Generation X and Boutique Hotels: An Exploratory Study

1. Introduction

Boutique hotels offer a unique lodging experience. They are typically smaller, with fewer than 100 rooms. They offer a more intimate experience than larger hotels, with personalized service and attention to detail. - Boutique hotels are apt to have a distinct theme that sets them apart from other hotels. This could be a focus on history, culinary experiences, or a specific design. The theme may be evident in the hotel's decor, amenities, and even staff uniforms. Boutique hotels are known for their stylish design and attention to detail. Everything from the hotel website to the amenities is carefully curated to align with the hotel's brand ethos. – Boutique staff’s emphasis is on personalized service with a goal to offer exceptional guest experiences. (Agget, 2007; Hollander, 2022).

2. Literature Review

2.1. Boutique Hotels

While there is no universally accepted definition of the term "boutique hotel," it is generally understood to represent a unique, one-of-a-kind hospitality experience that places a high value on personalized attention, exceptional service, and distinctive design (Countryman and Jang, 2006; McIntosh and Siggs, 2005). A recurring theme that appears in the research on boutique hotels is the importance of delivering a memorable and immersive experience to guests (Lea, 2002; McIntosh and Siggs, 2005; Van Hartesvelt, 2006).

McIntosh and Siggs (2005) found that boutique hotels don't necessarily have to be luxurious or expensive. Many are affordable and prioritize personalized service over extravagant decor or luxurious amenities. They identified five key dimensions that distinguish boutique hotels from other offerings, including a unique character, personalized touch, homely feel, high-quality standards, and value-added location and cultural experiences provided by the hosts. Essentially, boutique hotels are a type of accommodation that offers a unique setting and personalized service that caters to the lifestyle of their customers, often furnished in a particular theme.

Boutique hotels originated in North America and the United Kingdom with an emphasis on unique environments (Olga, 2009). The concept of boutique hotels emerged in the late 1970s to cater to travelers that wanted to get away from the standardized experience provided by large hotel chains. Today there is a market of travelers with mid to upper income levels seeking unique, personalized hospitality experiences (Aggett, 2007; Rogerson, 2010; Sarheim, 2010). The intimacy of these hotels is a key feature that sets them apart (Henderson, 2011; Friedman, 2014). Guests are seeking a more memorable stay than they would get from a standardized hotel (Phillips, 2004; Loureiro and Kastenholz, 2011; Zaman et al., 2016).

2.2. Generational Cohort Theory

Generational Cohort Theory states that a population may be divided into segments based on their generation. This theory finds that the same generation shares common social and political events as well as social, political, and economic factors that shape their values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. These factors create a distinctive generational identity that remains constant over time (Arli and Pekerti, 2016; Ingelhart, 1977; Strauss and Howe, 1997).

This concept describes how individuals who are born during the same time or generation share related experiences of some major external events during their late adolescent and early adulthood years (Meredith and Schewe, 1994; Ryder, 1965). These events can shape beliefs and behaviors and may lead to shared values and attitudes within a cohort. These can differ from those of other generations and impact their lifestyles and choices (Strauss and Howe, 1991; Rogler, 2002).

2.3. Generation X

Generation X is defined as consumers born between 1965 and 1976 (Alch, 2000; Norum, 2003; Phillips, 2005). This generations’ upbringing was marked by early technological advancements, significant social and political changes, and minimal adult supervision. Gen Xers tend to be highly independent and flexible, with parents often working long hours. They value work-life balance, operating under a "work hard, play hard" mindset. Some of the common values for Gen Xers include self-sufficiency, independence, flexible work arrangements, informality, and technological creativity. (Odukoya, 2022). This cohort has a desire for pleasure that stems from their experience growing up during times of financial instability. This is likely due to a lack of access to material goods during childhood and adolescence (Lyons et al., 2007; Schewe and Noble, 2000).

2.4. Destination Selection

Researchers have found that tourism growth might be related to how service providers understand the social and demographic trends that influence a traveler’s preference (Horneman et al., 2002). Generational theory studies show there is a correlation between a generation and their travel preference (Huang and Lu, 2017). Studies of generational theory show a correlation between generation identity and travel preference. Responding to traveler age can help the tourism industry provide a more satisfying and appropriate travel experience for different market segments. (Cohen et al., 2014) This can be addressed by interpreting the factors that influence tourist behavior, more effective marketing strategies, maintainable destination management, and the improvement of tourism products and services that match tourist expectations and needs (Octaviany and Mardiyana, 2024).

3. Methodology

3.1. Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to examine the attraction of boutique hotels to Generation X and help boutique hoteliers to better serve and attract this consumer. By narrowing the segment, the boutique hotelier will be better able to create a product and experience that they are better able to create a marketable product and experience. This research hopes to produce patterns that will assist in creating a more personalized and sought-after product.

