Here are highly regarded budget-friendly boutique hotels (global picks) known for thoughtful, stylish interiors — great if you want design-forward rooms without luxury price tags. I’ve included where they are, what makes them stylish, and an approximate price range to expect (prices vary by season and city).

Europe

• The Hoxton, Holborn — London, UK
  Why: Eclectic, vintage-modern mix, cozy lobby and restaurant spaces that feel like a living room.
  Price: mid-range budget in London (often competitive rates for the quality).

• Generator Hostel (boutique locations) — multiple European cities (e.g., Berlin, Stockholm)
  Why: Trendy, design-led common areas with private rooms available; lots of art and color.
  Price: hostel-to-budget boutique pricing.

North America

• Hotel AKA / AKA Hotels (select smaller properties) — New York, Boston, Philadelphia
  Why: Contemporary residential-style interiors, well-curated furniture, good value for location.
  Price: affordable compared to downtown full-service hotels.

• The LINE Hotel (select locations) — Los Angeles / Washington, D.C.
  Why: Bold, local-artist-driven decor; rooms with character and lively public spaces.
  Price: mid-range, often good deals outside peak dates.

Latin America

• Selina (stylish boutique/hostel hybrid) — multiple cities (Mexico City, Cartagena, etc.)
  Why: Colorful, locally inspired interiors, coworking vibe, private rooms and dorms.
  Price: budget to mid-range.

Asia & Oceania

• Hotel Indigo (IHG boutique brand) — multiple Asian cities (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur)
  Why: Locally inspired design motifs, modern interiors with a boutique feel at competitive prices.
  Price: good mid-range value.

• QT Hotels (smaller properties) — Sydney, Auckland
  Why: Quirky, art-driven interiors and playful design touches without high luxury rates.
  Price: mid-range.

Middle East & Africa

• The Setai-ish smaller boutique options in Marrakech / Cape Town (riads, guesthouses)
  Why: Handcrafted interiors, riads and guesthouses often offer beautifully styled rooms and courtyards at very reasonable prices.
  Price: budget to mid-range depending on season.

Practical tips to find the best budget-friendly boutique stays

• Search boutique-branded budget chains and hybrid hostels (e.g., Selina, Generator, Hoxton) — they often offer private rooms with designer interiors at lower prices than independent boutiques.
• Look for "design" filters on booking sites and read photo-heavy reviews to confirm interiors match your taste.
• Book outside peak season or mid-week to get boutique prices closer to budget hotels.
• Consider smaller cities or neighborhoods just outside city centers for better value without sacrificing style.
• Check the hotel’s Instagram — that’s often the best real-time view of interiors and how they’re styled.

If you tell me a city or travel dates I can give a short curated list with current price estimates and direct boutique picks in that area.