The Top 10 Luxury Boutique Hotels In The US

Boutique style hotels have existed for centuries, but they became more popular in the 1980s. The term "boutique hotel" was coined in 1984 by Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell who owned the Morgans Hotel. They compared it to a boutique because the design and décor were unique and personal and customary service was of the upmost importance. Boutique hotels sprung up in London, New York and San Francisco. Today, these hotels exists in just about any town.

Boutique hotels are intimate yet have big personalities. Most have between 10 and 100 rooms. There are several types of boutique hotels: historical, rustic, low cost, themed and luxury. Luxury hotels offer high end amenities, and like all boutique hotels, offer exceptional guest service in a unique environment with many amenities. Luxury boutique hotels often include spas, fine dining, pools suites and plush linens in uniquely designed rooms.

Here are our picks for the top 10 luxury boutique style hotels in the United States.

Library Hotel - New York City, NY

For a unique luxurious experience, the Library Hotel in New York City is sure to please. Located in mid town Manhattan, the hotel is close to many New York City attractions including 5th Avenue, Bryant Park, the Empire State Building and the New York Public Library. This is one of the most unique luxury boutique hotels.

There are 60 rooms on 10 guest floors. The themes of the floors and rooms is the Dewey Decimal System. Each room is themed with the concept of the particular floor. Artwork and books in the rooms reflect the the theme of the floor.

Room amenities include complimentary wireless service, turndown service with bottled water and Belgian chocolates, plush cotton robes and slippers, and Gilchrist and Soames bath amenities. Other hotel amenities include a complimentary wine and cheese reception, complimentary refreshments in the Reading Room and a continental breakfast buffet. There is also a DVD library with the top 100 movies of the 20th century.

Madison and Vine is an American Bistro and the Book Mark Lounge is located on the 14th floor. The Roof Top Bar offers beautiful city views. There is also a Writers Den and Poetry Garden Terrace available for private parties and events. An executive boardroom is available for business conferences. Rooms run between $190 and $550 a night.

Ivy Boutique - Chicago, Illinois

Located just steps from the Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue, the Ivy Boutique is the perfect location for shopping, dining and other entertainment. There are 63 rooms in the stylish building with 16 stories. The interior is decorated in modern earth-toned designs and accented with artwork by local artists. The hotel is designed for luxury and privacy as well as function.

The friendly staff provides personal service. Amenities include internet access, room service and room service. High end linens are comfortable in rooms with bamboo flooring. The rooms have a deep soak tub and rainfall shower. In room massages are available.

Room service is available an there is an ala carte menu in the bar. The 15th floor has 3100 square feet for events and business meeting. The banquet area seats up to 125 guests. For a private, luxurious home away from home, the Ivy offers the perfect getaway. Rooms are approximately $290 a night.

V Boutique Hotel - Corpus Christi, Texas

The V Hotel and The Vietnam Restaurant are popular in the resort town of Corpus Christi. Service is personalized and the ambience is unique. Located in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi near the beach. The hotel has a storied past. Built in 1920 as an Elks Lodge, it has housed several businesses. In 1944, Lin "Doc" Mason leased the building and opened it as a night club. The Dragon Grill had food, atmosphere, a live orchestra and illegal gambling. The third floor Jalna Room is decorated with marble walls, secret passages and hidden panels.

These were to hide illegal activity in the Prohibition era and the illegal gambling that took place in the 1940s and 1950s. Mason was arrested in 1953 when a police officer snuck in the third floor. Mason sold the building to The Town Club which held the building for 30 years.

In 2001, Bac and Lien Nguyen bought the building and turned the restaurant into the Vietnamese Restaurant and the hotel into the V Boutique Hotel. Rooms include a studio, loft and king. Amenities include plush linen and robes and L'Occitane bath products. Service is personalized and the hotel is pet friendly.

The restaurant serves contemporary Vietnamese fusion dishes with quality, fresh ingredients. The bar serves saki, beer and specialty drinks as well as food. The restaurant has private rooms for events or corporate meetings and provides catering service. Rooms start at $160 a night.

The Rittenhouse - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Rittenhouse is located on the Philadelphia square named for David Rittenhouse. It originally housed a mansion owned by AJ and Lois Buchanan Cassett. AJ was the President of the Pennsylvania Railroad and was key to connecting the line to New York City's Penn Station. His sister, Mary was an artist who showed her work at the 1868 Paris Salon. The building was sold to the Episcopal church and the Academy of Notre Dame where members of the iconic acting Barrymore family studied.

Construction of the existing Rittenhouse designed by Donald Reiff was completed in 1989. Today the hotel retains its historic character and layout while adding modern conveniences and a luxurious environment. World class amenities include a health club with an indoor pool and sauna, 24 hour concierge service and 8479 square feet of event space. Rooms feature plush pillow top mattresses, duvets and down pillows. The bathrooms have a large tub, a glass shower and plush robe and slippers. Room rates start at $350.

