There’s something utterly charming about tight spaces and small rooms – as long as you aren’t claustrophobic! The entire concept of tiny living is taking the hotel industry by storm, transforming how we live while traveling. What’s more, there are many options that focus on providing you with everything you could require; and in the smallest space possible. Case in point; the contenders for the smallest hotel in the world, which are like no other hotels you’ll have ever seen. Not only are these hotels located in some of the hottest travel destinations, but also they range from expensive to really, and we mean really affordable.
From mini architectural projects to small motels to tiny suites, we’re talking about all things “tiny” hotel. Whether it’s a pop-up tube hotel or a room above a pub, the small hotels in the world cater to the taste of all kinds of travelers. And no matter how you’re vacationing, there’s bound to be a tiny sleeping space to match. So, here are 11 options for the smallest hotel in the world.
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Tubohotel, Mexico
11
The Tubo Hotel in Tepoztlan is the most disarming smallest hotel in the world. Why? Because you have to sleep in harsh-looking tubes of concrete! This hotel invites you to sleep in repurposed sewer pipes, and the idea makes for a truly novel and unforgettable experience. On the inside, it is a cozy sleeping space with just a bed, a lamp, and curtains that you can pull over the glass doors for privacy. It’s just like an organic capsule hotel, as it sits in a lush organic courtyard in the magical town of Tepoztlán, Morelos. Bathrooms are common, but they lie very close to your room, thus giving you a sense of privacy.
But, the amenities will certainly perk you up, such as the patio and the pool, where you can cool off. There’s even a rest area and a cafeteria that serves delicious meals, including a complimentary continental breakfast. The hotel’s location is also superb; it lies close to the archaeological zone of Tepozteco, with ruins of a small Aztec temple dating back to AD 1200.
Book And Bed, Japan
10
Book and Bed is a unique take on a capsule hotel and has multiple outposts in many locations all over Japan. It’s not only one of Kyoto’s best capsule hotels, but it’s also one of the best capsule hotels in Tokyo. If you think capsule hotels are a bit clinical, then Book and Bed might change your views about them. For, this unique is not a hotel with books, but a huge library with sleeping spaces between them! This place was designed for literature-lovers who’d love to crawl into a teeny, tiny bunk amidst hundreds of bookshelves and curl up with their favorite books!
These cozy capsules feature privacy curtains, comfy beds, soft slippers, and reading lights so you can read all night long. What’s more, the collection has both English and Japanese books across genres that include classics, novels, and even photography books. As you crawl out of your pods, you’ll find cushy daybed-like sofas that make for a great lounging space to read and discuss books! So, if you love the smell of plain wood and old books, then this small hotel will certainly appeal to you.
Hotel Punta Grande, Spain
9
The name might say ‘Grande,’ but Hotel Punta Grande in El Hierro, Spain, is the smallest hotel in the world. However, the hotel, which sits on a small rocky outcrop in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands, is grand in its bite-sized way. In fact, the Guinness Book of Records has registered it as being the smallest hotel in Spain. It’s home to just four bedrooms and isn’t the busiest hotel around, but that’s what makes it so whimsical. What’s more, every one of the small rooms is decked out with stuff from shipwrecks in the region and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The adults-only hotel also has a fabulous restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine and seafood. It has a bar, but there’s also an incredible terrace seating area overlooking the sea. If you want to splurge, the suite deluxe with a solarium and two private terraces is like your personal oasis on the Atlantic. Sigh.
Eh’häusl Hotel, Germany
8
Amberg, Germany’s Eh’häusl Hotel, holds the Guinness World Record for being “the smallest hotel in the world.” It has a total floor space of just 173 sq. feet (53 sq. meters). The teeny, tiny hotel, about eight feet wide, lies sandwiched between two buildings and has a rather storied history. Eh’häusl (which means “marriage house”) dates back to 1728 when couples needed to prove that they owned some land before getting married. One couple did the next best thing – they erected a roof and walls in a small courtyard between two buildings, and Eh’häusl was born. Supposedly, it’s been passed down from owner to owner and allowed many couples to get married over the years.
Despite looking cramped, the itty bitty hotel is adorable and has a plush bed, a salon, a romantic fireplace, and even a mini spa with a rainbow-colored whirlpool. Since it barely fits a double bed, this place is perfect for couples. But, what’s interesting is how extravagantly it’s decked out in golden statues and frames and a gilded touch to just about everything.
Central Hotel & Café, Denmark
7
The Central Hotel & Café certainly gives tough competition to all candidates vying to be the smallest hotel in the world. But, it certainly is Copenhagen’s smallest coffee shop! The ground-floor cafe serves delicious meals and coffee, which means you don’t have to go too far looking for delectable meals. And right above it sits a single room, which makes up the hotel. The charming hotel room features a cozy double bed, a small desk, a private bathroom, and a tiny coffee table next to a window. So, while it’s perfect for a couple, it won’t be able to accommodate more than two people.
One thing; beware that if you get meals included in your stay, then it’ll cost you as much as 330 EUR (362 USD)! Plus, the cafe has just five seats, including the window one, so do try and book well in advance.
