Does size matter? Micro-hospitality could be the new travel trend
Micro-hospitality has become the talk of the town as it provides travellers with the opportunity to have a luxurious stay overnight – just in a smaller setting.
This trend is particularly popular among millennials and business travellers.
With the modernisation of the world, things have gotten smaller. For example, we’ve gone from big box computers to laptops and ipads that we can carry around with ease.
With that being said, the tourism sector has now included ‘minimalistic’ living as well.
Micro hotels, according to Saqib Jafri, associate manager at Hotels MENA Region, aim at utilising smaller areas proficiently. In addition, the ‘tiny-houses’ provide smaller rooms with smart designs.
“The micro hotel concept is becoming popular due to changing trends in the travel industry.
“Travellers, especially younger ones, are focusing on taking several short vacations rather than a single, long holiday in order to keep a healthy work-life balance,” said Jafri.
With that being said, micro hotels ‘suits the pocket’ due to them being a lot more compact than the average hotel, which is normally 30m2 whereas a micro hotel is 13m2.
You may think about how all the necessities fit into something so compact. A micro hotel provides guests
with various choices in the types of rooms available, such as pod rooms, bunk rooms, single rooms, and even double rooms.
In addition to the rooms being smaller, it is common for micro hotels to provide better quality beds, space-efficient furniture and bathrooms with basic toiletries.
Most micro hotels also provide guests with aircon, light, and televisions with smart technology.
The whole idea around the interior design of a micro hotel is to eliminate ‘heavy’ design, for example, using blinds instead of curtains. It allows the room to appear more spacious.
According to a statement in ‘The Growth of Micro Hotels in North America’, micro hotels are popping up in urban cities.
“Branded hotel giants and independent companies alike are looking to expand to North America following the demand evident in
Asia and Europe,” said Sirinthorn Ramchandani.
Here are 5 micro hotels around the world:
The Dean Hotel
This hotel in Dublin aims to offer guests rooms that are cosy and cool. The Dean offers 12.6m2 pod rooms and bunk rooms, 26m2 double and twin rooms, 26m2 rooms with a view, 62 to 70m2 suites and a
128.3m2 penthouse.
Nine Hours – Pod Hotel
The hotel in Japan has a bit of a spaceship feel but it’s good for a quick ‘nine-hour’ nap and is designed for business travellers.
The name of the hotel pod stems from the idea of a quick overnight sleep with all the comfort one needs as business travellers sleep for an average of 9 hours before their next trip.
The compact rooms offer their guests all the amenities, such as a comfortable mattress, pillow, sheets,
towels, and other bathroom items.
That’s all you need as a business traveller, right?
Crane Hotel Faralda
Considered one of Europe’s most unique spots, the hotel in Amsterdam – built inside a crane – provides a sleeping experience you’ll never forget. Not for those who have a fear of heights as the crane is 50m high.
Mobile Micro Hotel, Snoozebox
This unique micro-hotel took it to a whole other level as it was created to provide luxury accommodation during various occasions and events all around Europe. No more tents are necessary!
The Mobile Micro Hotel offers guests a comfortable bed, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a safe, free wi-fi, a wet room complete with shower, toilet, towels and toiletries.
Tubohotel
This pod hotel is situated in a tranquil setting in Located in Mexico. The rooms come with queen-size beds, under-bed storage space, showers and toilets. If you’re in the mood for a camping scene, then this is the perfect accommodation.