Many trendy jet-setters and modern-day travelers today are seeking alternative accommodations to huge resorts and chain hotels situated next to busy city streets, opting to stay in smaller-sized hotels. From microtels to boutique hotels, there is a growing number of travelers today that are booking their vacations in "small" hotels, whether it's reserving a minimalist, no-frills room that's "cozy" (and affordable) or spending their travels staying at a hotel with less than 10 rooms (because "small" is an incredibly subjective term).

Travelers who are interested in booking their stay at a "small" hotel can check out these miniature-sized stays that are found in different parts of the globe, from the region of Normandy to the streets of Rome!

Our recommendations for the places to stay included in this article are based on research conducted regarding some of the world's smallest hotels (which may pertain to the size of the rooms at the hotel or the size of the hotel property overall). All accommodations selected are based on an overall rating above 8.0 and competitive rates compared to other similarly-rated accommodations. We've also done research to ensure these stays not only offer a unique experience but a stay with vast amenities to suit many styles of travels!

Le Domaine d’Ablon

View of Honfleur, France
Photo by Mark Lawson on Unsplash
Photo of the view of Honfleur, five minutes from Ablon in France.

Le Domaine d'Ablon sits in Ablon, which is about five minutes away from Honfleur city in France's Normandy region. This small luxury hotel is a perfect stay to discover France's Auge region, including attractions like the beaches of Deuville or the Honfleur fishing port. Le Domaine d'Ablon may only have six accommodations, but each of these suites offers guests their own "home away from home!" The rooms are elegantly furnished inside the walls of a historic property, with artful decor and window views of the surrounding estate.

View of Honfleur, France
Le Domaine D'Ablon
9.3 / 10
Amenities
Restaurant, room service, valet parking, on-site bar/lounge, tea/coffee maker
Price
$$$

Casa Ellul

The beautiful streets of Valletta, Malta
Photo by Ferenc Horvath on Unsplash
The beautiful streets of Valletta, Malta

The Casa Ellul is Malta's premier luxury boutique hotel, set inside a building constructed sometime around 1830. This hotel emanates a Neo-Classical style with a Maltese-style vibe and offers an opulent experience for travelers exploring this historic Mediterranean country and the charms of Valletta. Travelers can choose from several decorated suites at the Casa Ellul, including a duplex suite with a panoramic view of the city and the Carmelite Church!

The beautiful streets of Valletta, Malta
Casa Ellul
8.9 / 10
Amenities
Restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, complimentary Wi-Fi
Price
$$

Mezzanine Tulum Colibri Boutique Hotels

Aerial view of beach in Tulum MX
Photo by Spencer Watson on Unsplash
Aerial view of the beach in Tulum, Mexico

The Mezzanine may be one of the most stylish and exclusive luxury hotels in the Riviera Maya. This adults-only, luxury boutique hotel will pamper its guests, making them feel like an MVP (which all starts with a welcome margarita upon arrival). Set along the shores of the beaches on the Riviera Maya, there are only nine rooms and suites to choose from at this exclusive stay. Wake up to crashing waves at the Master Suite Terrace or enjoy a morning cup of tea in their Sea View Room.

Aerial view of beach in Tulum MX
Mezzanine Tulum Colibri Boutique Hotels
9.2 / 10
Hotel Chain

Colibri Boutique Hotels

Amenities
Adults-only, 24-hour front desk, dry cleaning/laundry service, multilingual staff
Price
$$$

RELATED: 13 Reasons Tulum Is Still Worth Visiting In 2023

Tubohotel

View of Tepoztlán's church Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad
Matt Gush / Shutterstock
View of Tepoztlán's church Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad

Nestled in an organic garden within Mexico's town of Tepoztlán, the Tubohotel may be one of the coolest hostels in the world. Tubohotel's rooms fit snug inside concrete tubes, which are then arranged in a pyramid shape! Guests can stay at this tiny hostel, which also features an outdoor pool, a cafeteria, and a patio for sunbathing.

View of Tepoztlán's church Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad
Tubohotel
8 / 10
Amenities
Outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, free toiletries, Pet's allowed on request, smoke alarms, private parking
Price
$

Crane Hotel Faralda Amsterdam

Faralda Crane Hotel In Amsterdam
Laura Balvers / Shutterstock
Faralda Crane Hotel In Amsterdam 

The Crane Hotel Faralda Amsterdam is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is unlike any mainstream hotel. That's because this hotel sits inside a monumental harbor crane in Amsterdam, nestled within a former shipyard! It's a kooky concept, but this unique hotel spoils guests with a beautiful, exclusive view of Amsterdam. The hotel itself may be tiny compared to resorts, but the suites themselves are spacious and artfully decorated. This 3-suite Amsterdam hotel also has a broadcasting studio, making the Faralda Crane a unique and luxurious accommodation!

