10 amazing branded hotels that capture the essence of boutique charm for 2024

This series on credit cards, points and miles, and travel budgeting is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.

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Boutique hotels provide a distinct and tailored experience that larger hotel chains simply can't replicate. These smaller, independent establishments often feature unique decor, amenities, and services that set them apart. Boutique hotels create a more intimate ambiance compared to traditional hotels. Guests benefit from a personalized experience, supported by friendly staff who are well-versed in the local area and attractions. Moreover, many boutique hotels are now affiliated with larger chains, allowing you to book them with points to reduce your accommodation costs.

With locations in some of the world’s most renowned cities, boutique hotels associated with major brands offer the best of both worlds. Here are 10 fantastic branded hotels that embody boutique vibes.

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Vogue Hotel Montreal, Hilton

Situated in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, the Vogue Hotel Montreal is a boutique accommodation that boasts modern, stylish rooms along with amenities such as a fitness center and EV charging stations. Guests enjoy convenient access to attractions like Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, and Mount Royal Park. Its prime location and comfortable lodging make it an excellent option for travelers seeking luxury in Montreal.

You can reserve a stay at the Vogue Hotel Montreal starting from 64,000 Hilton points per night.

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*: Earn 150,000 bonus Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 165,000 bonus Hilton Honors points after spending $3,000 in your first 6 months. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
• Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 175,000 bonus Hilton Honors points after spending $8,000 within the first six months. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
• Hilton Honors American Express Card*: Earn 100,000 bonus Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months. Offer ends 1/8/2025.

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Reykjavík Konsúlat Hótel, Curio Collection by Hilton; Iceland

The Reykjavík Konsúlat Hótel, part of the Curio Collection, is a charming boutique hotel featuring just 50 rooms, located in the former Thomsen department store. Its prime location, just a block from the waterfront, makes it an ideal choice for travelers wanting easy access to explore the capital of Iceland.

Guests will find spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also boasts an onsite restaurant offering Icelandic dishes and a bar that features a wide variety of local beers and spirits. After a day of exploration, the traditional Icelandic bathhouse is the perfect spot to relax.

You can enjoy a stay at this boutique hotel for only 80,000 Hilton points per night.

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The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts; London

The Biltmore Mayfair is a lavish five-star boutique hotel situated in London’s esteemed Grosvenor Square. This hotel boasts luxurious and contemporary amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool and spa, two restaurants, bars, and a cigar lounge. Additionally, The Biltmore Mayfair provides multiple event spaces for corporate meetings or special celebrations. Guests appreciate the hotel's prime location, within walking distance of iconic attractions like Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and the West End theatre district.

This hotel is part of Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts collection, and standard rates fill up quickly. Hilton does offer Premium room rewards, starting at a staggering 259,000 points per night, which secures a Deluxe room typically priced over $700 per night. While this may not be the most efficient use of Hilton points, being part of the Hilton Honors program allows you to earn numerous points and access elite benefits.

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Tommie Hollywood - JDV by Hyatt; Los Angeles

The Tommie Hollywood is a stylish, contemporary boutique hotel situated in the vibrant heart of Downtown Hollywood, California. Featuring bright, colorful rooms, the hotel’s standout feature is its rooftop pool offering breathtaking views of the Hollywood Hills. Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a business center, and concierge services. Its prime location near attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame makes the Tommie Hollywood an excellent choice for travelers eager to explore Los Angeles.

The Tommie Hollywood is a Category 4 Hyatt property, requiring 12,000 to 18,000 points per night.

• World of Hyatt Credit Card: Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Receive 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by accumulating 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent in the first 6 months on purchases that typically earn 1 Bonus Point, up to $15,000.
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, plus an additional 15,000 Bonus Points after spending $12,000 in the first 6 months.

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Ksar Char-Bagh, Hyatt; Marrakesh, Morocco

Ksar Char-Bagh is a stunning 14th-century palace located in Marrakesh, Morocco, showcasing remarkable Islamic architecture. The property features beautifully manicured gardens and a spacious pool, all surrounded by palm trees, fountains, and vibrant greenery. Guests can indulge in an authentic spa experience at the on-site hammam.

Ksar Char-Bagh is included in Hyatt’s Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. A standard Ksar Suite Terrace typically requires 35,000 to 45,000 points for a free night stay.

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Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

This pet-friendly boutique hotel is located in the historic Lafayette Building, just steps away from Philadelphia's iconic Liberty Bell. The rooms are adorned with eclectic yet inviting decor, providing a homely atmosphere for guests. As with many boutique hotels, Hotel Monaco offers a variety of complimentary perks, including bike rentals, in-room yoga mats, coffee and tea service, shoe shining, and kids' scooter rentals.

Hotel Monaco is part of IHG’s Kimpton brand. While award night rates fluctuate by season, you can typically book a standard room for under 60,000 points per night. Additionally, if you have a qualifying IHG One Rewards credit card, you’ll enjoy a complimentary fourth night on award stays.

• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

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Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection, an IHG Hotel; Porto, Portugal

Casa da Companhia Porto is a stylish boutique hotel housed in a historic 16th-century structure on the charming Flower Street. This five-star establishment features just 40 elegantly decorated rooms equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy several on-site dining options, a gym, and a full-service spa that includes a Turkish bath and a spacious indoor pool.

Casa da Companhia is included in the IHG One Rewards program, allowing you to redeem fewer than 90,000 IHG points for a complimentary night.

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The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott; Venice, Italy

The Gritti Palace is a luxury hotel situated in Venice, Italy. Originally built in the 15th century as a private residence, it has been operating as a boutique hotel since 1895. Overlooking Venice’s iconic Grand Canal, this renowned hotel provides breathtaking views of the Venetian lagoon and is mere steps from St. Mark's Square. The Gritti Palace boasts opulent accommodations that blend classic and contemporary Italian design, alongside dining options that highlight local Venetian cuisine. Amenities include a rooftop jacuzzi, fitness center, spa, and private boat tours.

As part of Marriott International's Luxury Collection, you can secure a night at the Gritti Palace starting at 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Additionally, book five consecutive award nights to receive the fifth night for free.

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card: Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 85,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

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The Liberty Boston

While most visitors to Boston may not seek out a jail experience, The Liberty Boston offers a unique exception. This hotel, situated in the historic Charles Street Jail, is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It embraces its storied past with a restaurant called CLINK, featuring classic New England fare.

The Liberty Boston is an upscale boutique hotel located in downtown Boston. As part of the Marriott collection, you can reserve a standard room starting at just 56,000 Marriott points per night.

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*Conditions apply to benefits and offers from American Express. Some benefits may require enrollment. For more details, visit americanexpress.com.

Editorial note: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel brand, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of these organizations.