What makes a boutique hotel a " boutique hotel "?

What specific attributes qualify a hotel for this name?  What makes a hotel a "boutique" while another is not?  It's probably easier to describe what a boutique hotel is not. Some unwritten rules:

1. a boutique hotel doesn't feel big
   
   
2. a boutique hotel doesn't feel part of a chain. In a big chain it doesn't matter where you go, the logo, the lobby, and the rooms all look more or less the same. Boutique hotels are individually designed so that they evoke a unique,  unaccustomed and special feeling.
   
   
3. a boutique hotel doesn't feel traditional. Traditional hotels take a more textbook approach to branding and you know what you're going to get. A boutique hotel by it's definition is unique. Cooler lines, modernism, and an interpretation of the 21st Century are found in most  city boutique hotels. Utilizing technology is an important factor for enhancing the ambiance and promoting a contact between the guests and the hard attributes of the building (such as lighting and music).
   Some of the technologies provided for the convenience of hotel guests are: flat-screen TVs, cordless phones,  computers with high-speed Internet access and the LCD monitors. Entertainment in boutique hotels is an important and dynamic component in creating a lively, chic and trendy atmosphere. However, in the boutique hotel concept, entertainment is not limited to events such as live music and performances; the idea of a boutique hotel is on site entertainment : a hip restaurant, lounge, and bar; an exceptional theme; and visually spectacular decorations.
   
   and some rules what really make a
   boutique hotel boutique:
   
   
4. a boutique hotel looks stylish. Style, distinction, warmth, and intimacy are key words in the architecture and design of boutique hotels, which seem to attract a niche of customers looking for a special and differentiated property able to fulfill their individual needs. Boutique hotels are not boxed into standards; the definition and expression of a theme is a crucial path to success.
   
   
5. a boutique hotel's location is key. In city destinations, location still ranks number one on guests' priority lists. Good locations for boutique hotels are not determined only by manner of convenience, but also by the "trendiness" and "chic-ness" of their respective neighborhoods. Accordingly, most existing city boutique hotels are located in vivacious cities with vibrant economies and high-end residential areas.
   
   
6. a boutique hotel offers cosmopolitan atmosphere with touch of
   local personality. The atmosphere is a very important factor of all   boutique hotels. If atmosphere is considered the sum of the physical facilities and all the intangibles that comprise a memorable hotel experience, this may be the single most critical factor. The atmosphere includes decor, ambience, personalized service, the attitude of management and local staff, and how all these ingredients combine to create a genuine sense of intimacy.
   
   
7. a boutique hotel has a "customer service academy educated" staff.
   Provide an atmosphere of intimacy without familiarity needs to be professional with it's own attitude and motivation. 
   
      
8. a boutique hotel  is for average  people with individual style. Travellers nowadays expect more than simply comfort and convenience. An increasing number of travellers,  prefer to be "pleasantly" surprised ,so they seek properties that are noticeably different in look and feel from branded hotels.
   
   
9. a boutique hotel is recommended through others. The hotel no longer has to rely on the recognition that large hotel brand chain guarantees. Guides like Condé Nast's Traveller, Hip Hotels, Design Hotels and the Mr and Mrs Smith do the legwork for them.

We created our own boutique guide
from the following articles:
1, Rob MITCHELL /8 - Aug - 2005/
Hotel Brands Break the Chain
www.brandchannel.com     and
2, Harry NOBLES /December - 2001/ 
What is a boutique hotel?
www.hotel-online.com/news
3, Lucienne ANHAR /10 - Oct - 2005/
The definition of Boutique Hotels
http:// montreal.boutiquehotelsonline.com/define.html