There’s no denying that shipping containers are the new hotness right now. We’ve seen shipping container bars, shipping container homes, and even shipping container pools. While most embrace the rugged, industrial design inherent in the standard shipping container, Flophouze Hotel takes a vintage-inspired approach that’s unlike any we’ve seen before.
At last count, the town of Round Top, Texas — centered between Austin and Houston — was home to just 90 souls. The rural spit of land on which Flophouze Hotel was built feels — and indeed is — miles from anywhere. From the rear, the collection of six “rooms” appears every bit as industrial as you might assume six shipping containers on cement blocks would appear. But, upon closer inspection, there’s an undeniable warm, homey, California surf shack feeling to each unit. The private patios are all furnished with fire pits, Adirondack chairs, and hammocks — all perfectly situated to enjoy the stunning Round Top sunsets. That each room features a kitschy name like “Funky Cow-abunga” or “Smooth Sailin” only adds to the chill, hippy-esque vibe.
Each of the six Flophouzes is adorned with a unique, upcycled decor. Much of the wood cladding, for example, comes from a farm in upstate New York that supplies sustainably harvested wood. The windows were saved from a Philadelphia school scheduled for demolition. Inside, guests will find countertops sourced from an old Texas bowling alley and kitchen cabinetry sourced from a Brooklyn laboratory. Other vintage accents — lamps, global artwork, rugs, and other fixtures — abound. Many were unique finds from the town’s massive, annual Round Top Antiques Show. Smart in-room touches like vintage vinyl collections, old-school bar sets, and complimentary bottles of Mexican Coke round out the experience. All afford plenty of comfort amenities like plush bedding, modern bathrooms, kitchenettes, and Chemex coffee makers.
The hotel is the brainchild of Recycling the Past owner Matt White. This long-standing architectural salvage company serves as the hotel’s “mothership” (their words), providing each room with an endless array of incredible one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture and decorative accents. It’s a company that breathes new life into amazing pieces like vintage clawfoot tubs, chicken wire glass, salvaged structural beams, and even old aircraft parts. The salvage company also boasts The Round Top Ballroom that, together with the hotel, sounds like the ideal place to host a unique and memorable wedding or private event.
Book your stay now at Flophouze Hotel. Nightly rates start around USD $175.
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