Hotel Groups

Travelers loath to book into a cookie-cutter chain hotel often can find the right room by tapping into a hotel group. These collections of hotels or inns, most independent of major chains, are organized around the needs of particular kinds of travelers--design-conscious aesthetes, history buffs, beachcombers and so on.

Using niche groups can take away the guesswork that comes with reserving a place you have never seen by offering a certain style, amenity set and type of service. The managers of niche hotel groups establish the standard and collect properties that meet it.

The 11 inns in Passport to New England, for instance, are in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont. Some are in villages, others in the countryside. Still, certain criteria were used to form the group, spokeswoman Elizabeth Davis says: “They are all less than 20 rooms, all owner-operated, all of a high standard, all nonsmoking.” And all provide of that quaint New England experience, she added.

Among the more interesting niche lodging groups:

The Kimpton Group, telephone (800) 214-4220, Internet https://www.kimptongroup.com. This is a collection of 33 boutique hotels, most fashioned around a theme. Although initially based in San Francisco, it’s expanding to middle America. The latest properties, called Monaco hotels, are in Chicago, tel. (800) 397-7661, and Denver, tel. (800) 397-5380. All Kimptons offer complimentary wine and coffee in the lobby. Some have special touches, such as “tall” rooms.

Passport to New England, tel. (800) 981-3275, Internet https://www.passporttonewengland.com. During last year’s fall foliage season, the group offered one free night in the Passport inn of choice to anyone who stayed in all 11 member inns within two years. The Lodge at Moosehead Lake in Maine is particularly delightful.

Historic Hotels of America, tel. (800) 678-8946, Internet https://historichotels.nationaltrust.org. Associated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this group requires its 145 properties to be at least 50 years old. Among them are the venerable, 92-year-old Plaza Hotel in New York City and the 111-year-old Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. Be aware that some properties have added modern wings, so guests may end up in a contemporary room.

Design Hotels International, tel. (800) 337-4685 within U.S. or (415) 332-4885, Internet https://www.designhotels.com. These 27 properties are distinguished by their bold architectural designs. One Aldwych in London and the Buci Latin in Paris rank among the most stunning. Only two are in the U.S.: the Hotel Triton in San Francisco and the Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn in Squaw Valley, Calif.

Leading Hotels of the World, tel. (800) 223-6800, Internet https://www.lhw.com. With 173 members in 120 destinations, this is the largest collection of luxury hotels. It includes many of the world’s finest properties, such as the Peninsula in Hong Kong, the Hay-Adams in Washington and the Kempinski in Hamburg, Germany.

Island Outpost, tel. (800) OUTPOST or (305) 531-8800, Internet https://www.islandoutpost.com. “Small is beautiful” could be the motto of this group of 13 hip properties in Florida, Jamaica and the Bahamas.

Relais & Chateaux, tel. (800) 860-4930, Internet https://www.relaischateaux.com. This collection of 415 hotels includes many of the world’s most exquisite residences. Often there is a fine restaurant attached to the hotel.

African American Assn. of Innkeepers International, tel. (877) 422-5777, Internet https://wwwafricanamericaninns.com. This collection of 25 black-owned bed-and-breakfasts and guest houses includes properties in such cities as New York, New Orleans and Atlanta, as well as the Caribbean and even Ashland, Ore. There are some inspiring properties in this group, such as the Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn.