Where To Stay On Your Holiday
Resort Hotels versus Boutique Hotels. Both are luxurious and a far cry from Fawlty Towers, but why choose to stay at one over the other?
In this article we highlight the pros and cons of each to help you choose the right type of property for your holiday. In a nutshell, while the standard of service should be top notch in both, resorts are all encompassing, providing guests with restaurants, bars, sports, entertainment and shopping in a microcosm. In contrast, boutique hotels are smaller, offering fewer facilities but a warmer, more intimate experience integrated with the destination.
Resort Style Hotels
Traveller Match: All work and no play? Had enough of car hooters, board meetings and dirty diapers? Sometimes an all-in-one stop is just what’s needed. Catch a few rays by the pool, allow yourself to be pampered to within an inch of your life and take a well-deserved break from reality. Resorts are ideal for: families, honeymooners, golfers, sun worshippers, VIPs, businesspeople, and yuppies on the edge.
PROS
- You never have to leave – everything is onsite – Eat, sleep, shop and play, even work and exercise. Under one roof.
- Stress- and fuss-free – Resorts are ideal if you want to get away from it all, forget the daily grind and enjoy being pampered. Simply arrive and leave everything in the staff’s capable hands while you enjoy everything on offer.
- Activities – Resorts tend to have luxury spas and gyms, so you can keep fit and beautiful while on holiday, as well as swimming pools and other activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, golfing, casinos and safaris, to name but a few (depending on the destination).
Watch our video of Cape Towns’ One& Only for a closer look at resort hotels:
- Dining and entertainment – Resorts often provide entertainment for guests, from karaoke evenings to Mauritian Sega dances. They also have restaurants and bars for you to wine and dine to your stomach’s content.
- Childcare facilities – Many resorts offer services and activities tailored to kids of all ages, such as playrooms with TVs, DVDs, Playstations, computers, toys, jungle gyms, etc. This way you can be sure your young ones will be entertained and you, as the parents, have more personal time to relax, knowing your children are occupied and safe.
Resort Style Hotels – CONS
- Resorts aren’t for everyone. They’re generally more expensive and food and drink are sold at resort prices. It’s easy and convenient to order food and drink, so just watch that tab!
- Since guests don’t really need to ever leave the resort, they get a rather sheltered experience of the destination they’re visiting.
Recommended:
South Africa
Indian Ocean Islands
- Seychelles – Maia Luxury Resort & Spa; North Island Lodge and Frégate Island Private – see more here.
- Mauritius – Trou aux Biches Resort & Spa, Royal Palm, One&Only Le Saint Geran – see more here.
If you’re interested in finding out more about resorts in South Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands contact one of our expert travel consultants for free advice and an obligation-free quote.
Smaller Boutique Hotels
Traveller Match: Real travellers. Modern-day explorers who want to experience a destination in comfort and style without feeling like they’re on a Gap year. Boutique Hotels are ideal for: independent travellers, honeymooners, the young and hip, businesspeople and romantic getaways.
PROS
- Generally more affordable
- Privacy – Boutique Hotels are a smaller, more intimate option. There are fewer people, giving you a more exclusive feel.
- Personal touch – The service is more personalised and personable, especially at owner-run establishments.
- Character – They have a warmer, more “home away from home” atmosphere and a distinctive style.
- Great base to explore the area from – Boutique Hotels are generally well integrated into cities and the surrounds in great locations from which to meet locals and really get under the skin of your destination.
Watch our video of MannaBay for a look at boutique hotels:
Smaller Boutique Hotels – CONS
- You don’t have the luxury of having all the services and facilities that you might need in one place. Many have gyms, spas and restaurants on site, but most do not, encouraging you to branch out and explore your new surroundings – the knowledgeable staff, however, are most times happy to help organise tours for you.
Recommended:
- La Residence
- Majeka House
- MannaBay
- Babylonstoren
- Turbine Hotel
- Ellerman House
- Birkenhead House
- The Residence
- Cape Cadogan
- Grand Daddy
For more about great boutique hotels in South Africa or to book a stay, contact one of our expert travel consultants.
I love what you said about boutique hotels being smaller, more intimate options. I think that boutique hotels are often overlooked, and there are several benefits to staying at such lovely locations. My wife and I are planning a trip to Europe, so we’ll make sure to consider staying in boutique hotels as we form our itinerary.
A very interesting article to read. Thanks a lot for sharing this. Good work. Keep it up.