Why Boutique Beats Big-Box
Have you ever stumbled upon a gem of a hotel while on vacation? Some place that isn't part of a big chain but isn't the Bates Motel? A place with charm and appeal? A place that seems too good to be true? It’s a great feeling.
After far too many disappointing hotel stays, I have started to appreciate the good ones a lot more. So much that I have been keeping a mental list of great stays I have enjoyed over the years. Places that actually made me feel like a guest — not a customer. These are a few of those rad finds.
Skyview Hotel - Torrey, Utah
Skyview is a boutique hotel nestled in the red cliffs outside of Capitol Reef National Park. It's stylish and offers a lot of unique amenities you don't typically find at larger hotel chains. Custom art installations, beautiful views right from the room and if you are lucky, you can snag a room with a hot tub right on the patio. It even has a terrace where you can view stars in the dark sky, something you're unlikely to find at many hotels.
I stumbled upon this gem in November of 2024 while on my honeymoon in the Southwest. At first, I was a little nervous about staying at this random motel I found online but once I checked in, I instantly fell in love. The location is so close to Capital Reef, it is easily my first choice.
Postcard Cabins
Postcard Cabins offers tiny cabins in the middle of the great outdoors. There are locations throughout the United States, so you are unlikely to be too far from a location. These cabins offer fewer amenities than your typical hotel but make up for that with a secluded, natural environment. It's the perfect getaway.
I have visited a couple of these locations and always found them enjoyable. But it's an acquired taste and you need to be prepared before heading out. Overall it has always offered me a great experience and a way to unwind.
Basecamp 550 - Ridgeway, Colorado
I discovered Basecamp 550 many years ago during a three week road trip across the country. Basecamp is a property between the Colorodo towns of Ouray and Ridgeway that offers tiny homes, glamping, and RV hookups for travelers looking to experience the San Juan mountain region. It offers numerous amenities and a prime location if you are looking to explore the beautiful mountains of Colorado.
In 2019, this served as my basecamp for part of a three week trip across the country. I stayed in a quaint tiny home which had pretty much everything I needed -- bathroom, kitchen, and bed. The house was great, the property was awesome and it was all settled in front of a pasture of cows with a mountain peaked backdrop. Quite a wonderful place to stay while I worked remotely for the week.
Southern Hospitality - Statesboro, Georgia
After a less than stellar stay at a chain hotel near Georgia Southern University, I went searching for a better experience. That search led me to this amazing guesthouse AirBnB.The cozy cottage was in a quiet neighborhood, close to downtown, and came with everything a guest needed to feel at home. The host was pleasant, communicative and stocked the dwellings with the little niceties that can take a stay to the next level.
A small Keurig machine with k-pods — something many places forget. Small little television with an AppleTV for unwinding before bed. A small washer/dryer all-in-one that was very helpful for washing my sweaty clothes after a run in the Georgia heat. And great aesthetics all around.
The cherry on top was the helpful and communicative host that made me wonder why I would ever choose a local hotel at all.
Why the Big Deal?
Why did I just write an entire article about interesting places I have slept? Because hospitality isn’t dead. You just have to go hunting for it.
As a traveler, you deserve hospitality. These are just a few examples of places I have found doing it the right way. Not over-the-top but providing a balance of quality and price. At the end of the day, that is all we are asking for when we look for a place to rest our weary eyes.
It’s unfortunate that big corporate hotels no longer find true hospitality profitable but that appears to be the way of the world these days. Hopefully things turn around but until they do, find places showing true hospitality and award them by sharing them with everyone you know.
