The impact of users expectations in boutique hotel design

The main aim of this study was to determine users' expectations and to identify design inputs which guide design stages in boutique hotel accommodation. For this purpose in theoretical part of the study, "users' expectations" term is discussed and a model is offered in relation to the design process and user's expectations. Following the theoretical part a case study is undertaken which involved a survey with 300 people in five different touristic cities to determine the users' expectations. The questions in the survey form are composed of questions about demographical characteristics of users, choices about accommodation, experiences of previous accommodations and expectations of boutique hotel accommodation. The study revealed that; personal characteristics affect users' expectations and decisions concerning boutique hotel accommodation, and that expectations for boutique hotel accommodation differ from expectations for general accommodation. The study ascertained that users who belong to high socio-economic and socio-cultural groups have high expectations such as design concept, service quality, warm atmosphere, experience of traditional life, local authentic holiday opportunity, location and accommodation in a building which has historical background. Other findings of study which may contribute the field are related with boutique hotels characteristics. In Turkey most of the boutique hotels serve for 12 months a year, mostly preferred for sea and sun holidays, number of rooms in boutique hotels change between 2 and 20, mostly serve in traditional buildings which are converted from residential functions and largely located in Aegean and Mediterranean regions. In conclusion, the study revealed that boutique hotels' designs show differences according to local culture, location and tourism variety.