It is becoming increasingly common to see that many of the new, smaller, hotels are describing themselves as a “Boutique Hotel”. All across the world, in such places as the city of London in the UK, there appears to be an increase in the number of hotels describing themselves as a “Boutique Hotel” but what makes a boutique hotel and where did they originate from? Below you will find the answers.

Boutique hotels are usually small hotels run by a family, couple or small enterprise. However, there has been a recent trend for some of the larger hotel chains to build hotels to meet the specific demand for these hotels so this distinction may not hold true for much longer! One statement that is true for all boutique hotels is that they feature unique elements of decoration and style and, in many cases, this is based upon a specific theme. Such themes can range from a hotel decorated and furnished in the 17th Century style to one which is focused on chocolate for avid chocoholics. Although the vast majority of boutique hotels are based upon one particular theme or style, from time to time, you will find such a hotel that chooses to have each room individually styled upon different, and sometimes contrasting, themes.

Where Was The First Boutique Hotel?

Boutique hotels first appeared in the late 1980s in New York USA. Although some hotels claim to have been boutique hotels as far back as 1981 in places such as London UK and San Francisco the first hotel to be described as such was the ‘Morgans’ hotel, New York, in 1984. These earlier claimants were, therefore, subsequently described as such and can not, realistically, claim to be the first.

‘Morgans’ hotel  was owned by Steven Rubell and Ian Schrager who had commissioned the Parisian designer Andrée Putman to create a unique, highly stylized, hotel in New York.  Putman created the hotel in what has become known as an “America meets Europe” fashion. Steven Rubell wished to make his hotel stand out from, what he considered to be, the mundane and plain hotels of the larger chains. He described other hotels as “department store” hotels and his own as a “boutique hotel” to show the distinctive difference – thus the phrase entered the English language for the first time.

Interesting Boutique Hotels in the United Kingdom

42 The Calls (hotel) in Leeds claims to be one of the first to appear in the UK. The Calls was a hotel built in the carcass of an old corn mill and used that as the overall theme. The main points of interest in the hotel are the incredibly comfortable handmade beds of each room and the pieces of machinery which have been kept from the days it was a working corn mill.

The Blake’s Hotel in South Kensington, London, is often quoted as being one of the first boutique hotels in the world but, although this appeared before Morgans in New York, for the reasons outlined above this claim is often dismissed. Over the last few decades there have been a number of boutique hotels appearing across the United Kingdom in such diverse places as the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland but the largest number have opened in London.

If you are planning a trip to, or a vacation in, London and you are considering booking a boutique hotel you may wish to check out the listings of boutique hotels in London at http://www.londonhotelhelper.com/

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Surprises are always a big hit and what better way than to give that special someone in your life a bath and spa gift basket. You can also give these wonderful gifts to a fellow employee for any type of occasion plus it’s not expensive if you get fellow co workers to contribute.

With the many choices of products available it becomes fun to put together a bath and spa gift basket. You can make your own basket or buy one that’s already made. By going to a favorite or popular bath and body store, you’ll get fantastic ideas that offer unique bath and spa gift baskets. Then, when you give these gifts you will surely surprise that special person and they will surely appreciate it.

Idea #1 – Become Creative and Make The Gift Basket Yourself

Making your own bath and spa gift basket is quite easy and fun to do, and not to mention, this is the perfect way to make this gift special and memorable, especially if you are the significant other. The first thing you do is to find a really nice basket, let it be as decorative as you want. A simpe decorative liner or colorful paper tissue can enhance your basket. Place a nice ribbon or lovely lace on it, then fill up your basket with things such as lotions, bath balls, moisturizers,bath salts, manicure sets, facial masks and a massage tool.

Theme your creation such as the fragrant vanilla spa gift baskets. You can even add a little charm by putting gourmet chocolates and don’t forget to finish it off with a spa gift certificate! The idea here is simple, you want that person to pamper themselves with the bath and spa gifts. Now all you have to do is wrap it with clear plastic, put a nice colorful bow and present it at the right moment.

Idea #2 – Do It Yourself or Off the Rack? You Can Always Buy A Gift Basket

If you don’t have enough time to create your own then buying spa gift baskets sets is the easiest way. There are a couple ways to accomplish this. Start off by surfing the internet to get immediate ideas on making your gift basket, then make a list. This will also give you an idea on how much you would like to spend. Second, go to your favorite or popular bath and body store. If you’re stuck for ideas on where to go, ask your coworkers or friends to recommend a store.

Your sales person can help you find interesting and one of a kind products that will enhance your gift basket. Take the tiime to browse around the store while touching and smelling the wonderful products that are displayed. To put the final touch in your gift basket you will need to get a spa certificate and by going to a day spa you can choose different packages of spas available.

The Best Idea: Your Surprise Is A Gift That Gives Back

When you are ready to give your bath spa gift basket to that special person, they will be totally surprised and will be sure to enjoy it. If that person just happens to be your significant other perhaps you can put a few extra items in your basket to really make it a surprise, I am sure the magic will happen. No doubt there are many ideas to choose from, whether you create your own or buy one off the shelf but the main thing is the special surprise in the end.

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