Staying In Style

A As business travellers, we are usually pretty clear what the priorities are when opting for a hotel. A normal list of wants would read - comfort, utility, service and cost, not necessarily in that order. But there is another element, which is slowly creeping into this index of preferences. Let's call it style. Though this is a factor which is very much in the equation when it comes to a large number of things that we buy (take your suit or the model of your car), it is only now that style has become something which we look for in a hotel. And this is where boutique hotels are becoming an accommodation option, which is slowly making its way into the consciousness of the business traveller. Sparking this trend off is a whole new range of properties cutting across the star categories. Our cover story this issue therefore focuses on this breed of design driven hotels, which can be summarised in one word - chic. We look at what sets a boutique hotel apart, who are the players in this segment, why is it such a viable option and how do business travellers view them.

If style rules when it comes to hotels, our Spotlight segment this issue firmly makes a case for keeping it simple when it comes to the baggage you carry and the way you pack it. Travelling light, right and simple are three rules of packing that go on to make a great trip. While city chic and style are the themes for the cover story our Getaway, La Marche in Italy, exudes vintage European village flavour and rural style with startlingly beautiful countryside and picture-perfect churches. Also get set for an adrenaline pumping read as the Wildside section deals with a polar bear sighting adventure in the arctic zone where our writer makes his way to Svalbard, justifiably called the cold edge of the earth. So get ready to chill out….

Madhavankutty Pillai
Chief Sub Editor,
feBusiness Traveller