The sample included 269 participants who were recruited using Qualtrics online survey platform. The survey included a qualifying question that the participants were familiar with boutique hotels and were in the Generation X age range.

3.2. Data Analysis

To narrow the focus of the research the sample was asked: “I tend to choose a travel destination primarily based on Cost/Budget, Attractions/Activities, and Culinary Experiences: Food and Beverage Offerings”. Thirty-six percent of the sample chose Cost/Budget, 39% chose Attractions/Activities and 25% chose Culinary Experiences: Food and Beverage offerings. Discriminant analysis was utilized to determine if there were significant differences between the three groups. The Box’s M test was 1608.472 with a significance of <.001 indicating statistically significant differences between the groups.

3.3. Research Findings

The findings were separated into four tables based on the degree of significance based on the differences between the three groups. It is clear patterns were found differentiating the three groups. Just by looking at the means the standout group are the respondents attracted primarily to a destination based on culinary experiences. They are more in agreement with what makes boutique hotels unique and specific information that may be helpful to boutique hoteliers.

The Table 1 shows the most significant differences between the three groups. People seeking culinary experiences are more likely to prefer staying at branded hotels. They believe that boutique hotels are more luxurious than average-priced hotel and are interested in more tech-friendly options like the use of phones to operate the television, lights, and temperature in their room. They appreciate hotels that support a community and enjoy planned activities like mixology classes, wine tastings, and beer tastings.

The Table 2 also shows significant relationships between the groups. The culinary experience group prefers a hotel with a restaurant on the property and would like to frequent local businesses instead of chains. They would enjoy access to retro games and consider themselves foodies. They want to stay in a hotel that reflects the local culture and seek authentic experiences when they travel.

The Table 3 shows more significant relationships between groups. The culinary group prefers digital check-in and seeks a well-maintained property. They appreciate a hotel with a distinct personality that has green practices as well as a refillable water bottle in the room. Another tech-friendly amenity was brought up in the form of a Smart TV in the room.

The Table 4 shows the least amount of significant differences between the three groups. The culinary experience group is more likely to prefer refillable amenities and feel that boutique hotels offer a more exclusive experience. They prefer a text alternative in connecting with guest services. They are more likely to stay at a hotel where the employees are treated well by the company. They are more interested in hotels that offer unique amenities than hotels that are smaller and offer more personalized service.

3.4. Discussion and Recommendations

Interesting to note that although the group seeking culinary experiences is more in agreement with all questions about boutique hotels and their offerings the overall sample is at least neutral in their overall responses. Most brands have boutique offerings such as Marriotts’ autograph collection, Hilton’s curio collection, Starwood’s mastercraft collection and Wyndham’s esplendor collection. The fact that the culinary group is seeking branded hotels is great news for these brands seeing they have a group of Generation Xers they can focus upon. They are not necessarily attracted to independent hotel chains but could be drawn to the convenience and security of staying at a brand.

They expected a more luxurious experience than a mid-priced hotel, so hoteliers need to keep this in mind with their design and offerings. Although this generation did not grow up with technology, they now appreciate such conveniences as operating different devices with their phone. This group is more philanthropic-minded, so the hotel needs to participate and make known their activity within these programs.

The draw of beverage classes is a win-win. It is a more personalized option that can be offered at a hotel and can be a very profitable amenity. It is a great benefit to have guests stay on property while having them pay the prices with the largest profit margin of alcohol. Another way to draw this market to the hotel is by promoting their restaurant. Again, a benefit financially for hoteliers is to keep as much as guest’s spending on property as possible.

Although this group favors brand hotels they are more interested in local businesses instead of chains and are seeking an authentic experience when they travel. A smart plan would be to maintain relationships with local businesses so guest services will be able to provide recommendations for a variety of offerings including authentic experiences.

All groups are fairly neutral on refillable amenities which is good news because it was a bit controversial when the change was implemented. They feel that boutique hotels are more exclusive which means that the hotel needs to be presented as such in both marketing material and the product.

The groups are neutral in text instead of calling guest services. This could imply that both options should be readily available. They state they would be more likely to stay at hotel where I know the employees are treated well. The hotel should include this in its marketing material. Marketing is not just selling the product it is promoting the experience. If guests know that the employees are respected they will feel better giving their money to the hotel.

Some boutique hotels have included some novelty items as amenities. All groups tend to be neutral or agree to this offering so it may be interesting to test this in guest rooms and find out if it suits their property.

Personalized service is important across all groups and they would stay at a smaller hotel to receive it. There is a market of people that are not looking for a mega-resort and boutique hotels should make certain that their personalized services exceed their guest expectations.