From Where has launched a nationwide Best Boutique Hotels directory, bringing its Shop the Space platform to the independent hospitality sector after establishing presence in short-term rentals and interior design markets.
The directory features boutique properties across major US cities selected through rigorous review analysis and design evaluation, with all featured hotels meeting criteria including under 100 rooms and distinctive design aesthetics that differentiate them from chain properties.
From STR to Boutique Hospitality
The expansion reflects From Where’s evolution from short-term rental focus to broader hospitality markets. Co-founder Nisha Franklin noted the connection: “We saw that interior designers working on short-term rentals were also designing boutique hotel spaces. It became a natural next step to include these properties in our ecosystem.”
Boutique hotels offer specific advantages for the shoppable experience model. Properties maintain more consistent guest traffic than individual rentals, and boutique hotel guests actively seek design inspiration and unique experiences during stays.
The platform’s methodology required properties to demonstrate both operational excellence and design quality. Hotels underwent review analysis across Google, Yelp, and booking platforms while also meeting aesthetic standards for product showcase potential.
Revenue Model for Properties
Featured boutique hotels can participate in From Where’s storefront platform for $99 per year, making their furniture, bedding, and decor directly purchasable by guests. When guests inquire about specific products and complete purchases through the storefront, properties earn commission revenue.
This approach differs from traditional hotel retail that requires physical space, inventory, and staffing. From Where’s digital model monetizes existing design investments without operational overhead.
“Hotels have already invested in beautiful design,” Franklin said. “We give them a way to turn those design choices into added revenue when guests want to bring the look home, and to extend the guest experience beyond their stay.”
Recognition Through Awards
Selected properties receive From Where’s Best Boutique Hotel designation, providing marketing recognition alongside the revenue opportunity. The selection process emphasizes both design excellence and operational performance, creating an exclusive group of featured properties.
The boutique hotel directory joins From Where’s existing short-term rental network and designer storefront offerings. The combination creates a marketplace where interior designers, property operators, and product brands collaborate on shoppable experiences.
For designers featured in the From Where network, boutique hotel projects provide additional showcase opportunities. Their work appears in properties with consistent guest traffic, increasing exposure for both their design services and the products they specify.
Selection Criteria and Standards
From Where’s boutique hotel selection emphasizes properties under 100 rooms with independent operation or small collection affiliation. This focus ensures featured hotels demonstrate distinctive design rather than standardized corporate aesthetics.
The review threshold requirements provide quality assurance. Properties must maintain strong ratings across multiple platforms, validating both guest satisfaction and operational performance alongside design quality.
Registration Process
Boutique hotels can apply to be verified for future inclusion in From Where’s boutique hotel directory through the platform’s website. Directory consideration is based on design, ratings, guest experience, and overall fit.
Separately, hotels can also register for a storefront. From Where builds a dedicated digital storefront featuring the items used in guest rooms and shared spaces using photos and design details.
From Where manages product sourcing, storefront setup, and transaction handling, requiring minimal involvement from the property. Properties earn commission revenue when guest interest converts to purchases, without needing to run their own e-commerce operations.
The Best Boutique Hotels list is available now, with additional properties under evaluation for future inclusion across more U.S. markets.
About From Where: From Where is a Los Angeles-based platform co-founded by Nisha and David Franklin that transforms short-term rentals and boutique hotels into shoppable experiences. The platform builds custom storefronts for hosts and interior designers, enabling guests to Shop the Space and purchase products they discover during their stays. For more information, visit fromwhere.com.