What does it mean to stay in a boutique hotel?

Discover how Época Suites embodies this philosophy of accommodation with history, style, and soul.
When we talk about boutique hotels, we're not just referring to a type of accommodation: we're talking about a different experience, more personal, more intimate, and full of details that make a difference. But where does this concept come from? What distinguishes it from a conventional hotel? And why could Época Suites be considered part of this trend?

A bit of history: the origin of the boutique hotel

The term "boutique hotel" was born in New York in the 1980s. The star of the show was Ian Schrager , co-founder of the legendary Studio 54, who opened the Morgans Hotel on Madison Avenue in 1984. It was a radical departure from the impersonal hotel chains of the time.

Schrager opted for something different: a space with personality , aesthetically curated, where every corner spoke its own language. There, guests weren't just numbers, but unique guests. Thus, a new style of accommodation was born: more intimate, more human, more special.

Since then, this philosophy has spread throughout the world: Spain, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates… Each country has contributed its own style, but they all share a common idea: the art of making guests feel at home… or better.

What characterizes a boutique hotel?

There is no single definition, but there are elements that are often repeated and that make this type of hotel something very special:

Reduced size

They usually have a limited number of rooms, which allows for a much more personalized and friendly service. There are no crowds or lines: there are familiar faces and attentive service.

Design with identity

The design isn't left to chance. Each space tells a story. A style is chosen—minimalist, classic, bohemian, industrial, etc.—and developed with coherence and care. In many cases, each room has its own name and decor.

Architecture with soul

Many boutique hotels emerge from restored old buildings , adding historical value and character. These spaces exude authenticity, not copies.

Emotional luxury

This is the great difference between a hotel and a large chain. We're not just talking about material comforts, but also meaningful details: a warm welcome, a thoughtfully chosen book on the bedside table, decor that connects with the history of the place.

Época Suites: much more than accommodation

Although we're not technically a hotel, we share the spirit of boutique hotels. Our apartments have been designed with the same approach: carefully curated spaces, steeped in history, personality, and a sense of emotional luxury.

We stayed in restored historic buildings, where every corner tells a part of Seville's past.
Our fully equipped kitchens, terraces, and common areas invite you to stay and feel at home.
Every detail—from the furniture to the lighting—is designed to offer comfort, style, and authenticity.
We strive for friendly, personalized service, far removed from the coldness of a grand reception. Because at Época Suites, you're not staying in just any old place; you're immersed in Seville's living history.

Boutique hotel or conventional hotel?

A table to understand the differences at a glance:

Characteristics	Boutique Hotel	Conventional Hotel
Size	Small, intimate.	Large, impersonal.
Design	Careful, thematic, with soul.	Standard, repetitive.
Attention	Personalized and close	Generalized and automatic
Location	Historic or special places	Commercial or tourist areas
Experience	Cultural, emotional, sensory	Functional, service-focused.
Identity	Unique, with character	Uniform and replicated
Worth	Emotional, detail, authenticity	Quantity, efficiency

Staying in a boutique hotel—or in an apartment with soul like Época Suites—is choosing to experience your destination in a different way. It's embracing an experience that goes beyond a comfortable bed: it's waking up every day in a place steeped in history, character, and magic. Are you looking for just a place to stay, or a place you'll always remember?