While premium turism offers plenty of options, sometimes is hard to tell which accomodation has the facilities travellers are looking for. For instance, many people wonder what is a Lodge, and the differences with a Boutique Hotel.
Some other accomodations are well know to travellers. Turists can easily tell the difference between a hotel, a hostel and a bed and breakfast. But when it comes to luxury hotels, like lodges and boutique hotels, there are different services, room features, and other perks to take into account.
What is a Lodge? In luxury tourism, lodge house hotel means that the accomodation is located in the country side, and offers personalized premium services. Our lodge houses here in Puerto valle are a good example of this, as we offer those all inclusive services and activities in one of the most important natural environments of Argentina: Esteros del Iberá.
Now, what is a boutique hotel? A boutique hotel is a small, stylish accomodation that is sually located in the city. Boutique hotels also offer many luxury services, like meals, activities and transfers. But, as you may expect, the differences between boutique hotels and lodges mean completely different traveling and vacation experiences.
Our guests often wonder why we place so much emphasis on saying that we are a Lodge, and ask how we differ from a Boutique Hotel. So, let’s dive into the key differences between a lodge and a boutique hotel:
What does Lodge hotel mean?
Let’s explain what a lodge hotel means, exactly. As we said, a Lodge is an accommodation facility that is located in the outskirts of big cities, usually surrounded by nature. These hotels are environmentally friendly and make an emphasis in sustainable tourism. Also, lodge hotels offer a unique touch of privacy and personalized service.
The word Lodge means a small house in the countryside. In luxury tourism, lodge is defined as a specific type of hotel that is away from the city. These guest houses are a top choice for people on holiday or taking part in sports and other recreational activities. In Spanish, lodge means “Cabaña” or “Refugio”.
For their unique style, they are increasingly sought after by tourists willing to be immersed in a natural environment, e.g., surrounded by forests, savannas or mountains, without giving up comfort.
The location in a natural setting implies the lodge’s commitment to the environment, as well as the involvement of guests in the policies implemented by the lodge, so as to minimize the environmental impact associated with tourist activities. In addition, there are lodges that offer a range of activities depending on the possibilities of the place.
Characteristics: What makes a lodge
To help you find a lodge house, below is a list of the main characteristics:
- focus on history, nature and comfort.
- surrounded by a natural, eco-friendly and sustainable environment.
- provides exclusive experiences designed by and for each guest.
- offers a full-service restaurant and bar.
- offers complementary services with a focus on wellbeing, e.g.:
- Yoga classes
- Spa services
- offers an exclusive transfer service for guests.
- has personalized excursions and tours already included in the rate.
What is a boutique hotel?
Now, let’s explain what is a boutique hotel. Boutique hotels are small, stylish hotels that are usually located within the city limits. They differ from traditional hotels in the sense that they offer a more personalized stay, in a smaller and momre private facility, conveniently located.
The concept of boutique hotel emerged in the hospitality sector in the 1980s, defining a high-end luxury service that was innovative at that time. Above all, it is characterized by its urban location, service and design.
Boutique hotels have few rooms, they usually have exclusive features that differentiate one from the other. As we explained, they are usualllly located in the main areas of a city. Boutique hotels also make emphasys on design, as their architecture often takes as a starting point the redesign of an old house or building.
The main objective of a boutique hotel is to create a cozy and comfortable space for guests to feel at home. Compared to regular hotels, boutique hotels are generally smaller, more intimate, more artistic, and more focused on design.
Characteristics: What makes a boutique hotel
To help you recognize a this type of premium hotel, here you can find what makes a a boutique hotel:
- Urban location, usually in the main cities and in dynamic and shopping districts.
- Elegant, sometimes thematic architecture and design, as its ambience and decoration are aimed at providing an intimate atmosphere.
- Provides personalized service, anticipating the wishes of clients.
- Usually has few rooms, creating a feeling of importance for guests.
- Has dining facilities, bars and rooms open to the general public.
Lodge vs. Boutique Hotels: Which one is better?
So, now that we went through the main differences between a lodge and a boutique hotel, which one is better? Really, it is all up to each travellers preference.
While both, a lodge and a a boutioque hotel offer premium services, the differences are:
- Location: A lodge gest house is located in a natural area. A boutique hotel is located in an urban area.
- Hotel Size: While both are usualyl small sized hotels, a lodge usually has fewer rooms, as it is a smaller type of accomodation than a boutique hotel.
- Experience: Lodge houses are usually centered around wellness vacations. On the other hand, boutique hotels usually focus on elegancy and style, rather than a sustainability and nature.
Now that we have explained the Lodge vs. Boutique Hotels debate, let’s talk about where you can enjoy a premium luxury sta in Argentina: Hotel Puerto Valle. Our guests enjoy many activities we offer, as well as the sustainable commitment as a beautiful natural environment in Esteros del Iberá.
Now that you know what a lodge is, ready to stay in one? Book your lodge house in Argentina with us, and enjoy a unique travelling experience to one of the most beautiful countryside locations in South America. Our staff can’t wait to show you all we have prepared for your next lucury vacations.