I can’t decide where I stand on the boutique vs. chain hotel debate. I have not stayed at too many boutique hotels, but I was not incredibly impressed with the few I’ve visited. On the other hand, I can see the perks of a smaller, more intimate property. Most of the boutique properties I visited were oddly laid out. Huge bedrooms with gigantic beds, but bathrooms you could barely turn around in. Give me some more bathroom space, with a little less floorspace, please. Or I have seen one huge room with bed, desk, shower peacefully cohabiting. How would a family of four feel if they booked that room for a vacation? And I have seen some weird showers, some minus doors, that only lead to soaking-wet floors. There are fewer services available as well. Depending on the type of trip, that may or may not be an issue for guests. And, with chain hotels, you have some idea of what you can expect — an industry standard. Who knows what is in store when you book a boutique? Although, chains are more popular and busier, which can translate to noisier and crowded. Those can be disadvantages. And the personality is missing. Each boutique hotel has a unique identity, with some quirky traits that add to the personality and charm of the property. And with 1,800 guest rooms, chances are you are just another face in the crowd; 20 guest rooms warrants a greeting by name whenever you enter the hotel. So, I’m torn. I’m sure my travels will bring me to both types of properties in the future. Perhaps I will be completely wowed and won over by one or the other. What are your thoughts? -Kimberly Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive