My Top 8 Favorite Boutique Hotels Around the World
Best Hotels Around the World: Boutique and Moderate Budget Stays
When I travel, I love staying at boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts! It all depends on the vibe of the trip – tropical destinations usually call for chic, boutique stays that still hit that moderate price point. In Europe, I steer clear of Airbnbs (just not my thing) and opt for well-reviewed hotels that feel more reliable. So, if you’re looking for amazing places to stay around the world, here are my absolute favorites!!
1. Casa Buonocore – Positano, Italy
Casa Buoncore is hands-down my favorite hotel I’ve ever stayed in! Yes, it’s a splurge at €1,240 ($1,303 USD) for two nights, but SO worth it – especially if you’re not quite ready to book Le Sirenuse! The breakfast spread? Endless and delicious. The rooms? Huge. The sleep quality? Unmatched (I slept 16 hours one night… I don’t think I’ve done that in my entire life!). And the VIEWS? Insane!! I was floored at this stay. The staff helps with everything from taxis to dinner reservations, and the location is perfect for exploring Positano. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly stay, Dimora Del Podesta is a fantastic alternative with a lovely, cozy feel.
2. Boardwalk Boutique Hotel – Aruba
This place is a total dream! I stayed at the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel in 2021 for my own honeymoon, and they’ve since made some amazing updates. The best part? You get your own private casita, making for the most peaceful and relaxing stay. The pools are fantastic, and now they have the Coco Café serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks! Plus, they offer a shuttle to a private section of Palm Beach where you can order food and drinks from The Ritz (fancy, right?!). I’d love to stay in every single one of their casitas someday!
3. Kriunes Hotel – Iceland
So, our Iceland stopover started with an attempt to stay at a hostel in Reykjavik… and let’s just say, it was not the vibe. We immediately checked out and found Kriunes Hotel just outside the city, and wow, what a gem! It was quiet, cozy, and only a short drive from Reykjavik. We extended our stay to try and catch the Northern Lights, and we lucked out with an upgrade. We spent the night in the hot tubs and sauna, then watched the Northern Lights from bed (literal magic!). The heated floors, comfy beds, and great breakfast made this one of the best-value stays ever. Oh, and they have the cutest property dogs – 10/10 experience!
4. Kalya Suites – Santorini, Greece
This hidden gem in Kamari was everything I needed and more! They arranged transportation for me, and the daily breakfast on the patio was such a nice touch. The rooms were super spacious, the pool was an actual dream (complete with a waterfall!), and the location made it easy to pop down to the beach or grab dinner at a nearby restaurant. As a solo traveler, I felt completely safe at Kalya Suites, and it was easy to take the bus up to Oia. Two nights cost €324 ($340 USD), making it a fantastic value for Santorini!
5. Cuillin Hills Hotel – Isle of Skye, Scotland
I stayed here while working a wedding, and let me tell you – the staff treated our entire group like royalty! Portree is a must-visit if you’re exploring the Scottish Highlands, and this hotel was one of the best experiences I’ve had. The farm-to-table breakfast had endless options for both sweet and savory lovers, and the little personal touches (like the housekeeping team dressing up my stuffed animal – yes, I was delighted) made it feel extra special. If you’re heading to Skye, Cuillin Hills Hotel is a cozy, luxurious choice with unreal views!
6. Le Riad Yasmine – Marrakech, Morocco
For my friend’s 30th birthday, we booked out the entire Riad Yasmine, and it was next-level amazing! The rooftop was the perfect hangout spot, the courtyard pool was dreamy, and the rooms were beautifully designed. The staff went above and beyond every single day, making our stay so special. The decor was modern, everything was spotless, and the area felt super safe. Highly recommend!
7. Hôtel Maison Mère – Paris, France
Paris wasn’t my favorite city, but Hôtel Maison Mère definitely made my stay better! It’s in a great location, has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were so friendly. There’s a little bar and restaurant on-site, plus scooter rentals (so fun!). It had such a cute boutique vibe that made me feel right at home. Two nights in June cost €679.54 ($714 USD), which felt reasonable for a well-located Parisian hotel. Plus, the day trip from Paris to Brussels was super easy from staying here!
8. Petra House B&B – Galway, Ireland
This little B&B is such a hidden gem! It’s about a 15-minute walk from Galway’s city center, which made it a peaceful retreat while still being close to everything. I visited in November (the Christmas market was adorable, though small!), and while the rooms were tiny, the warmth of the hosts made up for it. The breakfast? Absolutely unreal – seriously lox and eggs that I still think about. Parking was easy, and the quiet, safe location made for a super relaxing stay. Two nights at Petra House B&B cost €300 ($315 USD), and I’d 100% stay again!
Each of these hotels left a lasting impression, and I’d recommend them to anyone looking for a boutique or moderately priced stay! Whether you’re craving a beachside escape, a cozy countryside retreat, or a city adventure, these hotels deliver on comfort, charm, and great hospitality.
Have you stayed at any of these spots, or do you have a favorite boutique hotel to share? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’m always looking for my next great stay!
