The concept of “a boutique hotel” also known as ‘a design hotel’ was born in the 1980s. Two of the first boutique hotels in the world opened in 1981: Blakes Hotel in South Kensington, London fashioned by celebrity stylist, Anoushka Hempel and the Bedford in Union Square, San Francisco. In 1984, Ian Schrager opened his very first boutique hotel in Murray Hill in New York, the Morgans Hotel, designed by the iconic French decorator, Andree Putman. The idea is now in many countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong as well as mainland China, Iceland, Peru and Turkey but it is still relatively unknown in the Arab world. Yet the Arab world has a rich heritage and many of its ancient cities offer perfect locations for boutique hotels.
More than a traditional hotel, a boutique environment, immeasurably enhances the hotel experience. A boutique hotel in an historic location also provides the customer with a rare glimpse of its lively past. This is particularly true of Le Riad, a superb boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Islamic Cairo, the largest medieval urban complex in the world. The first boutique hotel stands at 114 Muiz Li Din, facing one of the most famous Ottoman houses of the 17th century — Beit El Suhaimi — and within walking distance from the souks and street markets of the Khan El-Khalili.
The owners, Syrian Youssef Takla and Frenchwoman Veronique Sedro, have transformed a boarding house for pilgrims into an oasis of beauty in the heart of Islamic Cairo. Sedro explains that their aim was to provide a product that was lacking, an exclusive lodging for seasoned travelers who shun mass tourism and are also no longer attracted by the standardized comfort offered by hotel chains. “We are the first to establish a boutique hotel in historic Cairo,” says Sedro. Le Riad exudes a family atmosphere, thanks to the staff which concentrates on providing exceptional levels of service tailored to meet the individual needs of the guests.
It has been masterly decorated by Sedro who has introduced different themes, embracing the best of Egyptian style in each of the 17 suites. This Cairo hideaway offers the comfort and luxury of a home away from home. Each suite is like a small apartment with a salon, dressing room, office, bedroom and wide marble bathroom.
The hospitality industry is dominated by a plethora of hotel chains which sell consistency around the world. Seasoned travelers, especially those on holiday, enjoy staying at hotels which provide their guests with a stylish atmosphere very different from the sanitized interior of hotel brands. This has even prompted multinational hotel companies to establish their own brands of boutique hotels such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide W Hotels. Lately, the market has seen the successful launching of luxury boutique hotel collections such as the Bvlgari collection and Joie de Vie hotels.
At the same time, the traditional bed and breakfast formula is transforming itself into a small boutique hotel, especially when the rooms are situated in old houses furnished with original antiques and old paintings. Boutiqueness unites traditional architecture with the comfort and luxury of modern amenities.
