15 of the best 'tiny hotels' in Europe – where you are the only guest
A one-room hotel where you are the only guests does not mean compromising on comfort or design – in fact, small spaces can exemplify creativity. These hotels are simple, unpretentious and celebrate their surroundings – they are usually where they are for a reason, such as their views.
The trend began in Denmark, driven by the country’s hygge cosiness culture, and spread across Scandinavia and into Europe. And they are now more popular than ever thanks to the pandemic and social distancing. Here are 12 of the best tiny, one-room hotels for two in Europe – for a truly exclusive stay.
Cube Aletsch, Aletsch, Switzerland
Sleep in a luxury wooden cube overlooking the Great Aletsch Glacier at an altitude of 9,180ft. From the hot tub, spend the evening gazing at the stars and then wake alone on the mountain, before an invigorating hike with glacier views. Easily reached in a few minutes’ walk from the Eggishorn cable car, it provides effortless luxury at altitude.
From £290 including breakfast; millionstars.swisshotels.com
ÖÖD Hötel, Rannamõisa, Estonia
This hotel has three walls made of mirrored glass, and is surrounded by dense pine forest, allowing the outdoors to come in and the forest to be quite literally reflected. Lose track of time while enjoying a glass of wine on the veranda, listening to the wind blow the leaves in the trees. Nearby are the Suurupi and Vääna-Jõesuu sandy beaches if you fancy a swim, along with many beautiful hiking trails.
From €165 (£142); oodhotels.com
The Customs House South Tyrol, Italy
You will find this rustic hut that is part of the Goldene Rose Karthaus Hotel nestled on the mountainside at 9,334 ft, far removed from noise. Built in stone and with a fireplace, this tiny stay is as cosy as it gets, and makes for an idyllic way to connect to the mountains, with hiking and skiing on offer from your doorstep.
From €270; schoeneaussicht.it/en/customs-house
The Winegrower's Cabin, Geneva, Switzerland
This romantic-rustic winegrower’s cabin is located in the middle of the Unesco-listed Lavaux vineyards. Previously, generations of winegrowers rested there following a hard day’s work hand-picking grapes. Now repurposed as a one-bedroom holiday cabin with no electricity, it is the perfect place to reconnect with simpler times and take a digital detox.
From 60 Swiss Francs (£47); levigny.wixsite.com
Kaj Hotel, Copenhagen, Denmark
The newly opened Kaj Hotel is something in between a houseboat and a tiny hotel. Translated, kaj means quay or wharf; it’s a floating pod created out of reclaimed materials, in a quiet part of the central Copenhagen harbour. The Kaj offers direct views of the historic custom house (Toldboden) and is a stone’s throw from several of Copenhagen’s most popular tourist attractions. After a night’s sleep on the soothing waves, watch the boats go by over breakfast from the balcony, dangling your feet in the clear water – or even take a morning dip.
From £300 including breakfast; kajhotel.dk
SupermAne – NAsets MarcusgArd, Sweden
Supermåne is Swedish for “super moon”, and this tiny hotel lets you sleep in just that – a big red moon, suspended by cables between two tall pine trees. Toasty all year round, the Supermåne is covered with thick canvas and completely insulated. Inside, there is a cosy wood-burning stove and underfloor heating, to make sure you are warm even when it is snowing outside. From nearly 10 feet above the ground, you will also have the best viewpoint in the event that a grazing moose happens to wander by.
From 2,000 Swedish krona (£171) including breakfast; nasets-marcusgard.se
Radio Shed, Lysefjord, Norway
At just 43 sq ft, this very tiny hotel has room for only a double bed, but wins with big views of the surrounding fjord. The shed was originally a relay station for radio and telecommunications. These days, guests can enjoy breakfast on the little veranda after an early morning hike or swim in the fjord. However, the shed is a good 650ft from the bathroom, so for night-time, there’s a potty between two big boulders.
From 2,990 Swedish krona including breakfast; florli.no/product/radioshed
Villa La Cappella, near Florence, Italy
La Cappella is a unique and magical converted chapel steeped in romance. The old stone building has been transformed into a luxurious nest that exudes elegance and originality. Charm can be found in original features such as Venetian lights and the original marble altar used to create the kitchen. Perhaps the most amazing feature is the retractable roof, which opens to reveal the stars above. The property is set amid an olive grove and offers spectacular views of the Tuscan and Ligurian coast.
Three nights from £600 including breakfast; merrioncharles.com
Sauna Cabin at the Husky Kennel, Viiksjarvi Lake, Finland
In Finnish culture, saunas are important for wellbeing and socialising. Because of this, there are more saunas than people in Finland, and so of course even a tiny hotel must have one. At this cabin, located on the quiet shores of Viiksjarvi lake, guests can swim, enjoy the sauna, relax in the hot tub and listen to the howl of huskies in the background.
From €300 for two nights; bearhillhusky.com
The Observatory, St Moritz, Switzerland
This former observatory set at 6,560ft offers guests a unique overnight experience with direct views of the Engadin mountains and the starry skies above. Situated above a ski slope in the glitzy resort, the historic domed observatory was built in 1924 and has been converted into exclusive accommodation just for two. You can ski there and spend the evening looking for planets – telescopes are provided.
From £220 including breakfast; millionstars.swisshotels.com
Room 47, The Molja Lighthouse, Alesund, Norway
The Molja Lighthouse stands at the end of a jetty, facing out to islands beyond, with the red and green lamps of the lighthouse still guiding ships into the harbour. The 150-year-old building is intimate and cosy – comprising just a downstairs bathroom and upstairs circular bedroom with custom-fitted bed. From this, guests can laze and look out west toward the island of Godoya and the rough Nordic Sea, and fall asleep to the sight of passing ships.
From £340 including breakfast and champagne; 62.no/en
The Krane, Copenhagen
A former coal crane in Copenhagen offers an unconventional stay in the Danish capital, with a spa and panoramic views to the sea, harbour and city. At the top, in the crane’s old engine room, is a bedroom with modern furniture of the best Danish design in a black colourscape. Bikes and stand-up paddleboards are included for exploring on land and water.
From £1,780; thekrane.dk
Overseas holidays are currently subject to restrictions. Please see the FCDO for the latest foreign travel advice.
