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Little Rooms: Tiny Houses Offer A Unique Hotel Experience

Shandana A. Durrani
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Many a visitor to the big city has had the same experience: tiny, sterile hotel rooms that make your bedroom at home look like a mansion. If you had the choice to stay in cozy accommodations, why not pick somewhere that offers a one-of-a-kind experience? Enter the tiny house hotel.

Tiny houses have become the rage in home building in recent years. These compact abodes are economical, have all the necessary accoutrements and offer their owners a way to reduce their carbon footprint. Now, that phenomenon has continued into lodging. Instead of staying in cramped hotel rooms with little to no character, try these tiny houses that have all the comforts of home.

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Warwickshire Tiny Wood Houses, Warwickshire, England

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Situated in central England on a working farm, these two dog-friendly homes–constructed of Douglas Fir and steel–are compact but maximize their use of space. One home has two floors, with a living room boasting a wood-burning fireplace. A veranda provides a perfect place to BBQ in the summer. The second home has a hot tub on the ground floor and sleeping accommodations on the top floor. Both have central heat for those cold fall nights and are less than two miles from the nearest town, should you need to hit the local pub.

The Bayside Bungalow, Olympia, Washington

On the banks of the Puget Sound lies The Bayside Bungalow, a 160-square-foot home handcrafted by local, Brittany Yunker. Situated on a hill amidst fruit trees and Douglas Firs, the Bayside Bungalow boasts modern amenities, just on a smaller scale. A small fridge, cooktop and french press coffee maker makes one think of home. As you nestle in the cozy sleeping loft and gaze at the night sky through the skylight, you’ll keep warm via the gas fireplace. Two fire pits near the property are perfect for roasting marshmallows on a cold night.

Caravan Tiny House Hotel, Portland, Oregon

The only tiny house hotel in the world can be found in Portland, Oregon, natch. Located in the artsy Alberta District in NE Portland, Caravan doesn’t just offer one house but six, ranging in size from 100 to 200 square feet. The bespoke abodes cater to adventurous travelers who are looking for a unique experience without the fuss of a normal hotel. Each wooden home boasts stained glass and recycled artwork, electric heat, full kitchens and flush toilets. One home has a sloping wagon roof while another looks like a train caboose while another has an expansive shed roof. Guests of the complex share a BBQ, fire pit and hammock. This being Portland, you’re never far from the action. Take a walk three blocks and you’re in the heart of one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods.

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Shandana A. Durrani
Shandana A. Durrani
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Shandana A. Durrani has been a magazine editor and travel writer for more than two decades. Her work has appeared in numerous…
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