Personalized stays aren’t just a trend in Taiwan—here are 8 globally amazing boutique hotel chains

By Rita

Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? While many think daytime activities matter more than where you sleep, identical rooms with no local character or design flair can be painfully dull. Sensing the rise of personalization and the spending power of younger travelers, many hoteliers have quietly kicked off a hospitality revolution, infusing “accommodation” with fresh ideas and experimental touches. Here areeight unique boutique hotels handpicked by abcnews::

▲ Buddha-Bar Hotel (Photo/Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace fan page)

1. Buddha-Bar Hotels
Buddha-Bar fuses Asian and classic Western architectural traditions for an ultra-edgy overall vibe. The interiors are unexpectedly bold—with striking lipstick-red hues and dark decor—while resident DJs spin music that induces a dreamy trance. Currently operating four European branches, its Budapest location boasts a renowned spa, an Asian-fusion restaurant featuring a 40-foot Buddha statue, and two nightlife bars. Centrally located, it’s within walking distance of shopping areas. Beyond the hotel, its associated cafes and spas also span Mexico, Caracas (Venezuela’s capital), and Cairo.

▲ 25hours Hotel (Photo/25hours Hotels fan page)

2. 25hours Hotels
This European brand has seven properties across five cities—including Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Vienna, and Zurich—each redefining design in its own way: Vienna’s circus-themed, Frankfurt’s Lewis fashion-brand-focused, and Berlin’s most surprising bikini-inspired jungle-meets-city zoo aesthetic. Rooms burst with retro and wild vibes, dotted with monkey toys, industrial pipes, and greenery for a uniquely quirky atmosphere.

▲ Phoenix Hotel – a Joie de Vivre Hotel (Photo/Phoenix Hotel - a Joie de Vivre Hotel fan page)

3. Joie de Vivre Hotels
Focusing on boutique style and happiness—with occasional beachy flair—Joie de Vivre offers surf- and beach-inspired services, including outdoor spaces and restaurants. It also caters specially to pet owners, providing organic dog beds, bowls, and more, all wrapped in a youthful, energetic ambiance.

▲ ROOM MATE HOTELS (Photo/ROOM MATE HOTELS fan page)

4. Room Mate Hotels
With a clear marketing pitch—“feel like you’re living with a stylish, fun, and hyper-local friend”—Room Mate Hotels names each property after a “friend.” From New York and Amsterdam to Granada, Spain, they offer generous breakfasts, design-forward rooms, prime locations, and reasonable prices, often becoming popular party hubs.

▲ Generator Hostel London (Photo/Generator Hostel London fan page)

5. Generator Hostels
Blending music, art, history, fashion, and design, Generator Hostels aim to deliver uniquely memorable stays. Wi-Fi is free, but breakfast comes at a cost. Room options range from bunk beds to singles. Operating mainly across nine European cities, its Dublin location features whiskey-bottle chandeliers, an in-house cinema, and complimentary walking tours.

▲ TRYP Hotels (Photo/TRYP HOTELS fan page)

6. TRYP Hotels
Authorized by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, TRYP focuses on brand rejuvenation for younger crowds: “We serve drinks, meals, let you kick back in comfort, and offer unlimited Wi-Fi.” Food is a priority, and every room is equipped with cutting-edge tech to help guests feel part of the city. The New York Times Square location suits trendy families, with some bunk-bed rooms and coffee machines. Its 35th Street bar serves Mediterranean classics and cocktails for adults, while kids can enjoy churros with chocolate.

▲ Hotel Indigo Costa Rica (Photo/Hotel Indigo Costa Rica fan page)

7. Hotel Indigo
This brand emphasizes neighborhood and community character, designing each property around its local surroundings—most meals and services come from nearby eateries and bars. The style is fresh, bright, and welcoming, with free Wi-Fi and pet-friendly policies.

▲ Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel (Photo/Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel fan page)

8. Andaz Hotels
Ditching traditional hotel norms, Andaz now uses iPads for check-in, offers complimentary drinks, and fosters mingling in shared spaces—with evening wine service. Tokyo Andaz provides sweeping views of the skyline and an exceptional spa. There’s also an organic-focused bar and spa treatment room. Mini-bar items in rooms are free, bathrooms boast futuristic designs, and amenities follow seasonal themes.