Garrison Inn -Newburyport, Massachusetts

Named for William Lloyd Garrison, an abolitionist, merchant and inn keeper, the Garrison has a long history of providing room and board in this quaint Massachusetts seaport town. Located on a quiet, tree-lined residential street, Garrison Inn is just blocks from the Market Square and its boutiques and restaurants and just 3 miles from Waterfront Park.

The 24 rooms of the Garrison are decorated with sleek modern lines and rich textiles. While maintaining the historic feel of the Inn, the interior is sophisticated and comfortable. Fashionable black lacquer, beige, Louis XV French accents and leather and marble accents create an elegant atmosphere. Amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast, access to an indoor pool and fitness center and full concierge service. There is Tea Noir where coffee, tea and sweets are served daily from 4 to 11 pm. An after hours snack menu is available from 11 pm until 7 am. The Garrison's rooms start at $266.

The Chestnut Boutique Hotel -Morgantown, West Virginia

The Chestnut Hotel is a 40 room hotel with unique room designs and a lot of amenities. Located in central downtown Morgantown, the hotel boasts views of the cityscape, the Monongahala River and the Appalachian Mountains. Service and attention to detail define this modern hotel. The rooms have top line bedding Tivoli Elegance pillow top mattresses. Located on each floor is a coffee and tea bar with fresh fruit, wrapped pastries and healthy breakfast bars. There are several guest room and suite options.

As part of the 341 Live Entertainment District, the hotel is surrounded by great entertainment and dining options. The district encompasses 50,000 square feet in the heart of downtown Morgantown. There is a roof top Rock Top Bar and Grill and the Big Whiskey Saloon and Dance Hall host live concert, theme nights, weddings and other social events. The Saloon has a Revolver Room that holds 60 guests. Rates start at $169.

The Giacomo - Niagara Falls, NY

This 41 room luxury hotel is elegant, close to the Falls and offers beautiful views and excellent service. Within walking distance of the state park and the Falls, The Giacomo has large panoramic windows, high ceilings and bright open spaces. In the Sky Lounge there are magnificent views of the surrounding area. The Giacomo Lounge has a granite bar and multiple seating areas make the lounge the perfect place to relax with friends and family. It is intimate and sophisticated. Music and special events such as wine tasting are booked through the winter months.

The room amenities include pillow top mattresses and plush Italian linens. Rooms are decorated with European style such as English wallpaper and leather chairs and ottomans. Some rooms have fireplaces or Jacuzzis. Several guest rooms and suites are available. Other hotel amenities include chocolate and freshly baked cookies with turndown service, access to the fitness center and business facilities. Rooms start at $250.

Dockside Inn - Oaks Bluff, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

The Dockside Room is located in quaint Oaks Bluff Harbor. It combines a quaint beach atmosphere with contemporary design and natural décor. The 22 rooms of the Inn offer ocean and harbor views and are available for couples, families and even wedding groups. Historic sites and beautiful views are coupled with strolls along the waterfront. There is shopping, dining, a movie theater, ice cream parlors, a game room and nightclubs nearby. Bikes and mopeds are available for rental.

Hotel and room amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, ice cream treats and daily fresh baked cookies. The hotel provides complimentary use of beach towels, umbrellas and beach chairs. The hotel also offers a virtual concierge. From anywhere on the island, you can text "Loomis" and find answers about restaurants, attractions, directions and more. Rooms start at $200.

Taj Campton Place - San Francisco, California

The Taj Campton Place is located right by Union Square. The location is perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the city of San Francisco. There is great shopping and world class dining. There are museums, theater, ballet and nightclubs to visit.

The boutique hotel has many styles of guest rooms and suites. All are elegantly decorated and provide comfort and luxury in a sophisticated environment. Personal service is important and guests are treated with respect by the attentive staff. The Compton Place Restaurant offers sumptuous meals with European and San Franciscan influence. The rooms start at $500.

The Redbury - Hollywood, California

Located at the intersection of Hollywood and Vine, The Redbury is a luxurious boutique hotel in the center of Hollywood action. There are 57 well appointed guest suites decorated in Old World and Bohemian style. The hotel houses the restaurant Cleo which provides Middle Eastern cuisine in an exciting, dynamic environment. The Library Lounge on the second floor of the hotel is the perfect spot to meet for before or after dinner drinks and offers a select menu from Cleos.

The Redbury has private event facilities available for rental. Hotel amenities including a fitness area, a spa and concierge service. Suites include high end linens and other amenities that make your stay at The Redbury a luxurious home away from home. Room rates run around $560 a night.

References:

http://www.libraryhotel.com
http://www.exploreivy.com
http://www.vhotelcc.com
http://www.rittenhousehotel.com
http://www.garrisoninn.com
http://www.chestnuthotel.com
http://www.thegiacomo.com
http://www.vineyardinn.com
http://www.tajcamptonplace.com
http://www.theredbury.com