Hope you’ve packed your sense of adventure, because we’ll be journeying to the most innovative and chic lodgings on planet Earth— hotels fashioned from the humble shipping container.
A green, creative solution taking the architectural world by storm, these hotels have redefined luxury, eco-friendly livability, and design aesthetics.
So, fasten your seatbelts as we set course to 15 of the best shipping container hotels worldwide.
15 Best Shipping Container Hotels Around the World
If you’re not quite ready to build your dream shipping container home, these design-forward shipping container hotels offer the perfect opportunity to experience what living in a container home would be like.
1. Container Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Shipping Containers Used: 120
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Year Built: 2013
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Container Hotel is a unique fusion of sustainable architecture and local culture.
Known for its innovative designs and high-end aesthetics with a commitment for flair, each recycled shipping container is thoughtfully transformed into a comfortable retreat, capturing the essence of eco-luxury hospitality.
2. Flophouze Hotel, Round Top, Texas, USA
- Shipping Containers Used: 9
- Location: Round Top, Texas, USA
- Year Built: 2017
In the unassuming Texan town of Round Top, an architectural innovation stands out – the Flophouze Hotel. It’s not your everyday lodging; it’s a vivid display of a recycled masterpiece, sculpted out of nine shipping containers.
Infused with an elegant blend of rustic charm and chic minimalism, Flophouze offers fun and funky hotel rooms from the walls to the ceilings.
Each of its six individual ‘houzes’ are repurposed from a single-use shipping container, offering guests the rare chance to luxuriate in a conscious, sustainable vacation.
Amenities are aplenty in these little oases, each unit boasting a full kitchen, an inviting hammock for those lazy afternoons, a cozy fire pit, and a nostalgic record player spinning a selection of soulful vinyl.
Adding to the rustic industrial charm, the interiors are adorned with reclaimed materials. From locally sourced barn wood and repurposed flooring to renovated countertop remnants, every corner of Flophouze whispers a tale of thoughtful reinvention.
Appreciate the abode, and then take in the panoramic views of the expansive Texan sky. The location gifts visitors access to the local delights – the heralded antique shops and sumptuous eateries of Round Top.
When you decide to check-in at Flophouze, you’re signing up for an unforgettable encounter – the union of comfort, sustainability, and Texan zest.
3. Eden Hotel, Suranadi, Lombok, Indonesia
- Shipping Containers Used: 12
- Location: Suranadi, Lombok, Indonesia
- Year Built: 2016
Nestled amidst the tropical natuur of Indonesia, the Eden Hotel in Suranadi offers a unique sustainable living experience.
Created from recycled shipping containers, the architectural design stands as a testament to innovative eco-tourism.
Eden Hotel has seamlessly combined sustainability with uncompromising comfort – twelve converted shipping containers form the backbone of this hotel, offering beautifully adorned rooms with an exotic yet modern feel. Each room captures the essence of tranquility, harmoniously blending with the nature that surrounds it.
As you step outside, the hotel’s eco-friendly ethos continues. A stunning infinity pool, created with natural green stone and maintained without harmful chemicals, offers a stunning view of the lush paddy fields and Mount Rinjani – an active volcano that graces Lombok’s landscape.
By choosing to stay at Eden Hotel, guests are not merely booking a room with a splendid view. They’re signing up for an immersive journey that encapsulates responsible tourism, eco-friendly design, and inimitable Indonesian charm.
4. The Quarters, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Shipping Containers Used: Multiple
- Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Year Built: 2020
In the heart of the pulsating city of Liverpool, a fine example of sustainable architecture has taken root – The Quarters.
This hotel echelons the art of repurposing shipping containers into habitable, stylish living spaces. Rural containers to urban chic, the transformation is a vivid display of innovative design meeting sustainable living.
The magic of The Quarters isn’t just about its upcycled build. It’s about how perfectly it blends urban living with homey comforts.
Each unit, while compact, is skillfully designed to include a fully-equipped kitchen, a stylish living area, cozy bedrooms, and even a wooden decked patio.
The vibe is modern industrial: think polished concrete floors, exposed metal finishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows for that airy, expansive feel. Yet, the heart of the home is very much alive here; it’s an urban escape that doesn’t trade charm for sustainability.
Right on the famous Penny Lane (hello, Beatles fans!), The Quarters shines as a beacon of eco-friendly accommodation in a city bursting with music, culture, and history.
