This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on December 22, 2015.
There are boutique hotels, and then there are larger hotels that manage to feel boutique thanks to attentive service, unique amenities, and/or a trendy reputation. The hotels on this list fall into the latter category—while they may not technically qualify as “boutique,” they offer the same level of charm (and, in many cases, a smaller price tag) as their boutique counterparts. If you’re looking for unique accommodations in America’s big cities, then you can’t go wrong with any of these four hotels.
1. Aloft Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN
Aloft is hip, modern, and centrally located in Minneapolis’ trendy Mill District, which is in the thick of the city’s vibrant arts scene. Nearby attractions include the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Walker Art Center, Weisman Art Museum, and Northeast Minneapolis Arts, in addition to nightlife, entertainment, and stellar food. The hotel has also cultivated its own social scene thanks to its Re:mix Lounge and W XYZ Bar. Rooms are bright, minimalist, and filled with natural light courtesy of oversized windows.
2. Blu Agua Hotel, Chicago, IL
Sleek, modern, and fresh, Chicago’s Blu Agua Hotel offers hip accommodations in an amazing location. Enjoy views of Lakeshore East Park, Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, or panoramic vistas of the Windy City from your hotel room. Hit the sidewalks to find yourself within walking distance of many of downtown Chicago’s main attractions, including the Magnificent Mile, the Bean, lakefront paths, and Navy Pier. Not sure where to start? Just ask one of the hotel’s knowledgeable concierges; the service here is virtually unbeatable. Upgrade to a Business Class room or suite and you’ll enjoy even more perks, including an in-room espresso machine and fresh fruit delivered to your room each day.
3. JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, Los Angeles, CA
The L.A. LIVE lives up to the vibrancy of its name—the hotel is colorful, dynamic, and hip. Rooms are bright, charming, and filled with natural light. The amenities are equally on-point; think 24-hour room service, in-room bathrobes, a full-service spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, on-site shopping, and a rooftop pool. The hotel also boasts a great location in downtown LA. It’s near the L.A. Convention Center and a variety of fine dining options, including Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar.
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, CA
It’s easy to see why the Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles often fills up. The rooms are spacious and luxuriously designed. The location is stellar; the hotel is located on West Olympic Boulevard near the Staples Center, Nokia Theatre, Grammy Museum, and a host of bars and restaurants. And the amenities are almost unparalleled—guests can unwind at the rooftop heated pool, Wolfgang Puck’s WP24 restaurant, or the Ritz-Carlton Spa. Spring for access to the Ritz-Carlton Club, and you’ll enjoy an even more personalized experience via private lounge access, complimentary food and beverages, and a dedicated concierge service.
Even without boutique branding, each of these hotels offers a unique experience for travelers to some of the country’s biggest cities. The result of these creative designs and specialized amenities is that guests will feel personally cared for even amidst the hustle and bustle of popular urban environments. It all adds up to an unforgettable stay.
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle 