Focused on functionality, style, and value, micro hotels have become increasingly popular in recent years. They tend to capitalize on space while utilizing smart designs for an outstanding experience that can be enjoyed within a more reasonable budget.
Inspired by capsule hotels, introduced in Japan in the 1970s, micro hotels are one of the most modern trends today. Distinct from Airbnbs, which are typically privately owned rental properties that can be anything from an individual room to an entire home, they were originally aimed at short-stay business travelers.
Today, micro hotels cater to the needs of everyone from budget-conscious travelers to those who live a minimalist lifestyle. The micro hotels can range from a space with bare-bones amenities like a bed and a power outlet for charging devices to more upscale rooms, providing relatively affordable luxuries with en-suite bathrooms, state-of-the-art technology, and occasionally even a view terrace or balcony.
Tiny Hotels, Big Style: The Best Micro Hotel Stays from New York to Tokyo
Central Hotel & Café, Copenhagen, Denmark
Central Hotel & Café is tucked into the artsy Vesterbro neighborhood of Copenhagen, known for its cool, hip vibe and dash of gritty charm. A former industrial area turned creative hub, it boasts trendy shops, galleries, diverse restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, which will all be steps away if you book a room at this micro hotel. In fact, there’s only one guest room here, hidden above a tiny cafe.
The roughly 129-square-foot (12-square-meter) room is outfitted with vintage-inspired decor that looks as if it’s straight from a 1950s movie while providing what feels like an escape from reality. While it’s a cozy space, it includes a Royal Eden bed, an iPhone with a stereo dock, free Wi-Fi, and a hidden flat-screen TV.
As it sits atop the cafe, all you have to do is walk downstairs to enjoy your complimentary tea, coffee, and breakfast. The lovely aromas, from the fresh roasted coffee beans to the pastries, are likely to entice you out of bed. Guests also enjoy a drink on the house at the hotel restaurant right around the corner, Granola, while chocolate or a chilled bottle of Champagne can be arranged upon arrival.
Snoozebox Olympic Park, London, England
Set in shipping containers within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Snoozebox offers an ideal location close to London Stadium, making it a great option for those who plan to catch a concert or a football match, as the home of West Ham United.
The budget-friendly yet well-designed rooms make the most of their limited 77-square-foot (7.2-square-meter) space. There are clever features that help make them comfortable, including slide-out shelves that double as work desks and storage areas built right into the comfortable beds. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms are all included as well.
Snoozebox also provides a communal space for relaxing and socializing, with a vibrant, friendly atmosphere that often includes after-party events and music. The lounge area offers TVs and comfortable seating, and there are outdoor garden spaces for unwinding.
The Bedstee Boutique Capsule Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Bedstee Hotel (AKA De Bedstee) is located in one of Amsterdam’s most upscale residential neighborhoods, Oud Zuid. Here you’ll be a short walk from high-end shopping streets, famous institutions like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, pubs and cocktail bars, and restaurants ranging from casual cafes offering traditional Dutch dishes to eateries serving global fare.
The micro hotel itself was inspired by the 17th-century tradition of a Dutch bedstee, or box bed, concealed behind the doors of a cupboard to create a cozy nook for sleeping.
Called the “traditional Dutch farmer’s sleeping bedroom,” each private “cabin” comes with luxury bedding, luggage storage (flight cabin-size), Wi-Fi, and a media panel for your electronic devices. A complimentary breakfast is included, and there’s a terrace garden for relaxation along with a bar, open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
CitizenM Amstel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Another great option in Amsterdam that will put you right within the Canal Ring near many major landmarks, CitizenMAmstel is steps from the Amstel River that runs through the central part of the city. Its name was inspired by the idea of a mobile resident, defined as one who takes the train to town but orders Champagne, or wears an Armani suit with a Gap t-shirt.
You might think that it tends to attract primarily digital nomads and hipsters, but the clientele is made up of all ages, including older but young-at-heart travelers.
Enjoy a unique blend of modern design, including black-and-white decor with the occasional splash of red, and efficient use of space with outstanding functionality and comfort. There are lively areas with comfortable seating for socializing or relaxing, while the free breakfast buffet is often raved about for the perfect start to the day.
The Hoxton, Brooklyn, New York
While The Hoxton comes thanks to a London-based hotelier, it brings its style to Brooklyn, located in the Williamsburg area. The neighborhood draws many of the young and fashionable with trendy cafes, buzzing restaurants, chic boutiques, and impressive street art that brightens residential streets.
Along the waterfront, you’ll enjoy Manhattan views and easy access to food markets and outdoor concerts in the summer.
The hotel has a homey but stylish feel, providing a cool space to spend the night, meet up with friends, or get some work done.
While there are 170 rooms with options for more space and even views of the Manhattan skyline, the standards are the Cosy rooms, microhotel-style with 170 square feet, ingeniously designed to make the most of it. All have comfy king-sized beds, walk-in showers, desks, and open wardrobes.
NATIVE, Ballydehob, West Cork, Ireland
A guesthouse along Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way in the bohemian village of Ballydehob, NATIVE offers just three rooms, all set within a former dairy farm. You’ll be tucked among the sea and the lush Irish landscape with music venues, pubs, and outstanding food, all only steps away in the center of the village.