5. Tiny House Siesta, Sarasota, Florida, USA
- Shipping Containers Used: 12
- Location: Sarasota, Florida, USA
- Year Built: 2016
Nestled in the sun-drenched city of Sarasota, the Tiny House Siesta offers a unique take on beachside accommodation.
Far from a conventional hotel, this community of delightful shipping container homes offers guests the opportunity to experience ‘tiny living’, only a short walk away from the sparkling waters of Siesta Key Beach.
It employs a dozen shipping containers, each transformed into a charming home-away-from-home, complete with all the comforts one would expect.
From nautical-themed ‘Sand Dollar’ to bright and playful ‘Lil’ Orange’, each tiny container house has its character, inviting guests to pick the concept that fits their personal vacation fantasy.
Key amenities include a fully equipped kitchenette, air conditioning, a bathroom with a full shower, and a cozy outdoor patio to unwind under the Florida sky. Additionally, they provide bikes to explore the scenic surroundings.
An eco-friendly and adventurous alternative to traditional hotels, a stay at Tiny House Siesta lets guests enjoy a flavorful slice of Floridian life in compact, sustainable style!
6. Hotel WineBox, Valparaiso, Chile
- Shipping Containers Used: 25
- Location: Valparaiso, Chile
- Year Built: 2017
Standing proud on the hills of vibrant Valparaíso, Hotel WineBox is a testament to sustainable urban living at its best. Boasting remarkable eco-credentials, this hotel is the first of its kind in Latin America, constructed entirely from repurposed shipping containers.
But don’t for a moment think ‘industrial’ means ‘uncomfortable.’ Each of the 25 containers skillfully transformed into guest rooms offers a distinct and deliciously cozy retreat, each with its private terrace offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Yet, what sets this hotel apart is its dedication to the vinous theme. It features an on-site urban winery where guests are invited to get involved in the wine-making process.
The combined draw of eco-friendly architecture, stunning vistas, and the appeal of Chilean wine makes Hotel WineBox an unforgettable stop on our journey.
7. Sleeping Around, Antwerp, Belgium
- Shipping Containers Used: 12
- Location: Antwerp, Belgium
- Year Built: 2013
Here’s an innovative take on ‘changing your surroundings.’ Sleeping Around, a hotel composed of repurposed shipping containers, is not just a stay—it’s an experience that marries luxury, mobility, and sustainability in a single package.
The intriguing concept allows you to sleep in refurbished containers. Still, there’s a twist—the location. The hotel’s mobility feature means the containers can relocate, showcasing varied surroundings each time.
Each high-end room is designed minimalist, offering all the luxuries you’d expect in a five-star hotel—rain shower, bed with linen sheets, air conditioner, and an iPod docking station.
The idea at Sleeping Around revolves around ‘less is more,’ combining recycled materials and luxury into a distinctive, transportable accommodation.
And when we say ‘around,’ it does indeed mean a 360-degree view. At the hotel’s center, there’s a sauna and a lounge space with panoramic vistas. A stay at Sleeping Around undoubtedly leaves you refreshed and reconnected with the surroundings!
8. Dock Inn Hostel, Warnemünde, Germany
- Shipping Containers Used: 24
- Location: Warnemünde, Germany
- Year Built: 2017
Welcome to Dock Inn Hostel, an architectural marvel where the humble shipping container has been given a second life.
In the charming seaside resort of Warnemünde, Dock Inn Hostel stands tall as Germany’s first-ever upcycled hostel, bringing industrial charm to the scenic beauty of the Baltic seafront.
This one-of-a-kind accommodation, realized through 25 stacked shipping containers, offers a fantastic blend of comfort and sustainability without compromising on style.
Inside the rusted steel façade, the interiors reveal an unassuming glamour with artistic graffiti, cozy furniture, and industrial lighting, creating a warm, inviting vibe.
The bounty doesn’t stop at just comfy beds. Dock Inn’s versatility is exceptional – from a hostel, it morphs into a mini-city, featuring a cinema, a climbing wall, and even a sauna built inside—you guessed it—a shipping container.
Whether you’re a solo backpacker or part of a group, the Dock Inn offers a variably fun, eco-friendly stay that perfectly captures Warnemünde’s earthy and laid-back essence.