Volkswagen Beetle, Jordan
6
Two guests. Four wheels. Five-star living. That’s the promise of the Volkswagen Beetle in Al Jaya, Jordan, the absolute “smallest hotel in the world.” Now, we know what you’re thinking; who’d want to live in a broken-down car in the middle of the Jordanian desert? But, the heavy guest book full of signatures of previous guests is a testament to just how much people have enjoyed staying here! The VW Beetle is Al Malaheem, a.k.a. Abu Ali’s labor of love and is furnished by his daughter. Think traditional textures, colorful beads, and handmade embroidered sheets.
Malaheem’s passion for this project is that there’s even a hotel “lobby” inside a nearby cave called the “Baldwin’s Grotto.” It’s where he and his family serve guests and visitors tea, coffee, and traditional Jordanian snacks and cuisine. It even has a bathroom, which means you don’t have to rough it either! What’s more, there’s also a tiny kiosk-style shop that sells souvenirs such as historical artifacts, copper miniatures, gemstones, jewelry, and antiques.
Yotel Times Square, New York
5
Yotel, yet another micro-living brand, is taking the idea of pod hotels a bit further. Yotel Times Square New York, for instance, is the smallest hotel in the world that’s actually a “hotel” hotel. The Yotel brand tries to glam up pod hotels with their offerings, such as this one. Imagine cabin-like rooms with individual bathrooms separated from the sleeping area by curtains. What’s more, it boasts a spectacular location near Times Square, putting you squarely in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. So, if you need a place to just shower and sleep, but are done with pod hotels, then Yotel is a great option. And, of course, it offers jaw-dropping views of New York City‘s most vibrant neighborhood, so there’s that too!
The Tiny House Hotel, United States
4
The name says it all; The Tiny House Hotel in Portland, Oregon, a.k.a. the Caravan, is like a house on wheels. Choose from six cute-as-a-button and custom-designed tiny houses on wheels, which are arranged in a circle like a wagon train. They were built by artistic designers and local builders and are just 120-170 sq. feet in size. What’s more, they’re all filled with local artwork and artistic design elements that give them all a cozy feel. Aside from cozy lodge decor and plank walls, they also have sleeping lofts, dining nooks, ensuite bathrooms, and kitchens! Free Wi-Fi lets you stay connected, while sound machines help you sleep. The best bit? Some of them even have porches! It’s no wonder that it’s also one of the most romantic hotels in Portland, Oregon.
Capsule Inn Osaka, Japan
3
Japan is what brought the world the concept of “pod hotels,” so it’s only fitting that the world’s smallest hotel be there too! The original “small hotel,” Capsule Inn in Osaka, Japan, is unarguably the smallest hotel in the world. It’s also one of Osaka’s best capsule hotels. This men-only place of stay, which opened in 1979, has two choices of pods, Regular and Wide. All pods have flatscreen TVs, power outlets, alarms, and reading lights, thus making it your own cocoon of serenity.
But, as tiny as the pods are, the hotel has a wealth of amenities for its guests. For instance, it has many relaxation options such as a communal hot bath, a.k.a. an onsen, a sauna, and even massage treatments. Swap travel stories with other travelers in the TV lounge and dig into delectable breakfasts at the in-house restaurant. And one of the best bits about the hotel is its excellent location within walking distance of Umeda Subway Station, thus making the rest of the huge city of Osaka accessible.
Vipp Shelter Hotel, Sweden
2
The Vipp Shelter Hotel, which is nestled in the woods on the banks of Lake Immeln in Sweden, is luxe minimalism at its best. This stunning all-steel container-modular house makes for a gorgeous modern abode for two. Sliding glass doors and glass walls practically bring the outdoors and offer spectacular views. This peaceful hideaway is much like a human charging station, with only the lush surroundings to distract you. On the inside, soothing dark interiors radiate a sense of calm. A living room, a bedroom with a slick ensuite bathroom and Aesop bath products, and a sleek and well-equipped kitchen ensure that you don’t want anything. Wake up to birdsong and sleep with a million stars studded in the Swedish skies. As far as small hotel rooms go, this is certainly the most modern and the most expensive – a night’s stay costs upwards of USD 1,000!
Grand Hotel De Kromme Raake, The Netherlands
1
Despite being called “grand,” the Grand Hotel De Kromme Raake in Eenrum in The Netherlands is the smallest hotel in the world. The grocery store-turned-hotel was even the holder of the record of the “world’s smallest hotel” in the Guinness World Records for a while. Why? Because it has only one room! It might be unprepossessing, sure, but its dinky bathtubs, king beds, and art deco designs are tempting propositions for the adventurous traveler.
Interestingly, the hotel is named after a diked sea creature that lives in the embanked sea arm that meanders through Eenrum. When it opened in 1989, it received the second entry in the Guinness Book of Records; that for housing and serving the world’s largest bottle of Beaujolais! In fact, this impressive bottle of wine is proudly displayed in the hotel foyer.
