The thing about chain hotels is that you always know exactly what to expect. Seen one, seen them all. Predictability can be a good thing when you’re far from home, but it can also be a little soul numbing. The solution is to take a break from the chain and try a boutique hotel. By definition, each boutique has its own separate personality, unique architecture and décor, and whimsical perks.

Would you like to be able to select the color of your suite? Guests at the Art’otel Berlin Mitte in Berlin can choose among rooms with aubergine, blue, green or red walls. Want to be greeted with scented candles at night? Hotel ZaZa in Dallas replaces flowers with candles each evening. Sip herbal tea in a garden with a koi pond? The Asian-inspired garden at The Ambrose in Santa Monica is the scene for Pilates and yoga classes and evening meditation.

Even when boutique properties form a chain, such as Hotel Monaco, it’s a chain with highly individualized links. The sleekly modern Hotel Monaco Washington bears absolutely no resemblance to the ornately rococo Hotel Monaco Denver. What they all do have in common is the ability to surprise guests with such small touches as an evening wine hour and “complimentary goldfish companions.”

For details, contact:

Art’otel Berlin Mitte: www.artotel.de; (011) 49-0-30-240-620

Hotel Zaza: www.hotelzaza.com; 214/468-8399

The Ambrose: www.ambrosehotel.com 1-877-AMBROSE

Hotel Monaco: www.hotelmonaco.com; 1-866-543-4787