9. El Faro, Puerto Peñasco, Mexico
- Shipping Containers Used: 16
- Location: Puerto Peñasco, Mexico
- Year Built: 2016
Sitting on the Sea of Cortez coastline in Puerto Peñasco, El Faro exemplifies the fusion of sustainable building and holiday comfort.
A haven built from repurposed shipping containers, this beachfront beauty offers eye-catching abstract architecture that truly complements the scenic Mexican surroundings.
This 16-container complex doesn’t compromise on comfort or style. Each unit is designed with sophistication and equipped with all the amenities for a seamless stay.
The interiors, airy and styled with modern décor, create a stark but pleasing contrast to the industrial exterior.
The sea-facing private balconies are a highlight here, serving up panoramic vistas of the sea, perfect for a blissful morning or a sundrenched afternoon.
Their beach club is a pulsating center of activity—day beds for sunbathing, a full-service bar, and a restaurant serving up local cuisine, all blended perfectly to provide a comprehensive beach resort experience.
A stay at El Faro means diving headfirst into an eco-friendly adventure that retains the spirit of beach escapism. So, do you feel the Mexican sun’s warmth yet?
10. Yanmar Container Hotel, Murmansk, Russia
- Shipping Containers Used: 7
- Location: Murmansk, Russia
- Year Built: 2018
Welcome to Yanmar Container Hotel, a surprisingly warm sanctuary amidst the frosty beauty of Murmansk, Russia.
This niche hotel, built from seven shipping containers, is a lesson in transformation, morphing humble industrial containers into an inviting retreat in the heart of the Arctic Circle terrain.
The property’s modern design amalgamates simplicity and comfort, creating a cozy space perfect for braving the northern cold.
Each container is split into two rooms, ergonomically designed to maximize the space features. Heated floors and insulated interiors make sure you remain snug throughout your stay, despite the plummeting external temperatures.
The windows are an architect’s dream, perfectly positioned for the residents to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring shows—the ethereal Northern Lights.
Guests have reported the heart-stopping thrill of dancing lights right from the warmth of their rooms, making Yanmar a popular choice for aurora hunters.
At Yanmar Container Hotel, you get more than a unique stay in a shipping container—you get front-row seats to an unfolding cosmic spectacle.
11. Container City, Kuwait
- Shipping Containers Used: Multiple
- Location: Kuwait
- Year Built: 2019
In the belly of vibrant Kuwait lies a hip urban surprise – Container City. It’s not a hotel in the traditional sense, but an ingenious replication of a township formed entirely from recycled shipping containers.
The concept behind Container City offers a unique, quasi-hotel experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a mini-city constructed from industrial shipping containers.
Described frequently as a ‘hipster paradise’, Container City boasts an array of business establishments—cafes, restaurants, shops, and studio spaces, all curated within artfully transformed containers.
As visitors navigate this maze-like city, each corner turned unravels another creative utilization of space.
The centerpiece of this city—The Stack—is a hotel-like structure made from stacked containers, maintaining the ethos of the city’s sustainable structures.
The interior boasts a futuristic design, blending the industrial vibe of the containers with modern amenities and chic décor.
A day spent in Container City exhibits the evolution of sustainable architecture, where eco-consciousness meets daily life, retail, hospitality, and innovation. It’s comfort, creativity, and a forward-thinking experience all bundled together.
12. Bimini Cove, Bahamas
- Shipping Containers Used: 18
- Location: Bimini, Bahamas
- Year Built: 2019
Bimini Cove in the Bahamas beautifully encases island paradise living within the upcycled walls of shipping containers.
Melding sustainability with luxurious comfort, this unique eco-resort offers guests the perfect blend of ultimate relaxation and conscious travel.
Composed of 18 customized shipping containers, the resort effortlessly blends with the serene tropics surrounding it. Each suite is a testament to innovative architecture, offering spacious interiors decked in luxurious furnishings.
Balconies overlooking the Caribbean Sea serve as your personal retreat for sunrise vistas and sunset moments.
Kept cool by the ocean breeze and insulated for comfort, the resort is a paradise for those seeking a serene escape from the ordinary.
The close proximity to the pristine beach, the shimmering waters perfect for snorkeling and diving, and the local cuisine featuring fresh seafood make Bimini Cove an exquisite blend of tropical delight and sustainable living.
Bimini Cove takes a typical beach holiday and elevates it into an experience where luxury accommodation echoes the whispers of sustainability and ocean homage.
