Hotels are ubiquitous to the 21st century. These can range from world-class luxury hotels to beach resorts and budget hotels. To some, these might be mere spaces to return to for rest after a full day of adventuring. But to others, exploring new and different hotel concepts may be something sought after as part of the travel experience. Hence, the evolution of boutique hotels.
In Southeast Asia alone, the boutique hotel sector has seen immense growth in recent years. Interestingly, many of the buildings in which these properties are housed in were either once discarded gems or brought into existence through a keen appreciation for the culture (whether new or old) and history of the cities they are located in. With these sentiments forming the basis for their hotel concept, boutique hotels are notably more thoughtfully curated and designed - allowing them to be more evident in their attempt of displaying the splendour of which they aim to represent.
So before you go ahead and book your accommodation for your next trip, consider straying away from the cookie-cutter feel of major chain hotels and opt for one of these top boutique hotels in Southeast Asia!
Malaysia
Best in Kuala Lumpur: Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection
- From USD 89.00 per night
- Address: 25 Jalan Kamunting, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Book Now
Settled in an urban district in downtown Kuala Lumpur, STRIPES is part of Marriot’s Autograph Collection. The hotel has 184 rooms uniquely-designed urban chic-style to reflect the character of the neighborhood it is located in. Those looking to explore Malaysia’s capital will find the hotel’s location central to great food, art galleries, shops and legendary landmarks such as KL tower and Chinatown. Located opposite the hotel is also Yut Kee, one of the city’s most popular coffee shops since 1928.
Best in Penang: Yeng Keng Hotel
- From USD 93.87 per night
- Address: 362, Chulia Street, World Heritage City Of George Town, 10200 Penang, Malaysia
- Book Now
Once an Anglo-Indian bungalow residence in the 1800s, Yeng Keng Hotel is currently one of George Town’s best-restored properties. With vintage furniture and wooden panel floors, the 19-room hotel is tastefully designed to reflect Penang’s rich culture. Located along Chulia Street which is famously described as Penang’s busiest street and most prominent heritage enclave, this is the place you’d want to be.
Here, well-known eateries, cultural street art and shophouses with characters distinct to Penang’s heritage are all at your doorstep. Historically, Chulia street was occupied by the Muslims, Indians and Hindus for most of the 19th century before the Chinese started moving in at the end of the 1800s. This diversity has resulted in Little India and Chinatown also being established within the vicinity - two spots included in the UNESCO Heritage Trail.
Best in Melaka: Timez Hotel
- From USD 55.36 per night
- Address: 31 Jalan Hang Kasturi Jonker Street
- Book Now
The epitome of a modern heritage hotel, Timez Hotel is tucked away in a row of shophouses where it stands out with its chic, minimalist outlook. This combination of past and present is clearly visible in both the hotel’s exterior and interior, resulting in what can only be described as an ode to Melaka’s rich history.
All 12 rooms and 3 suites are individually designed, incorporating elements from the 5 main nationalities significant to Melaka’s history: Chinese, Peranakan, British, Dutch and Portuguese. The hotel is also walking distance to the famous Jonker Street.
Singapore
Best in Singapore: Lloyd’s Inn
- From USD 128.35 per night
- Address: 2 Lloyd road, 239091 Singapore, Singapore
- Book Now
A 34-room boutique hotel with 8 types of rooms, Lloyd’s Inn is every minimalist traveller’s dream hotel. Located in Somerset, a mere 5-minute walk away from Orchard Road, guests will find that they never have to go too far to find shops, eateries and public transport. Take a dip in the pool, sip cocktails on the rooftop terrace or make a new friend at the communal outdoor pantry, anything can happen!
Indonesia
Best in Jakarta: Keraton at The Plaza, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- From USD 244.70 per night
- Address: No. 15, Jl MH. Thamrin Kav, Thamrin, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Book Now
Keraton, which means ‘palace’ in Javanese, is inspired by artworks found in ancient Indonesia’s palaces. These are on display for guests to view at the hotel. There’s no surprise that with such a luxurious background, Keraton Hotel is also located in Jakarta’s most prestigious address and is connected to Plaza Indonesia, the city’s most luxurious shopping mall. Guests are in for nothing short of a truly royal experience here.
Best in Yogyakarta: Adhisthana Hotel
- From USD 26.96 per night
- Address: 2 Jalan Prawirotaman, Yogyakarta, 55153, Indonesia
- Book Now
Adhisthana Hotel is a cozy hotel that features the best of Javanese traits in its architecture. The hotel is located in the Prawirotaman area, a neighborhood popular among tourists for its hotels, restaurants and cafes. It is also a stone’s throw away from the Royal Palace of Yogyakarta and the Tugu Yogyakarta Railway Station.
With the incorporation of Javanese teak furniture in the design of the hotel for a homely feel, Adhistana will make your stay in one of Indonesia’s most well-known heritage cities an unforgettable one.
Best in Bali: Hotel Tugu Bali
- From USD 370.51 per night
- Address: Pantai Batu Bolong Street, Canggu Beach, 80361,Bali, Indonesia
- Book Now
Owned by Anhar Setjadibrata, the owner of the biggest collection of fine Indonesian art and cultural antiquities in Indonesia, Hotel Tugu was built as a museum hotel to house these antiques for people’s viewing - sharing the stories and legends of the ancient kingdoms of Indonesia.
For a fully Indonesian experience, feast on everything from the banquets of 14th century Majapahit kings to the humble village dinners of Java and Bali cooked in terracotta pots. Spa treatments here even include inner healings and traditional jamus that no longer exist in modern Indonesia.
