This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
Advertiser Disclosure: This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, the World of Hyatt Credit Card, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, and the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card has been collected independently by Lonely Planet. These cards are not available through Lonely Planet.
Boutique hotels offer a unique and personalized experience that larger hotel chains can’t match. These smaller, independent hotels often have unique decor, amenities and services that make them stand out. Boutique hotels also provide a more intimate atmosphere than traditional hotels. Guests can enjoy a more personalized experience with friendly staff members who are knowledgeable about the local area and attractions. Additionally, many boutique hotels are now part of larger chains, so you can book them with points to save money on your stay.
With locations in some of the world’s most iconic cities, boutique hotels affiliated with major brands provide the best of both worlds. Here are 10 incredible branded hotels that have boutique hotel vibes.
10 amazing hotels around the world you can book with points
Vogue Hotel Montreal, Hilton
The Vogue Hotel Montreal is a boutique hotel in downtown Montreal’s Golden Square Mile. It offers modern and stylish accommodations with amenities like a fitness center and EV charging stations. The Vogue Hotel Montreal provides easy access to many attractions, such as Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and Mount Royal Park. Its convenient location and comfortable accommodations make it a great choice for travelers looking for a luxurious stay in Montreal.
You can book the Vogue Hotel Montreal starting from 64,000 Hilton points per night.
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card*: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Hilton Honors American Express Business card*: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 6/5/24.
- Hilton Honors American Express Card*: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
How to make a travel budget using points and miles
Reykjavík Konsúlat Hótel, Curio Collection by Hilton; Iceland
The Reykjavík Konsúlat Hótel, a Curio Collection Resort, is a boutique hotel with just 50 rooms, inhabiting the former Thomsen department store. With its unbeatable location one block from the waterfront, the Reykjavík Konsúlat Hótel is perfect for those looking for a convenient base to explore Iceland's capital.
Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with modern amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also features an onsite restaurant serving Icelandic cuisine and a bar with an extensive selection of local beers and spirits. The authentic Icelandic bathhouse provides a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
This boutique hotel is attainable with just 80,000 Hilton points per night.
Should you book travel with cash or points
The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts; London
The Biltmore Mayfair is a luxurious five-star boutique hotel in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square. The hotel features opulent and modern amenities, such as a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool and spa, two restaurants and bars and a cigar lounge. The Biltmore Mayfair also offers several event spaces for corporate functions or special occasions. Guests can enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance of many of London’s top attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and the West End theatre district.
The hotel is also part of Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio, and standard rates get booked up fast. Hilton does make Premium room rewards available, which start at a whopping 259,000 points per night. This gets you into a Deluxe room that typically costs over $700 per night. This isn’t the best use of Hilton points, but at least the hotel’s inclusion in the Hilton Honors program allows you to earn a lot of points and qualify for elite benefits.
Best travel credit cards for hotels
Tommie Hollywood - JDV by Hyatt; Los Angeles
The Tommie Hollywood is a chic, modern boutique hotel located in the heart of Downtown Hollywood, California. The hotel features stylish rooms that are bright with pops of vibrant color throughout. The hotel's highlight is the rooftop pool with stunning views of the Hollywood Hills. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center, business center and concierge services. With its convenient location near popular attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Tommie Hollywood Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore all Los Angeles offers.
The Tommie Hollywood is a Category 4 Hyatt hotel requiring 12,000-18,000 points per night.
- World of Hyatt Credit Card: Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
The best credit cards with no international fees
Ksar Char-Bagh, Hyatt; Marrakesh, Morocco
The Ksar Char-Bagh is a 14th-century palace in Marrakesh, Morocco that serves as an impressive example of Islamic architecture. The complex features beautifully landscaped gardens and a large pool surrounded by palm trees, fountains and lush foliage. The property has its own hammam, allowing guests to enjoy an authentic spa experience on-site.
Ksar Char-Bagh is part of Hyatt’s Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio. A free night in a standard Ksar Siute Terrace averages 35,000-45,000 points per night.
How to get major perks at global events and concerts with your credit card
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia
This pet-friendly boutique hotel inhabits the historic Lafayette Building near Philadelphia's famous Liberty Bell. Rooms at this property feature eclectic yet cozy decor to make travelers feel at home. Like most boutique hotels, the Hotel Monaco offers guests many freebies, including complimentary bike rentals, in-room yoga mats, coffee and tea service, shoe shine and kids' scooter rentals.
The Hotel Monaco is part of IHG’s Kimpton portfolio. As such, award night rates will vary by season, but you can generally book a standard room for under 60,000 points per night. Better yet, you’ll get the fourth night free on award bookings if you have a qualifying IHG One Rewards credit card.
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Limited Time offer! Earn up to 175,000 Bonus Points. Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 35,000 Bonus Points after spending a total of $7,000 in the first 6 months from account opening.
Best credit cards for adventure travel
Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection, an IHG Hotel; Porto, Portugal
The Casa da Companhia Porto is a chic boutique hotel in a historic 16th-century building on picturesque Flower Street. This 5-star hotel offers just 40 rooms, featuring elegant decor and modern amenities. Guests can take advantage of multiple onsite restaurants, a gym and a full-service spa with a Turkish bath and a large indoor pool.
Casa da Companhia is part of the IHG One Rewards portfolio, so you can use under 90,000 IHG points to book a free night.
Traveling to Europe using points and miles
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Marriott; Venice, Italy
The Gritti Palace is a luxury hotel in Venice, Italy. It was built in the 15th century as a private residence and has operated as a boutique hotel starting in 1895. Located on Venice’s famous Grand Canal, the iconic hotel offers stunning views of the Venetian lagoon and is just steps away from St. Mark's Square. The Gritti Palace features luxurious accommodations with a mix of classic and modern Italian design and dining options featuring local Venetian cuisine. The hotel also offers a range of amenities such as a rooftop jacuzzi, fitness center, spa and private boat tours.
As part of Marriott International's Luxury Collection, you can book a night at the Gritti Palace starting at 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. You'll get the fifth free if you book five consecutive award nights.
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card*: Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card*: Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases 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.
How to travel to Italy with points and miles
The Liberty Boston
Most people traveling to Boston aren’t looking to spend the night in jail, but the Liberty Boston might be an exception. This Beacon Hill hotel is housed in the former Charles Street Jail and has been declared a National Historic Landmark. The hotel celebrates its history with an aptly named CLINK restaurant, serving traditional New England dishes.
The Liberty Boston is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Boston. It is a Marriott property, so you can book a standard room for as few as 56,000 Marriott points per night.
Best credit cards for road trips
*Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
