IHG’s 10 Best Boutique & Design Hotels

October 2026

The 10 Best Boutique & Design Hotels

Based on Verified Guest Reviews

A great design hotel is one guests photograph before they unpack — the rooftop igloos, the quirky lamps, the decor that feels rooted in its city rather than rolled out from a corporate template. We ranked these ten from verified IHG reviews, weighting how often guests praised the design, the character and the boutique feel, and how warmly. From a Nagasaki property built into a former church to Melbourne rooftop igloos, these are the hotels with genuine personality.

TORONTO, CANADA

1. Kimpton Saint George Hotel

In Toronto, this Kimpton is a boutique stay where thoughtful design feels as practical as it is stylish. Guests love the character-filled spaces, comfortable rooms and welcoming atmosphere, proving that great boutique hotels succeed when personality and everyday comfort go hand in hand.

The staff were helpful and welcoming, the room was great layout with boutique style, plenty of lighting and charging ports for devices, comfy bed.

— Lisa, Verified Guest via IHG.com

Book the Kimpton Saint George Hotel »

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

2. voco The Franklin New York

A charming New York boutique stay where gracious service and thoughtful details make every stay feel personal. Guests love the intimate atmosphere and character-filled setting.

The hotel abounds with lovely little touches such as delicious chocolate-covered biscuits upon arrival, several complimentary coffee drinks (produced with the aid of an awesome, imported espresso machine), a smart self-service snack bar/drug store for handy "oh I forgot" purchases that can be made right off the lobby area, and a charming 1929 elevator that is like a step back in time.

— PattieB, Verified Guest via IHG.com

Book the voco The Franklin New York »

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

3. Vignette Collection Verno House Budapest

In Budapest , this Vignette Collection stay is defined by design, with beautifully considered interiors that guests describe as every bit as memorable as the destination itself. Stylish rooms, thoughtful details and an elevated sense of place create a boutique experience that lingers long after checkout.

The hotel is beautifully designed -- stylish and cozy with a true boutique feel.

— Henry, Verified Guest via IHG.com

Book the Vignette Collection Verno House Budapest »

NAGASAKI, JAPAN

4. Hotel Indigo Nagasaki Glover Street

In Nagasaki, this Hotel Indigo brings local history to life through design, weaving the city’s heritage into every detail of its church-inspired architecture. Guests love the thoughtful blend of contemporary style and cultural storytelling, creating a boutique stay with a genuine sense of place.

Nestled in the heart of Nagasaki, this boutique hotel perfectly combines modern design with rich local history, making for an unforgettable experience.

— Ang AP, Verified Guest via IHG.com

Book the Hotel Indigo Nagasaki Glover Street »

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

5. Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park

In Kuala Lumpur, this design-led stay celebrates authentic Malaysian character through thoughtful interiors and local touches. Guests love the stylish atmosphere and strong sense of place that offers a genuine connection to Malaysia .

Really cool new hotel, super clean, great views, great decor that feels authentic to Malaysia rather than just being generic like most of the hotels in the city, close to everything you would want to see.

— whitey, Verified Guest via IHG.com

Book the Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park »

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

6. Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherd's Bush

In London, this Hotel Indigo makes a strong case for design as part of the experience, with contemporary interiors that guests describe as stylish, polished and thoughtfully considered. The modern aesthetic shapes every stay, creating an atmosphere that feels both distinctive and effortlessly comfortable for travelers who appreciate great design.

Beautiful, modern, clean hotel with lovely mod cons, nice decor and friendly staff.

— Sandi, Verified Guest via IHG.com

Book the Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherd's Bush »

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

7. Kimpton Palladian Hotel

This Kimpton stands out for its design-driven atmosphere, where thoughtfully crafted interiors and vibrant social spaces capture Seattle's creative energy. Guests love the boutique character and sense of place, creating a stay that feels as memorable as it is stylish.

— Micky, Verified Guest via IHG.com

Book the Kimpton Palladian Hotel »

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

8. Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins

In Melbourne, this property stands out for its playful, design-led personality, with standout touches like rooftop igloos and stylish social spaces that give the hotel its own identity. Guests love the distinctive décor and thoughtfully curated atmosphere, making it a boutique stay that feels both memorable and unmistakably local.

Love the decor of the hotel, bar amazing and outdoor rooftop igloos are so cool!

— MummaJules, Verified Guest via IHG.com

Book the Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins »

MILAN, ITALY

9. Hotel Indigo Milan - Corso Monforte

Inspired by classic Milanese design, this stay delights with beautifully considered interiors and distinctive details that guests remember long after checkout. Thoughtful styling, characterful rooms and elegant spaces create a boutique experience that feels both refined and deeply personal.

The rooms were beautifully designed: chic, modern, and comfortable, with thoughtful touches that made our stay feel special.

— Alyson, Verified Guest via IHG.com

Book the Hotel Indigo Milan - Corso Monforte »

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

10. Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale

Blending boutique style with Fort Lauderdale's laid-back coastal energy, this Kimpton pairs elegantly designed rooms with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Guests love the thoughtful design, beachside setting and attentive service that come together to create an effortlessly stylish escape.

If you’re looking for a stylish, laid-back getaway with boutique charm, friendly service, and great beach access, Kimpton Shorebreak is a fantastic choice in Fort Lauderdale.

— Oriana, Verified Guest via IHG.com

Book the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale »

*How we ranked them: Every hotel on this list was identified through analysis of thousands of verified IHG guest reviews. Hotels are ranked by the proportion of reviewers who positively mentioned boutique design, weighted by review volume and sentiment. All reviews sourced from IHG.com.

The cities where design hotels belong

Some cities are design destinations in themselves. Milan is the global capital of design, while Barcelona wears its Gaudí-shaped creativity on every street. New York and Miami drive American style, Berlin channels a raw creative edge, and Tokyo blends precision and playfulness like nowhere else. Melbourne rounds out a list of cities where a boutique hotel can hold its own against the design on the streets outside.

IHG brands with genuine design credentials

Hotel Indigo is IHG's neighborhood design brand, and it anchors this list — every property is shaped by its location's story, from a church-inspired Nagasaki building to Melbourne rooftop igloos, so no two feel alike.

Kimpton brings boutique character and a strong sense of vibe, with design-led rooms, characterful bars and the personal service that completes the boutique experience.

Vignette Collection gathers individually distinctive, design-forward properties under one banner — independent-feeling hotels like Verno House Budapest where the design is the reason to book rather than an afterthought.

Plan. Book. Stay. All in One App.

IHG One Rewards App

Streamline your travel with our award-winning app. Book direct at 7,000+ global destinations and tap into so much more.

Download Now

Travel Inspiration

Explore More by Interest

Top Foodie Destinations

Discover our top food-forward destinations for your next unforgettable culinary experience.

Foodie Trips
Indulge in the Extraordinary

Explore breathtaking luxury destinations and resorts designed for unforgettable moments.

Explore Luxury Hotels
Vacation. Sorted.

Experience sun‑soaked escapes with everything you need wrapped into one easy stay.

All-Inclusive Resorts