Faralda Crane Hotel In Amsterdam
Crane Hotel Faralda Amsterdam
8.4 / 10
Amenities
Adults-only, free Wi-Fi, free parking, complimentary toiletries, business center
Price
$$$

Nonze Hostel

Pattaya Thailand at night
Photo by Kushal Patel on Unsplash
Pattaya Thailand at night

With the topic of small hotels, it's only fitting to include capsule hotels on the list. The Nonze Hostel is one of the coolest capsule hotels around the world! This modern accommodation is only a short distance from Thailand's Central Festival Pattaya Beach and includes a range of minimalist-style rooms, including a single capsule suite to a twin arrangement. There is also a communal area and an on-site restaurant to mingle and relax with other guests!

Pattaya Thailand at night
Nonze Hostel
8.8 / 10
Amenities
Beachfront, free Wi-Fi, free toiletries, business center, 24-hour front desk
Price
$

RELATED: Stay In This Kuala Lumpur Capsule, Space-Age Hostel With Futuristic Robots

Spicers Sangoma Retreat

Three Sisters, Blue Mountains National Park
Photo by Stephen Tafra on Unsplash
Three Sisters, Blue Mountains National Park, Australia

The Spicers Sangoma Retreat was made for the nature-loving traveler, featuring a hotel space that's inspired by the environment. It's not hard to enjoy a peaceful vacation at this retreat, especially since it sits on the eastern part of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, overlooking the Nepean River delta. This eco-certified retreat includes six luxury suites (and four different room types) and is equipped with amenities like an on-site restaurant, on-site sauna, pool, concierge services, and a private outdoor deck (with a sun lounge) in each room!

Three Sisters, Blue Mountains National Park
Spicers Sangoma Retreat
9.6 / 10
Hotel Chain

Spicers Retreats

Amenities
adults-only, outdoor pool, room service, concierge service, complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking
Price
$$$

Cityhub Amsterdam

Peaceful water on a canal with illuminated buildings
Photo by Azhar J on Unsplash
Canals of Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Exploring Amsterdam's picturesque canals and historic gems on a budget starts with an affordable stay. Luckily, money-conscious backpackers can save some money with a stay at Cityhub Amsterdam! This unique and stylish hotel features snug rooms (that are big enough to fit two people) with comfortable bedding, giving guests a small space to themselves. This state-of-the-art hotel also operates a communal living approach as a way to reduce carbon footprints on tourism and maintain its affordability. That means that Cityhub Amsterdam is equipped with a spacious communal area (i.e., their reception, bar, and lounge space) and shared bathrooms on the property!

Canals of Amsterdam, Netherlands 
Cityhub Amsterdam
8.9 / 10
Amenities
Adults-only, free Wi-Fi, on-site bar/lounge, free toiletries, parking
Price
$$

Cityhub also operates in the cities of Rotterdam and Copenhagen.

RELATED: Beyond The Tulips: 10 Must-See Historical Landmarks To Visit In Amsterdam

Arctic Bath

Arctic Bath, Harads North Sweden
Elisabeth Johansson Swe / Shutterstock
Photo of Arctic Bath, Harads North Sweden

The floating hotel of Arctic Bath is as surreal as its surroundings within the Swedish Lapland. Find this stunning luxury hotel south of the Arctic Circle along the Luleå River, staying in one of Arctic Bath's land or floating water cabins. Eco-conscious tourists will also love this hotel too, as it's run on 100% renewable energy (its fireplaces are filled with recycled pellets!) and include locally-made recreational equipment for its guests!

Arctic Bath, Harads North Sweden
Arctic Bath
8.9 / 10
Amenities
on-site spa/wellness center, on-site restaurant, complimentary Wi-Fi, pets allowed on request (for a fee), express checkout
Price
$$$

Fendi Private Suites

Trinità dei Monti from Condotti's street
Photo by Pierre Antona on Unsplash
Photo of Trinità dei Monti from Condotti's street in Rome, Italy

The Fendi Private Suites consist of only seven rooms but boast an unforgettable experience in Rome in Via dei Condotti. Travelers who love to shop until they drop (especially at luxury stores) can stay right above Fendi's flagship boutique in Rome, on the third floor! Each suite is lavishly and elegantly decorated and includes spacious digs that can sleep up to 4 people (depending on the accommodation). Experience the world's first Fendi hotel in the core of Rome while being close to iconic attractions like the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain.

Trinità dei Monti from Condotti's street
Fendi Private Suites
9.2 / 10
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, complimentary toiletries, room service, 24-hour security
Price
$$$