Whether you’re planning a dreamy destination wedding, an epic honeymoon, or an unforgettable celebration trip, choosing where to stay is half the magic. But all those beautiful property descriptions — hotel, boutique hotel, resort, villa, borgo — can get confusing fast.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Hotel?
At its core, a hotel offers travelers lodging with standard services including daily housekeeping, a front desk team, and sometimes dining facilities. In the luxury category, you’ll find amenities like spas, rooftop pools, Michelin-starred restaurants, and curated concierge experiences.
Wedaways Pick: Bvlgari Roma, an elegant urban oasis in the heart of the Eternal City, where refined Italian hospitality and architecture meet sleek modernity and world-class service.
What Defines a Boutique Hotel?
Think small-scale, big personality. Boutique hotels usually have fewer rooms, a distinctive design, and an intimate feel. They reflect the character of the destination and often feel like a chic home away from home.
Travel Advisor Insight: We personally vet boutique hotels worldwide. The right one can be unforgettable. However, charm fades quickly if the service and comfort don’t match.
Wedaways Pick: Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa in Puglia, Italy, a restored red palace transformed into a stylish escape with just 11 suites and bold, artful interiors.
Other favorites include the Commodore Perry Estate in Austin, Texas, and The Siam in Bangkok, for their design-forward sensibilities and one-of-a-kind guest experiences.
What Is a Resort?
Resorts are built for immersive travel. They’re typically larger properties with multiple restaurants, pools, spas, activities, and entertainment. You may never need to leave the grounds.
Some are all about romance. Others are family-friendly. Many are destination wedding favorites thanks to their range of event spaces and room types.
Wedaways Pick: Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort in Los Cabos, where guests enjoy private plunge pools, open-air spa rituals, and a front-row seat to the Sea of Cortez.
What About Inns?
Inns are smaller than hotels and tend to have a cozy, personal feel. Many are independently owned and reflect local history or charm. While you may not find a pool or a spa, you can expect warmth, character, and a homemade breakfast.
Wedaways Pick: Bentwood Inn in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, an eco-luxury log lodge minutes from Grand Teton National Park. A magical setting for elopements and retreats.
What Is a Villa?
Villas are private residences available for short or extended stays. They range from rustic to fully staffed estates with chefs and butlers. Villas are ideal for groups, families, or couples seeking privacy.
Wedaways Pick: The Beach House Anguilla, a stunning oceanfront escape with sleek architecture, private chef, dedicated butler, and all the Caribbean sunshine you could ever want.
What Is a Borgo?
In Italy, a borgo is a restored medieval village transformed into a luxury estate. Borgos offer a collection of villas or suites with central amenities like a restaurant, pool, and sometimes even a chapel or vineyard. They are ideal for destination weddings with multi-day celebrations.
Wedaways Pick: Borgo San Felice Resort in Tuscany, a romantic hilltop hamlet surrounded by Chianti vines with Michelin-starred dining and endless Tuscan views.
What Is a Retreat?
A retreat property is designed for tranquility, introspection, or connection. Often remote, they blend natural beauty with upscale comforts and may include wellness or adventure-focused programming.
Wedaways Pick: Sikelia Luxury Retreat in Pantelleria, Italy, where sleek design, volcanic landscapes, and Mediterranean mystique meet world-class cuisine and a slow-paced lifestyle.
What Is a Lodge?
Lodges embrace their environment and highlight outdoor adventure. They are often situated in natural settings such as mountains, lakes, or safari landscapes and are ideal for those who desire luxury and a connection to nature.
Wedaways Pick: The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection in Utah, where horseback rides, forest dining, and alpine spa days create unforgettable moments in nature.
What Is an All-Inclusive Resort?
All-inclusive resorts bundle accommodations, dining, drinks, and often activities into a single rate. The luxury version includes gourmet cuisine, top-shelf spirits, and stylish accommodations with butler service.
Perfect for honeymooners, stress-free group celebrations, or couples who want indulgence with no surprises on the final bill.
Wedaways Pick: Almare, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort in Isla Mujeres, is sophisticated and secluded, boasting a stunning beachfront and curated culinary experiences.
What About Star Ratings?
Star ratings are a general guide, but they don’t tell the whole story.
3 stars: Solid and reliable with basic comforts
4 stars: Upscale with elevated amenities and service
5 stars: Luxury at every level, from the linens to the rooftop bar to the butler who knows your favorite wine
Travel Advisor Insight: Some five-star experiences don’t have a formal rating. That’s where working with an expert makes all the difference.
Take Capofaro, a vineyard-swept escape on the island of Salina in Sicily, where stylish serenity and Malvasia wines go hand in hand. Or The Brando, a private island in French Polynesia frequented by royalty and Hollywood alike, where barefoot luxury meets impeccable sustainability.
So, What Should You Choose?
The best option depends on the occasion, destination, and your personal style. That’s where your travel advisor comes in.
We don’t just know the properties — we understand them. We know the people behind them, from the reservations team to the general manager to the local wedding specialist. We’ll match you with the setting that best suits your story and ensure every detail is seamless.
And if you’re still unsure whether you’re a boutique hotel soul or a full-blown resort lover, don’t worry. We’ll know after one conversation.
Let’s design your dream stay. Contact us!
