Your Stylish, Well-Traveled Friend in the World of Boutique Hotels
At Hotels Above Par, we believe that where you stay shapes how you experience a destination.

Photo Credit: Matt Rzepecki

Photo Credit: Matt Rzepecki
About Us
We’re a media platform run by passionate travelers, journalists, and insiders who personally visit, review, and hand-select the properties we feature. If it’s in our Hotel Database, you can trust it’s something special, from design-forward city stays to
off-the-grid escapes, we only cover hotels that inspire and impress.
But we’re not just about the rooms. Our editorial dives deeper: think curated destination guides, trusted restaurant reviews, and expert roundups that help you plan your next adventure with confidence and style. Plus, with most of our featured hotels bookable directly through our site, many offering exclusive VIP perks, your boutique journey starts right here.
We’re proud to be the cool, discerning friend you turn to for travel tips, the one who’s always got the inside scoop, the hidden gem, the place you’ll be telling everyone about when you get home.
Founded In
2020
Team Members
45+
Press Features
20+
Hotel Reviews
300+
Restaurant Reviews
30+

Meet Our Founder
Hotels Above Par was conceptualized by boutique hotel enthusiast and travel pundit Brandon Berkson, who set out to create an expert-curated guide highlighting the world’s coolest boutique-style hotels and travel experiences
Since launching in April 2020, right at the start of the pandemic, Brandon has built a devoted community of travelers who seek authentic, design-forward stays — the kind that connect you to the heart of a destination, not just another cookie-cutter hotel.What began as a hotel-focused platform has quickly expanded to cover restaurants, destinations, and other curated travel topics. Every story on Hotels Above Par reflects Brandon’s original vision: to showcase boutique-oriented experiences through quick, engaging reads designed for the modern traveler.
With rapid growth and a team of top-tier travel journalists now on board, Brandon often says, “This is just the beginning.” We invite you to explore the world of boutique hotels and insider travel with us.
We’ve only scratched the surface — there’s a whole world of boutique stays and unforgettable experiences waiting to be uncovered, and we’re just getting started.
Meet our Contributing Writers
Meet our fantastic group of world-renowned, prolific travel journalists who have written various articles for Hotels Above Par.



























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