Playing our part

It’s heartening to see that boutique hotels are playing a significant role in the growth of the UK’s luxury (four-star and above) hotel market.

New research from property law firm Boodle Hatfield says that at least 140 new properties in the luxury space have been opened in the UK over the last two years, while the number of three-star and lower properties fell by 110 in the same period.

The research found that there has been particular growth in the independent boutique hotel market, “as affluent tourists seek more authentic local experiences rather than the predictability of major hotel chains”. These hotels are often conversions of a local landmark building, or give guests access to local culture, for example through their food offerings. Quality rather than quantity would appear to be the way the market is heading, and boutique hotels are well poised to offer luxury and experiential stays to capitalise on this trend.