Boutique + Lifestyle Hotels

I had never heard of this concept before. Today, I ran across and article in USA Today about a company called Joie De Vivre in California that is running with this concept. Started in 1987 by Chip Conley, JDV opened its first of 38 hotels. The Phoenix was the first hotel to break the mold and be designed for a specific niche market: rock and roll. This company appeals to me because it integrates psychology and design in a deliberate way. Conley is inspired by psychologist Carl Maslow and his hierarchy of needs. Self-actualization is the highest need and JDV strives to design hotels that allow for an experience for self actualization. Here is the link for the article in USA Today : Boutique Hotel . Also visit the company website : JDVhotels.com .