Rooms offer more luxuries than most micro hotels, ideal for those seeking an intimate stay with plenty of perks. The guestrooms feature Irish-made linens, mood lighting, free Wi-Fi, and cushy robes.
Common spaces provide enticing places to read with art books, old maps, mid-century chairs, and even homemade biscuits. Outdoors, you’ll find 2.5 acres with gardens and a garden sauna.
Coco Art Villas, Uvita, Costa Rica
Coco Art Villas has been called a mix of glamping and a micro hotel, made up of five minimalist-style, egg-shaped villas with interiors that have just a bed, pedestal, bath, and shower. Each one has a trampoline for indulging the kids at heart.
They seem to float above ground, each taking inspiration from the region’s lush rainforests, volcanoes, and abundant wildlife. Watch for everything from sloths and monkeys to a wide range of birds, including toucans.
Linked by platforms and raised walkways, the shared common spaces include a high-end kitchen and dining space, a playroom for little ones, and a sauna. Yoga and art workshops are hosted, and pampering massages are available too.
First Cabin International Hawaii, Waikiki, Oahu
Recently opened in the Waikiki Beach Plaza, a 5-minute stroll from world-renowned Waikiki Beach, FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL offers compact, cabin-style rooms inspired by Japanese capsule hotels.
They range from Economy units divided into unisex, male-only, and female-only areas, to Business Class with more space, and First Class, which includes access to the first-class lounge. All are equipped with personal safes, lockers, and free Wi-Fi. Access to social spaces, co-working spaces, and lounges is also included.
It’s rare to find a microhotel like this in an iconic beach destination, as they’re typically located in high-density urban centers. It allows Honolulu visitors to enjoy a unique value option in paradise that makes sense for those who only really need a place to sleep.
After all, the islands are all about soaking up the sun and the sand, playing in the surf, and delving into rich culture while experiencing the Aloha spirit. You don’t want to spend most of your time here between four walls.
Arlo, Soho, New York
The Arlo Soho offers a stay in the trendy district known for its vibrant art scene and shopping, with trendy boutiques and galleries tucked among unique architecture, including cast-iron buildings.
The hotel sits right at its edge, just minutes on foot from the Canal Street subway station, convenient to Brooklyn and Midtown. Rooms range from the Two Twin and Bunk to the Terrace King, averaging 150 square feet. Twin bunk bed rooms have flip-down desks, pegboard closets, minifridges, free Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, and individual flat-screen TVs in each bunk, perfect for friends traveling together.
In the Arlo’s lobby, you’ll find the check-in desk/cafe that provides a popular gathering space while the bikes locked up outside are complimentary to guests in the summer and fall.
YOTEL Boston, Massachusetts
YOTEL is a “microtel” chain, with the Boston location its highest-rated. Trendy and modern, the rooms are compact, stylish, and cleverly designed to provide a functional space in the heart of the city.
They have a minimalist aesthetic with lots of high-tech features, including Smart TVs with Chromecast, high-speed Wi-Fi, SmartKey functionality through the hotel app, and self-service kiosks for check-in and check-out. The hotel even has a resident robot, Y02D@, that can autonomously call elevators and deliver amenities.
An ideal budget-friendly alternative to a traditional luxury hotel without sacrificing style, facilities include a restaurant/bar accessed by Mission Control’s touch screens for ordering, and a 24/7 gym.
Why Micro Hotels Are the Smartest Way to Stay Right Now
If you’ve ever stepped into a hotel room the size of a walk-in closet and thought, “Wait… this actually works,” you’ve likely discovered the charm of a micro hotel. These compact, design-forward spaces take a minimalist approach—no fluff, just everything you need, exactly where you need it. Born from Japan’s capsule hotel concept back in the ’70s, today’s micro hotels are reimagined for modern travelers.
They’re popping up in big cities like New York, Amsterdam, London, and Tokyo, offering cozy beds, smart layouts, and locations you actually want to be in—all without blowing your travel budget. Recent hospitality studies show that they’re thriving in dense, high-cost destinations where travelers are more focused on experience than square footage.
| Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Smart Design | Foldaway desks, built-in storage, and creative layouts maximize space |
| Tech Integration | App check-in, smart lighting, and contactless amenities streamline the stay |
| Great Locations | Typically found in major city centers or trendy neighborhoods |
| Budget-Friendly | Lower nightly rates compared to full-service hotels in the same areas |
| Eco-Friendly | Smaller footprints mean lower energy and resource consumption |
| Guest Vibe | Minimalists, solo travelers, creatives, and anyone who values efficiency |
But this isn’t just about saving space. Micro hotels are quietly redefining the guest experience through smart tech and thoughtful design. Think contactless check-in, app-controlled lighting and climate, hidden storage, and multifunctional furniture that makes a 140-square-foot room feel surprisingly livable.
Some even include lounge areas, rooftop terraces, or a café downstairs—all within a footprint smaller than a studio apartment. Industry analysts say this blend of efficiency, affordability, and style is what’s driving their growth—and for travelers who care more about where they’re staying than how much space they have, it’s a winning formula.
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