Recognising that some travellers would prefer to pay less for space, a number of hotel brands have started to specialise in small but ergonomical and well-equipped guestrooms. The following selection proves that size may not matter but the right amenities do.
Best Western Fukuoka Nakasu Inn
Where?: Fukuoka, Japan.
Room size: Starts at 11 sqm for single rooms.
Rationale: Conveniently located near Fukuoka International Airport and close to Nakasu, a well-known commercial and dining and entertainment area. This accommodation-oriented property was built predominantly for single travellers.
In-room amenities: Rooms feature a 1.2-metre wide bed, TV with music channel and BBC, coffee maker, Pay movies and bathroom amenities.
Rates: Start from US$51.
Holiday Inn Express
Where?: Hong Kong and China among others.
Room size: Starts at 20 sqm, with double bed or twin bed configuration.
Rationale: The brand’s principle is to provide basic accommodation, with emphasis on software and amenities that enhance guests' stay such as free wifi and a power shower.
In-room amenities: These include a comfortable bed, an alarm clock, complimentary wifi and cable internet, a coffee machine, a mini fridge and a small safe. Pay movies cost US$12.9 each. An additional sofa bed is available for a third guest at US$4.50.
Rates: Starts from US$129.
Ibis Hotels
Where?: China, India, Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand among others.
Room size: Rooms have a standard size of 17 sqm, with twin bed or double bed arrangement.
Rationale: This economy-driven hotel keeps prices low by providing rooms that make very efficient use of space. For instance, there is ample space below the bed to store one's suitcase.
In-room amenities: Shower facilities, free wifi, hairdryer and flat-screen TV are also included.
Rates: Start from US$40.
Mini Hotel
Where?: Central and Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
Room size: Starts at 7.4 sqm.
Rationale: Guests do not have to pay more for unwanted room space or amenities. Besides, both hotels are conveniently located near the city’s subway network, with major landmarks nearby, meaning they are convenient for guests to explore the city.
In-room amenities: Every room comes with free wifi, an LCD TV with 15 international channels and four British-type sockets and a safe under the bed with capacity for a laptop. A vending machine makes available adapters (US$2.6), toothbrush (US$0.1) and slippers (US$0.3).
Rates: Start from US$75.
Tune Hotels
Where?: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and UK.
Room size: Start from 15 sqm.
Rationale: Rooms are space efficient, as the hotel aims to meet the basic needs and requirements of the guests, by providing the essentials.
In-room amenities: Rooms provide customers with five-star quality beds, power showers, a multipurpose table, hangers and fan. Meanwhile, extras such as internet, TV and air-conditioning are available for an extra charge in line with the hotel’s “pay-as-you-use” concept.
Rates: Start from US$3.20.
Michelle Fong
