Florida’s Tiny House Hotel Lets You Try Living Small Before You Buy

In the last decade, minimizing one’s environmental footprint has evolved from a feel-good novelty to a mainstream reality for many Americans. In the wake of this movement, tiny houses have fast become the next big thing in living. If you’re a reasonably conscientious human, it’s hard not to be curious about “living tiny.” But, it’s a unique lifestyle that’s not right for everyone. If you’re not convinced, one Florida tiny house “hotel” is letting people try before they buy.

Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tiny House Siesta is one of a handful of tiny house hotels in the country. Like the concept of living tiny, the property is straightforward with a focus on simple charm over flashy amenities. A dozen custom-built, freestanding tiny homes are built on concrete pads with full water, electric, and cable hookups.

While guests sacrifice spacious floor plans, every tiny house offers thoroughly modern amenities. Free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes (with refrigerators, cooktops, and microwaves), full bathrooms, and large, flat-screen smart TVs are all standard. Most also feature an outside deck or patio in case you need some breathing room away from your housemates.

Each tiny house also boasts a unique layout and design. One of the hotel’s most popular units, the Yellow Lifeguard Stand, is designed after the iconic, brightly painted lifeguard shacks of nearby Siesta Key Beach. The decor embraces plenty of beach-inspired kitsch, including a surfboard breakfast bar; a bold, distinctly South Florida color palette; and a surfboard-backed outdoor shower.

The 220-square-foot Tiny House Dragonfly, the other most popular option, is about as luxurious as tiny house living gets. It features double-door entryways, hardwood laminate flooring, and skylights to ensure a bright, airy interior. If you’re seriously considering paring down, there’s also a shiny new teardrop trailer available for rent. Just show up, hitch up, and tow it to your favorite campground.

The hotel, located in Sarasota, Florida, is a worthy destination in its own right and the location is ideal for anyone looking to visit Florida’s left coast on a budget. It’s situated less than a mile from Siesta Key Beach, which consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the United States.

Reservations can be made directly through the tiny house hotel website. Nightly rates start around USD $108.