When you think of a luxury hotel, what comes to mind? Probably a big, elegant, castle-like domain that makes you feel like royalty. But what doesn’t normally come to mind… is a shipping container. That’s right — durable, steel shipping containers average a 25-year lifespan and require minimal maintenance, and while many people are familiar with their increased popularity for residential living spaces, not as many are informed about the incredible creations that become possible when the worlds of luxury hospitality and shipping containers collide. Without further ado, here are just a few astounding shipping container hotels around the world that are open for business.
Hotel Flophouze in Round Top, Texas
This unique structure is full of repurposed and upcycled materials, making it both innovative and sustainable. For example, the countertops in the rooms are created from an old bowling alley in Texas. This quaint hotel features six shipping containers in total, all equipped with a kitchen, living room area, bedrooms with high-end linens, private baths, and more. Perhaps the most interesting amenity you’ll find at this home away from home is a record player and expansive collection of vinyl available for guest use. Matt White, the owner of this unique establishment, wants to encourage guests to disconnect from modern technology. The amount of devices that connect to the Internet is expected to rise from about 13 billion to 50 billion by 2020, and since you won’t find a TV in your room, a record player is the perfect vintage replacement. If this sounds like your kind of getaway, you can learn more by visiting the Flophouze Hotel website.
Hotel WineBox in Valparaiso, Chile
Spending for cocktail hours has risen to 76% from 69% in 2010, and if your ears perked up just at the name of this hotel, you may as well book your stay! This wine-themed hotel has a number of quirky accommodations and features. With a total of 25 repurposed shipping containers, you’ll find a private terrace with each one.
“Repurposed furniture is also used throughout: Former bathtubs and sinks were turned into lounge seating, bed frames were made from wood from wineries, and decommissioned barrels serve as barstools. The property is also close to Pablo Neruda’s House and Museum La Sebastiana,” says Architectural Digest.
Sound appealing? Learn more at Hotel WineBox’s Facebook page. And make sure you have your passport! Approximately 46% of Americans have a passport.
Hougoumont Hotel Fremantle in Fremantle, Australia
If you’ve always dreamed of a life at sea, the Hougoumont Hotel Fremantle offers an incredible combination of historical and nautical artifacts and tourist attractions. More than 1 million seafarers man the world fleet, and the port town of Fremantle is the perfect location for this one-of-a-kind destination. It’s essentially a traditionally-constructed building that’s been fused together with modernized and luxurious shipping containers.
“Matthew Crawford Architects put forth sea-inspired design in conjunction with Yoshio Takagi?designed custom furniture and modern art provided by Troy Barbitta. The naval design suits the surroundings being in the heart of Fremantle, where you can visit the nearby Shipwreck Galleries containing nautical relics dating to the 1600s,” says Architectural Digest.
Ready to book your stay? Visit the Hougoumont Hotel Fremantle website.
Tiny Urban Escapes in Indianapolis, Indiana
If you’re into an authentic yet minimalist experience focused on holistic healing and wellness, Tiny Urban Escapes is the place for you. It’s located just a few minutes from downtown in the lush Eagle Creek Park. This getaway features five cabins made of semi-glass and other recycled shipping container materials. The structures were designed by renowned Canadian designer Glasshaus, and each one comes fully equipped with a chandelier over the bed, a private deck complete with a comfy lounge chair, and an ottoman for full relaxation. There’s also a common area, where you can get in touch with nature at the fire pit, explore the hotel grounds on a complimentary bicycle, or opt for an outdoor yoga and wellness experience focused on energy and healing. As for food options, you can go on a Bohemian picnic or choose a private chef dinner alfresco. With so many unique options, you’ll have no problem filling your itinerary. If you’re interested, visit the Tiny Urban Escapes website.
These are by no means the only shipping container hotels in the world, but they may certainly be some of the most unique options. As shipping container technology and high-end hospitality continue to merge, there are virtually unlimited options, possibilities, and experiences for travelers to immerse themselves in.
