Has the term "boutique hotel" gone out of fashion? In fact, the concept, which originated in New York in the 1980s, has only evolved over time. As the first decade of the 21st century drew to a close, these small, uniquely designed establishments found themselves too cramped for space in the heart of major Western cities, and moved further afield. In Paris, for example, where outlying districts are all the rage, Philippe Starck has opened the Mama Shelter in the 20th arrondissement, not far from Porte de Bagnolet.
This trend is not unique to Europe. In the United States too, boutique hotels are moving into the suburbs. It's no coincidence that the majority of Indigo hotels - the latest addition to the Intercontinental Group - are located in small, quiet towns not far from a metropolis. Travellers want to be in residential areas rather than in business centres, however chic or practical. Hence the success of the Carcosa Seri Negara. Located just 10 minutes by car from KL Center, this Small Leading Hotel of the World is one of the few, if not the only boutique hotel in Kuala Lumpur, set in splendid tropical gardens and with just thirteen suites spread across a colonial estate. But, as Asia is obliged to do, the service here is more developed than in Europe or the United States. It offers a personal butler, Malay or French restaurants and high tea served every afternoon on the terrace overlooking a lush garden. The Far East is probably the new land of conquest for these luxury urban hotels offering personalised service.
To adapt to Asian customers, the concept has had to change somewhat. In China, these intimate residences must offer the same level of service as the five-star hotels of international chains. The Jia Shanghaï has therefore entrusted the kitchen of Issimo, its Italian restaurant, to the famous chef Salvatore Cuomo. The hotel also has a fitness room, a fully equipped business centre and a vast meeting room equipped with everything you need for videoconferences. Other hotels, such as Hotel G, offer baby-sitting and translation services...