13. Inn Box, Portugal
- Shipping Containers Used: 5
- Location: Portugal
- Year Built: 2019
Inn Box is a charming collection of five upcycled shipping containers nestled in Portugal’s stunning landscape. More than a hotel, it’s an immersive experience that connects guests to the essence of Portuguese lifestyle and the beauty of sustainable design.
Designed to blend seamlessly with its surrounding nature, each ‘Box’ offers modern comfort and privacy. The interiors of the containers are transformed into homely, inviting spaces with a minimalist style—natural light floods in through the broad windows, creating a cozy ambiance.
The containers each have a wooden deck, perfect for soaking in the picturesque views or stargazing during the clear nights. Moreover, they are also equipped with kitchenettes—providing guests with all they need for an extended stay.
But Inn Box’s allure doesn’t stop at its containers. A wooden pathway connects the boxes to the communal building—a haven for socializing, featuring a shared kitchen, a cozy fireplace, and a terrace.
Staying at Inn Box means falling in love with the simplicity of a Portuguese lifestyle while experiencing first-hand the attractive versatility of shipping containers.
14. Quadrum Ski & Yoga Resort, Gudauri, Georgia
- Shipping Containers Used: 15
- Location: Gudauri, Georgia
- Year Built: 2016
Situated amid the dramatic Caucasus mountain range, Quadrum Ski and Yoga Resort is an ode to minimalist elegance and alpine charm.
Built entirely from repurposed shipping containers and following the philosophy of “environmental friendliness clutter-free luxury,” this resort has raised the bar for sustainable alpine accommodations.
The resort boasts a terraced structure, cascading down the slope and offering each room awe-inspiring views of the snow-capped peaks.
Each container unit provides guests a comforting sanctuary after a long day on the slopes, complete with Scandinavian-inspired interiors and modern amenities.
An added bonus? The resort’s signature yoga sessions, where guests can find their zen among the mountain peaks. And for the more adventurous, there’s skiing.
With its unbeatable location in the heart of Gudauri’s ski resort, Quadrum Ski & Yoga Resort merges relaxation, adventure, and sustainability into an unforgettable Georgian mountain experience.
15. BaseCamp Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Location: Bonn, Germany
- Opening Year: 2013
In the scenic expanse of Bonn emerges a strikingly unusual vision – a railway yard that isn’t just a transport hub, but a thrilling destination. BaseCamp Bonn doesn’t just repurpose shipping containers; it ingeniously juxtaposes seemingly incompatible elements – vintage caravans, train coaches, and indeed, shipping containers, to curate an eclectic mix of lodging options.
While not entirely composed of shipping containers, this unique indoor concept includes two upcycled shipping containers, among an array of out-of-the-box lodgings.
Each container, or shall we say, “room” is a tastefully decorated, individual work of art, beaming with creativity and packed with amenities.
The true signature of BaseCamp Bonn, however, lies in how it weaves each disparate piece into a cohesive narrative.
An old warehouse transformed into an indoor campground, it presents opportunities for socializing in shared spaces, adding an extra layer of community feel to the experience, all the while standing as a poignant testament to creative reuse.
Experiencing BaseCamp Bonn is like stepping into an alternate, quirkily designed reality – fun, comfortable, and painted in the broad strokes of sustainability.
FAQ
1. Are shipping container hotels eco-friendly?
Absolutely. Shipping container hotels use repurposed shipping containers, promoting recycling and reducing waste. They are therefore considered a green and sustainable form of architecture.
2. Are container hotels comfortable to stay in?
Despite their industrial origin, shipping container hotels can be surprisingly comfortable. They are retrofitted with all the comforts you’d find in traditional hotels—climate-control systems, comfortable bedding, and modern amenities.
3. How are shipping container hotels different from traditional hotels?
Apart from their unconventional structure, shipping container hotels often focus on sustainability, minimalist aesthetics, and blending the accommodation with the local environment.
They are small-scale, boutique establishments that provide a unique, quirky staying experience.
Conclusion
As our voyage concludes, we’re taking with us the remarkable creativity, vision, and ingenuity of architects worldwide who’ve turned the everyday shipping container into luxurious, eco-conscious accommodations.
Each shipping container hotel we’ve visited offers sustainability without compromising on comfort, proving that green hospitality doesn’t have to be boring.
So, the next time you book your vacation, turn it into an unforgettable adventure by staying at one of these remarkable shipping container hotels!
