10 Micro Hotels That Are Design Meccas

These hotel rooms may be small, but they’re big on style and efficient design. Tour 10 chic micro hotels to put on your radar for your next urban getaway.

By: Erin Gifford

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Photo By: Arlo Hotels

Photo By: Hotel Hive

Photo By: The Jane Hotel

Photo By: Pod Hotels

Photo By: YOTEL

Photo By: Moxy Hotels

Photo By: Pod Hotels

Photo By: Arlo Hotels

Photo By: Moxy Hotels

Photo By: Pod Hotels

Arlo NoMad

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

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.

The Jane Hotel

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

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.

YOTEL Boston

Boston’s first micro hotel, YOTEL Boston, opened up in June in the heart of the buzzing Seaport district, proudly combining luxury hotel essentials, like upscale toiletries and smart TVs, with a genius, efficient style all its own. "Cabins" (guest rooms) may average just 152 square feet, but these cleverly designed spaces feature adjustable SmartBeds with Serta gel mattresses, monsoon spa showers and mood lighting. There’s no lobby at the 326-cabin YOTEL Boston. Guests check in using self-service kiosks or the YOTEL mobile app. Take in the Boston skyline from the 12th floor rooftop terrace. Room rates start at $189 per night.

Moxy New Orleans

A stylish, innovative brand of Marriott Hotels, Moxy opened up the 108-rooom Moxy New Orleans in May 2016. Guest rooms at this sleek, industrial chic hotel boast platform beds, comfy linens and eco-conscious bath amenities. At the center of the hotel is Moxy Day Bar, a high-energy coffeehouse in the morning and a craft cocktail bar in the evening. Check in at the bar (while sipping on a welcome cocktail) or obtain keyless access to your room using Marriott’s free mobile app. Make time for a quick selfie inside the elevator photo booth stocked with props. Room rates start at $84 per night.

Pod Brooklyn

Set to open its doors in September, Pod Brooklyn is the latest newcomer to the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood. Modular guest rooms were built in Poland and shipped to the United States, then interwoven between rooftops and courtyards, encouraging exploration of the industrial property. An open-air lobby offers both a typical check-in desk, as well as iPads for self check-in. The guest room footprint may be small — around 100 square feet — but smart design encourages efficiency thanks to built-in storage and flat screen TVs. Oversized windows overlook green space and welcoming public areas. Room rates start at $125 per night.

Arlo SoHo

Situated in the heart of Lower Manhattan, the innovative and smartly designed Arlo SoHo is six blocks south of Houston Street. The 325 rooms are designed to maximize comfort and space thanks to multi-functional furniture and built-in storage spaces. Select rooms have picture windows and private outdoor terraces. Inspired by an artist’s loft, Arlo SoHo has a variety of communal areas, including a Living Room with plush couches, as well as a glass-paneled Library. The Arlo Liquor Bar impresses with craft beers, cocktails and floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for enjoying the natural light of the private courtyard. Room rates start at $199 per night.

Moxy Phoenix Tempe

Just across from Arizona State University in Tempe, the Moxy Phoenix Tempe opened up last spring, much to the delight of travelers seeking out a trendy, stylish place to stay in this college town. The hotel lobby boasts an industrial chic design that blends exposed wood, stainless steel accents and an open-work ceiling design. A colorful, eclectic interior design highlights mismatched rugs, even thrift store finds and vintage cameras. Keyless entry lets guests check in with their phones, while smart TVs let guests access Netflix and Hulu. Room rates start at $99 per night.

Pod DC

The 245-room Pod DC opened its doors in May. The second micro hotel to serve Washington, D.C., Pod DC is steps away from restaurants, museums and professional sports in the buzzy Chinatown/Penn Quarter neighborhood. The hotel boasts smart, well-appointed guest rooms and vibrant common spaces. Curated art and photography collections decorate the lobby and guest rooms, showcasing D.C.’s transformation into the dynamic city it is today. Built-in storage and flat screen TVs maximize space in guest rooms while large windows enable guests to take in wide-open views of the neighborhood. Room rates start at $109 per night.Interested in more ways to Live the Vida Tiny? Check out this story on the hot, hot, hot micro trend.