Microhotels

Microhotels are a category of lodging that emphasizes compact, efficiently designed rooms in urban locations. They aim to provide comfortable, private accommodations for short stays at lower cost than traditional hotels, focusing on essential amenities, rapid check-in, and high space utilization.

Typical room sizes range from around 8 to 20 square meters. Design often relies on modular or built-in furniture such as wall beds, fold-out desks, and multi-purpose storage. Bathrooms are compact but fully enclosed, with efficient fixtures. Acoustic treatment and high-quality insulation are common to offset the smaller footprint, and many properties use light, neutral palettes and smart lighting to enhance the sense of space.

Operations and services emphasize efficiency and convenience. Self-check-in and mobile key access are common, while housekeeping may be limited to daily or on-demand service. Public spaces commonly include shared lounges, coworking areas, and compact dining options. Energy management, smart controls, and digital guest services are often integrated to reduce costs and improve the guest experience.

Microhotels have emerged in response to urban density, shifting travel patterns, and the demand for lower nightly rates in city centers. They can command high occupancy due to location and price, and appeal to travelers who value privacy and efficiency in a small footprint.

While some microhotels are standalone properties, others operate as pod or capsule concepts with overlapping design philosophies. Notable examples include brands like YOTEL and CitizenM, which employ compact rooms with integrated technology and high levels of service efficiency.