A boutique hotel is a place that goes beyond the basic function of accommodation. It’s not just about comfortable beds or good facilities: a boutique hotel has its own identity, a story to tell, and an atmosphere you feel from the very moment you walk through the door.

The concept was born in the 1980s in Europe as an alternative to standardised hotels. Today it refers to establishments — generally small, with fewer than 30 rooms — that combine distinctive architecture, personalised service and a genuine connection to their surroundings.

Casona de Tao has been the benchmark for accommodation with personality in Lanzarote for decades. A former Canarian estate, lovingly restored, set between volcanoes and the Famara Cliffs, with 12 individually designed rooms, its own kitchen using local produce, and a team that makes every guest feel at home.

Are boutique hotels more expensive than conventional hotels?

Not necessarily. Their price reflects the real quality of the experience: personalised service, distinctive architecture and local cuisine. The perceived value is usually much higher than at standardised hotels at a similar price.

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Can a rural hotel be a boutique hotel?

Yes, and it’s very common. Boutique rural hotels combine contact with nature and traditional architecture with the service and attention to detail that defines the concept. Casona de Tao es el ejemplo perfecto en Lanzarote.

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How many rooms does a boutique hotel usually have?

Generally between 8 and 30 rooms. It’s this small scale that allows for the level of attention and personalisation that defines the concept. Large chain hotels, by definition, can’t be boutique hotels.

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