Best in Bandung: Ivory by Ayola
- From USD 31.84 per night
- Address: Jl. Bahureksa no. 3, Riau, Bandung, Indonesia 40115
- Book Now
With Bandung being a popular tourist destination for their factory outlets and beautiful nature, the city is no stranger to a large number of hotels, cafes and restaurants. But with so many around, it’s not easy for a place to leave an impression.
However, Ivory by Ayola achieves this from the instant you walk through their doors. The rustic decor and bright, airy, spacious rooms embody the hotel’s motto of “Feels Like Home”. This is enough to keep you coming back each time you’re around. The cafe also cooks up some of the best local food you’ll get in Bandung!
Thailand
Best in Bangkok: The Cabochon Hotel
- From USD 177.61 per night
- Address: 14 Soi Sukhumvit 45, Bangkok, Wattana, 10110 Bangkok, Thailand
- Book Now
In a pulsating city like Bangkok, stepping into The Cabochon Hotel feels like stepping into a bygone era. Here, French doors and vintage furnishings make up the design of the hotel to reflect a nostalgia for the sophistication of Shanghai found in the 1920s.
The hotel also houses the award-winning Thai Lao Yeh restaurant as well as the Joy Luck Salon de Thé - a salon perfect for a tête-à-tête over a good glass of wine or fine malt whisky.
Best in Hatyai: Buri Sriphu Boutique Hotel
- From USD 51.83 per night
- Address: Sripuwanart Soi 16/1 Rd, Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Thailand
- Book Now
Hatyai’s 90-room Buri Sriphu Hotel is a no-frills hotel that offers guests easy access to most of what Hatyai city has to offer. Apart from being walking distance to the famous Diana Shopping Complex, it is also located nearby Greenway Market and the Magic Eye 3D Museum. With comfort as the hotel’s top priority, you can trust that Buri Sriphu will be a good option whether for business or leisure purposes.
Best in Hua Hin: Rest Detail Hua Hin
- From USD 107.71 per night
- Address: 19/119 Soi Hua Hin 19, Tumbol Hua Hin, A. Hua Hin, 77110 Hua Hin, Thailand
- Book Now
Bask in the sun at Rest Detail Hua Hin! This hotel is the perfect tropical beachfront escape, equipped with its own private lounge areas and renowned restaurants. Located just north of Hua Hin, the hotel’s central location and shuttle bus make it easy to access top tourist attractions such as Hua Hin Temple and the Night Market. There are also lots of activities to do on site - providing you with the perfect balance of rest and fun.
Best in Krabi: Nakamanda Resort and Spa
- From USD 136.14 per night
- Address: 126 Moo.3 Klong Muang Beach, Tambol Nongtalay, Amphur Muang, Krabi, Thailand, 81000
- Book Now
Nakamanda Resort and Spa is a stylish boutique hotel mixing contemporary with the traditional. Guests get to sleep in individual villas situated among lush greenery against a backdrop of the Andaman Sea. During low tide, a sandbank emerges and stretches all the way to a small uninhabited island - making for a great adventure to embark on. Swim and kayak at high tide, or rest and relax anytime at the hotel’s in-house spa.
Philippines
Best in Manila: Azumi Boutique Hotel
- From USD 75.75 per night
- Address: 2205 Market Street, Madrigal Business Park, 1780 Muntinlupa, Philippines
- Book Now
A truly stylish hotel, it is easy to see why Azumi Boutique Hotel is one of Manila’s finest. Every detail of the hotel has been well thought out with the guests in mind. Apart from its central location, the metro’s only saltwater infinity lap pool can be found here. Take in the panoramic view of the city’s skyline from the roof or feast on tantalizing Filipino dishes at the Romulo Cafe, Azumi Boutique Hotel was made to stand out.
Best in Bohol: Amorita Resort
- From USD 240.85 per night
- Address: #1 Ester A. Lim Drive, Barangay Tawala, Alona Beach Panglao Island, Bohol
- Book Now
Ever needed a quiet beach escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Amorita Resort is located on top of a limestone cliff on the southern edge of Bohol’s Panglao Island. The luxury resort overlooks the Bohol Sea where guests will find themselves surrounded by limestone, pristine white sand and shimmering blue waters. There is so much available within the vicinity that guests won’t even have to go far to fill their days with activities.
Best in Tagaytay: Anya Resort
- From USD 158.53 per night
- Address: Mt. Banahaw, Tolentino West, Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines
- Book Now
Anya Resort is your best bet if you’re looking to have time slow down for you to relish every moment of your day. Located in a secluded part of Tagaytay, Anya aims to personalize your stay to the best of your preferences. Guests can expect the hotel to already be in contact with them prior to their visit to ensure that everything is specially curated. Vast plantations surround the hotel and there’s even an in-house library for you to take a time out with a good book in hand.
Best in Palawan: Canvas Boutique Hotel
- From USD 75.67 per night
- Address: Puerto Princesa North Road, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
- Book Now
Aesthetic lovers will attest that it is incredibly delightful to have things appeal to their sense of sight. To this, Canvas Boutique Hotel will agree. Here, guests will find colorful murals, paintings and intricate details lining the walls, telling stories of Palawan.
Even the facade of the hotel makes it difficult to miss. The best of Puerto Princesca are all located close to the property. So come and be sure that you’ll be in for an adventure!
Check them out for yourself!
If you think boutique hotels are your style and you’re looking forward to booking yourself a room at any one of these trendy properties, check out HotelQuickly for some of the best rates you can find. New users worldwide even get a special treat - use the code SEASIA5 to enjoy 5% off your first booking when you book using the app.
With more than 450,000 hotel listings worldwide, HotelQuickly might just be your new one-stop destination for hotel accommodations around the world. They’re certainly ours!
Disclaimer: The pricing shown is just a good indication of how much these products are worth. The prices could change based on the e-commerce promotions that are going on. If some of the products are not available, do email us at [email protected]. Thank you!