10 Micro Hotels That Are Design Meccas

Located just north of Madison Avenue (hence, NoMad) and steps from the Empire State Building in Midtown, Arlo NoMad is a 250-room micro hotel that describes its non-intrusive service as "unpretentious, organic and informal." The philosophy of Arlo Hotels, including Arlo NoMad, is that everything should have its place. Guest rooms have stylish walnut furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, fold-down desks and under-bed storage, as well as smart technology, like Bluetooth radio and bedside USB charging stations. A communal rooftop terrace encourages mixing and mingling with hotel guests. Free bike rentals are available spring through fall. Room rates start at $199 per night.

Hotel Hive in Washington, D.C. boasts a smart and clever design that is never more than you need. Located in a 116-year old Foggy Bottom building, Hotel Hive pleasantly intertwines architectural character with modern innovation. Guest rooms top out at 250 square feet (some are as small as 125 square feet) and range from bunk beds to king beds. In each room, look for playful quotes on the wall, high ceilings and exposed brick walls. At the end of the day, head to the rooftop bar for hand-crafted cocktails and views of the Lincoln Memorial. Room rates start at $86 per night.

At the century-old Jane Hotel in New York’s West Village, guest rooms resemble sleeper cabins on a train with small rooms and shared bathrooms. Thirty Captain’s Cabins have larger beds and en-suite bathrooms. The Jane is steeped in history, and was once home to sailors and survivors of the sinking Titanic in 1912. Just six blocks from High Line Park, as well as a subway stop, The Jane is centrally located and a good pick for budget travelers. The hotel offers views of the Hudson River from the Roof Bar, formerly a penthouse apartment which was once home to RuPaul. Room rates start at $99 per night.

Pod 39 may be tucked away in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Midtown Manhattan, but it’s also just a few blocks from Grand Central Station. Kids will love the bunk bed pods. Each bed has its own reading lamp and 19" flat screen TV. The colorful Playroom Lounge features a selection of board games and ping pong tables, as well as charging stations. Enjoy a curated cocktail or a bite to eat from the taco cart at the Pod 39 Rooftop. Join a free walking tour of different parts of town every weekday courtesy of Streetwise. Room rates start at $110 per night.