Malaysia to crackdown on abuse of use of ‘boutique’ hotels tag

Malaysian authorities want to crack down on the term ‘boutique hotels’ to prevent the term being abused by budget hotel operators.

The Tourism Ministry is looking at creating a criteria for the term ‘boutique hotels’ to prevent budget hotels from disguising themselves and confusing travellers. “The Tourism Ministry welcomes the setting up of boutique hotels but in the right context and in the high end (quality and rates) direction,” Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen told local press.

“We don’t want just any hotel to term itself ‘boutique’ and give the wrong impression. Boutique hotels must have a room rate of above RM500 a night,” Ng said. According to her, boutique hotels should have a room inventory of fewer than 10. However, she said the ministry would consider all suggestions put forward.

“We have received appeals saying 10 are too few and so we listened to them. But to us, a boutique hotel cannot be lumped with any other hotel. It is a hotel in its own class,” she pointed out. Boutique hotels must have a different service level, offer personal service and have a distinct ambience, she said.

“Boutique hotels cannot be like a guest house.”

It is understood that the term ‘boutique hotel’ has been taken out of context, causing confusion among some tourists.