Skip to main content

Flying Nest Is a Shipping Container Hotel Designed to Travel the World

2019 is shaping up to be the year of the “budget boutique” hotel experience. From capsule hotels to luxury hostels, travelers are giving up the frilly and often unnecessary amenities in favor of a cheaper, pared-down stay. AccorHotels’ Flying Nest Shipping Container Hotel takes the concept of budget boutique to new heights — literally.

Recommended Videos

Each room — er, container — covers a scant 130 square feet. However, if the tiny house movement has taught us anything, it’s that we humans really don’t need that much space in which to live. Every unit includes essentials like a bathroom and bright, cozy living area, plus a double bed tucked against the far wall with an edge-to-edge picture window framing the view outside. Flying Nest was conceived of by renowned Paris-based architect Ora-ïto. Inside and out, the minimal design maximizes environmentally-friendly materials like eco-friendly wood and recyclable steel in a way that evokes a trendy ski chalet.

flying nest hotel
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Guests looking to stretch their legs have access to a shared living room, complimentary gourmet breakfast, and a dedicated toy room for keeping their skis and winter gear safe, clean, and ready for the next run. The containers are designed to be stacked and connected via a series of terraces. These shared walkways, coupled with each unit’s tiny size encourages mingling among hotel guests.

What separates Flying Nest from other boutique hotels — even other shipping container hotels — is its portability. For its launch in the summer of 2017, the concept was installed briefly in various French locations including the Clairefontaine national football training center, then 24 Hours of Le Mans, and on to Biennale d’Architecture in Bordeaux. AccorHotels debuted the first semi-permanent installation for the 2019 winter ski season at France’s stunning Avoriaz ski resort. However, the design was purpose-built from the ground up to roam (setup takes less than a day) and to be installed in almost any terrain from deserts to mountaintops. When the tourist season begins to wind down, the entire hotel can be shuttered and transported to wherever it’s needed. It’s a clever concept not only for semi-permanent installations but also for more temporary projects like large festivals, concerts, and events.

Rates for private rooms at the Flying Nest Shipping Container Hotel start at €150 (USD $170) per night.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Away makes both soft and hard suitcases — which one is right for you?
Away's soft-sided luggage isn't as new as we thought
Away The Aluminum Edition

Away isn’t new to the luggage game. The innovative designs of Away luggage, its consistent product launches, and its high-end hard-sided luggage have been on the market for quite some time now. But in 2024, the brand launched its Softside Suitcase. Away has been my go-to suitcase brand since 2020, so I was shocked when I heard it released soft-sided luggage.

No, I was not shocked because the company decided to stray from its signature Hardside Suitcase. My surprise was instead linked to confusion because, well, I already have two soft-sided suitcases from Away, both of which are more than three years old. To make matters more confusing, the designs of the medium and carry-on sizes I have are completely different from what was launched in 2024. Huh?
The Away soft luggage relaunch?

Read more
Avoid the crowds and high prices with these alternative summer travel picks
Skip the tourist traps and explore these off-the-beaten-path destinations
Wilmington, North Carolina

Love the idea of a summer escape, but not the sky-high prices and packed tourist spots that come with it? You're not alone, and there's good news. Skyscanner’s 2025 Smarter Summer Report reveals wallet-friendly alternatives to major travel hubs that offer charm and adventure, minus the crowds.

“For many, summer feels like it goes by too fast. Travelers look forward to their summer vacation all year and this year people are looking to get the most of the season,” says Laura Lindsay, Global Travel Trends Expert. “They’re getting into the summer mindset earlier by making the ultimate summer playlist and looking up the weather of their dream summer destinations. To truly maximize the summer season, travelers are becoming more flexible than ever. They are stretching their budgets, extending their travel time and exploring more underrated destinations.”​

Read more
The ultimate men’s shoe lineup for your tropical vacation
The four must-have vacation shoes for your tropical getaway
man walking on the beach

Whether you’re headed to relax or to enjoy a sun-filled adventure, a tropical vacation is a dream getaway for most. However, before you can enjoy the sunshine and beaches, you’ll have to get some packing out of the way. Depending on your plans and location, your tropical vacation might be on the lighter side, with lighter fabrics and fewer layers. However, you’ll still need to pack a few beach-ready footwear options to complete your look. Whether it’s flip-flops for the beach or hiking shoes for the trails, the following shoe must-haves are essential for a smooth-sailing vacation. Regardless of whether you need a lightweight option that functions as a multi-occasion shoe or you want to travel light, these shoes are some of the best options to keep your suitcase light yet ensure your vacation is a success. 

A pair of flip-flops

Read more