why staying in boutique hotels will always work out for you
supporting small business isn't just a buzzword. a note on deep cultural exchange.
One of my favorite boutique hotels - Saranda in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Costa Rica
In college I did some ethnographic research on the farmer’s market culture in San Luis Obispo county. Essentially, I interviewed farmers, vendors, and regular customers to discover what made this return to direct food exchange so appealing. Not surprisingly, the main themes were health benefits, connection to their community, and the peace in knowing the hands that grew their food.
I’ve been studying human culture for quite some time now. After I graduated with a degree in Anthropology I went on to pursue my masters in International Tourism Management halfway across the world. What brought me to tourism was how it can be such a remarkable tool to advance society on three levels. At the personal level, it can foster immense personal growth and expansion of one’s belief systems. At the cultural/societal level, it is the primary catalyst for intercultural exchange. And at the national level, it can create immense prosperity and technological development in countries that “need it” (I say that with a grain of salt as the perception of development is debatable!).
However, this great expansion can only occur if done correctly. I learned in one of my geography courses about the concept of the money drain. Take the Carribbean islands for example. When a massive hotel chain like Marriot develops a mega-ultra-boring- type of resort there - the majority of the revenue is going to the owners and stakeholders of Marriot in the states. Sure, jobs are created, but the type of jobs offered are rarely high-paying, and usually labor-intensive. The community doesn’t see the economic growth it truly deserves for hosting the hotel. Don’t even get me started on cruises and the environment.
I have faith in the next version of hospitality. More small-scale hotel chains are popping up, more eco and culturally- conscious tour programs are being developed. But the key to all this is that demand drives supply. Us as consumers have the responsibility to say yes to local business and no to hoteliers that are not about the true business of travel. Which is, to fully be immersed in another place, giving deep respect to the local culture, and evenly exchanging ideas and value.
I stayed in my first boutique hotel a few years ago. They may be set at a slightly higher price point than the cheapest option you find online - but the experience is worth every cent. You can feel it when you step into the lobby of a uniquely designed space and greeted by a loving reservationist.That’s what your money is getting you. It’s a way to pay your respect to the people who make the city your temporary home, by pouring into the local economy. Staying in boutique-operated accommodations is like your wine bottle gift to the host of the dinner party. And that host will welcome you with open arms the more times you gift it.
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