it sounds like roughing it, it isn’t. The key to a bed & breakfast lies in the notion that you can have a home-like feel with upscale catering and amenities that make it luxurious.
Is The Ashley a Boutique Hotel or a Bed & Breakfast?
When we purchased The Ashley, we knew that we wanted it to provide an experience that is unique, luxurious, and upscale, but we didn’t want to label it. We offer all the great things that people love about both bed & breakfasts and boutique hotels in Charleston, but we’re also a hybrid of all the things that you love about boutique, bed & breakfast, and chain hotels.
We understand that you want to have the best experience possible without sacrifice, so we continually add to our offerings, include options like our grab-and-go breakfast, and do all that we can to ensure that your stay with us is as amazing as possible. With our newly renovated accommodations, now is an excellent time to plan your stay before all of our rooms are booked for the upcoming year. Contact us today to reserve your dates!
